It’s one whole PCB (apart from the Power supply) in the Klimax so difficult to upgrade just a part, even more so due to the discrete nature of this particular DAC implementation.
I guess the acid test will be a bake-off between an upgraded model and the KDSM. It would also be interesting to hear both against an ND555 with 2 x CD555PSDR - I only got to compare the KDSM with the ND555 with one PS.
Yes, the latest KDSM takes things further with both mechanical and electrical isolation between the streaming / input section and the DAC and output stages. I must admit I prefer the look of the slimline Klimax cases to the latest model.
A nice choice to have ![]()
I wonder if Linn will realise the design faux-pas it made with the KDSM and start selling the Klimax DS (slimline) with the Organik as a new product? Now THAT would be appealing.
Thats the way to do it, look after your customers and at the same time get some extra money off them, much better than the sell at great loss and buy the new one, then guess what we will do the same to you again in a few years time, mug.
As posted by folks above, it has arrived…
‘‘All Klimax DS and DSM variants — even the very first model manufactured in 2007 – can now be retrofitted with an Organik DAC architecture upgrade. This upgrade has the added benefit of adding DSD256 and 24-bit/384kHz streaming capability to older Klimax’’
Dealer contacted, awaiting confirmation of timing for the upgrade to be carried out…
It is a mugs game
…however still excited by how it may/will sound…and the Linn folks are soo nice…
I mean « only a part » of the entire Klimax Organik.
I don’t know exactly the technical details, but remember the thread on the Organik streamer.
« Only the DAC will be replaced with Organik while the streaming and clock section will remain the same. My understanding is that those two sections are responsible for a lot of the increased performance. ». Quoting Glevethan, June 21.
Upgrading the Klimax DSM with the Organik dac will not give the entire Klimax Organik.
Ok FR - I understand what you mean. I doubt Linn would want to give you the whole latest KDSM experience in the slimline box and as I mentioned above, the latest KDSM has increase isolation over the slimline model - the input / streaming section sitting within a different screened section of the larger case. Still a good upgrade though for all generations of the Klimax DS.
Definitely not, hopefully will give ‘enough’ of the flavour…will find out soon after upgrade, will then compare it directly with the Organik DSM… ![]()
This is one of the things that made me ask about the relevance of the ND. It seems many manufacturers let you keep the kit relevant through at least a couple of new product releases and or have a modular construction that lets you add or change certain components. With the ND you get what you get. If I wanted to use an external server for example, the nd is optimised for a network attached server but most servers are optimised for USB. Shouldn’t a product of this nature be more versatile either as is or via upgrade, for it to remain relevant in todays marketplace?
Well there’s plenty that firmware updates can address, but that aside Naim have always been committed to supporting continuous improvement, whether implementing sundry tweaks made to any given model since purchase when it comes in for servicing or by offering things like the DR upgrades.
Steve, have you not learned by now that there is no such thing as “The Forseeable Future”? !
Yes, “get what you get” was disingenuous given the firmware updates and in that sense, Naim are probably on an equal footing with other manufacturers of their ilk. Sundry tweaks (where you do get what you get) after 15 years is not comparable to the upgrade options offered by others though and the DR, fantastic as it is, only relates to power supplies.
Answering the OP, I tend to agree with @james_n and @Simon-in-Suffolk regarding it’s relevance in 10 years time.
So, with the hardware out-of-the-way how did it sound to you when you auditioned it?
Did it blow you away with its music reproduction?
Is it one of the best if not the best replay you have ever heard?
Did you like the interface?
If yes to the above questions, then you have made an excellent choice and imo have nothing to worry about. Just play album after album after album and enjoy it!
But it could equally apply to some other hardware change…
Such an interesting thread.
For me, the financial chasm between the devalued NDS to the ND555 is just too big. Yes, there is a significant difference in sound quality, but so there is if I choose to upgrade my 252 or 300 and I’m perfectly happy with them. Clearly, the new streaming module has much improved functionality, but the only bits that make a difference to me are integrated Qobus and Roon. However, I have achieved the latter via the Sonore Bridge on my Audiostore Prestige and Roon also ticks the Qobus box.
I get that the ND555 will still work and sound amazing in 10 years time but surely the world and Naim will move on. I think I’ll stick with the NDS, add the odd tweak to my system and see how things evolve.
Keith
And regulated power amps such as NAP250.
In the PSUs it usually powers the analogue circuitry such as Pre-amps, output stages in streamers, nDAC and so on.
It’s relevance is on shaky ground. There’s always a risk that some technological breakthrough or nex gen evolution will render it as no better than a mid fi offering. It’s very much like a computer. Today’s greatest thing becomes a mere dog in a bit over five years.
That’s why it’s not wise to put alot of money into a streamer in my opinion. But those with deep pockets won’t care and just want the best no matter what.
AND the new Organik DS also contains the option for optical input - which Linn is on record as saying is preferable)
There’s also the risk that a new car will be made obsolete by teleportation. But it rarely happens