As I’m not interested in the latest plinth the only Linn upgrade left is the PS.
I’ll upgrade the top plate to Karmen as a non Linn upgrade.
Is it really worth it moving from akurate to Klimax Radikal 2?
Your question could be rephrased as “how can putting the same components in a different box make an appreciable difference to sound quality?”
I had an Akurate Radikal 1 for a few years and was happy enough with it, although I disliked its crude and slightly cheap appearance. By the same token, I thought the Klimax version was a thing of beauty, a rare hi-fi product that would not be out of place in a design museum. When my dealer got his hands on a lightly used one I did the comparison and was pleasantly surprised at how clearly better it was than its Akurate counterpart, certainly as big as or bigger an improvement than any turntable power supply upgrade I’d experienced before. I’m very happy I made the change.
I haven’t yet heard a Radikal 2, Klimax or Akurate, but I’m optimistic that K1 → K2 will match or exceed A1 → K1. I’m keeping my powder dry until the much-rumoured Utopik power supply either becomes available or gets permanently nixed.
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I have Radikal 2 Akurate, the weak point is the 3.5Kg Aluminium Sheet box. The Klimax is 10kg solid Aluminium.
Five years ago I made a 10kg case with the same dimensions as Klimax in 10mm Aluminium, the result is a neutral and rigid case like Klimax, very effective against vibrations and noise; obviously it’s not as beautiful as an Xlimak, but having compared it with Klimax it allows you to play just as well at a lower cost. Radikal 2 Akurate is superior to Radikal 1 Klimax.
For 2 years I’ve owned a Tangerine Audio Karmen top plate, it’s a nice practical plate for aligning spring bolts. According to my experimentation, at the beginning its effect appears interesting, however the sound balance is different as it rises, it sounds less full-bodied in the low frequencies and detailed in the high frequencies. It sounds more hifi than the more musically melodious Linn top plate. I also liked the Tiger Paw Skale counterweight at first, so I put the Linn counterweight back on the Ekos SE. Now I’ve become cautious with non-Linn accessories.
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Very interesting thanks.
I’m sure the akurate Radikal 2 is better than the Klimax 1. I wonder if the Klimax 2 improvement vs Akurate 2 is worth the not small further investment.
Regarding Karmen you said enough to make me stay with Linn one. I don’t know about current linn top plate but mine is hard to keep evenly clean. I’m a bit extreme perhaps but I’d like a properly clean top plate without shades of grey…
From what I recall radikal I to II was a big upgrade. I also went from akurate to Klimax versions of radikal but can’t remember much about that change or the order in which I did it - possibly at the same time. I do remember auditioning the change at home and it was a substantial change. Worth a demo for sure.
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Did the demo AR1 → AR2 → KR2. There was clearly a big improvement (to my ears) from the AR2 to the KR2. Decided then, almost 2 years ago, that I’d upgrade my AR1 to the KR2, just haven’t quite gotten around to it yet.
Willy.
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At first I’d say too expensive for my standards. Even if I have bought xlr cables more expensive than that. I guess with cables I have the feeling they last longer. Less obsolescence.
I have just bought a pre loved AR1 and have ordered the kit from Linn to upgrade it to AR2
I will report once it is upgraded and installed on my LP12
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Great upgrade 
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Well
I now have had the Accurate R1 upgraded to R2 by my dealer and installed as a replacement for the previous Vinyl Passion PS
It’s the difference between night and day !! (as it should be for the price !!)
Main differences are the lower (and completely silent) noise floor and the wider sound stage
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@soccermad
Congrats.
It’s a great upgrade not only the sonic improvements but the mechanical integrity improvements like the motor mounting arrangement.
Now in proper fixings instead of threaded into the polymer housing.
It’s a very worthwhile upgrade and a lot has been learned in the process.
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R1 to R2 it’s no brainer. Still pondering between akurate R2 to Klimax R2.
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Just do it I went from R1 to Klimax 1 then Klimax 2
Just do it and relax.
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While I trust your feedback I’d love to hear to a few more opinions. Elsewhere one user mentioned the difference is barely noticeable. Of course ears room and system impact on the final perceived sound.
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Hi
I thought the job of the Radikal was to turn the LP12 platter to the correct speed.
If that’s the case & people are hearing a difference the 2 must be more accurate than the 1 or does it also do something else?
At the sort of budget level involved, perhaps “just do it” might not appear the best advice but then basing your decision on what others on here tell you would also be unwise. Your ears, your system etc. you should go and listen and hear for yourself because you’ll only know then whether it’s worth it to you.
Having said that, and from my pov only, I don’t disagree with Skeptikal on this one. I’d had all of Linn’s power supply options up to Lingo 2 and then a Radikal A, which was great but I felt only really came into its own when I added a Keel later that year. I thought all was well and groovy at that point but I was at Cymbiosis and foolishly asked Peter if there was much difference between Klimax and Akurate “after all, they’re essentially the same blah blah blah…”. Have a listen he said. 10 minutes later I’d bought a new Klimax Radikal. An unexpected expense but completely worth it. I therefore didn’t bother demoing the Rad 2 when it came out and simply placed my order. No regrets.
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I’ve asked to users because I can’t demo A2 / K2 unfortunately. My wild guess is that the difference is there while subtle. And I may go for it just to a have much better looking chassis and the ridiculous peace of mind of having reached to best PS possible.
I guess subtle in this case is open to interpretation and I wouldn’t want to overplay my perception of the term however if I was in your position and would be happy just with the aesthetic improvement and peace of mind of being at the “top of the tree”, the potential improvement - subtle or not - would be a bonus*
*it’s not that subtle 
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I had an Akurate Radikal for a few years. It sounded good, but I really disliked its appearance. When my dealer told me he had a lightly used black Klimax Radikal at a good price, I couldn’t resist and did a comparative audition.
Even if the sonic improvement had been marginal, it looked so much better that I would have been happy to spend the money - I find the KRad as beautiful as I find the ARad ugly. It didn’t take long for it to become obvious that the KRad was subtantially better - cleaner, more insightful, more lifelike. One of the more satisfactory upgrades I’ve made down the years. At some point I’ll spring for the KRad 2 upgrade package.
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