I can’t seem to find a good answer to this. I have an Organik upgraded Klimax DS3 currently in use as a streamer. My understanding is that the DSM only adds switching functionality and more inputs so the digital volume is the same as my DS… so… could I use it directly to a Naim power (NC250) via balanced XLR? That is instead of my Nait50. Would be a step back to 332/250 in a year or so.
I know a number use the new classic 350s with the new Linn select (same internals if in stereo form as my DS3) Likely to be same or better than the N50? Speakers are a fairly easy drive.
Before my current Selekt I had an Organik-upgraded Klimax DS. I have active ATCs with balanced XLR inputs and ran them directly from the Klimax via balanced cables. I am sure that would work equally well into a NC250 with passive speakers. I’m not going to comment on SQ as it’s so subjective, except to say that much as I enjoy the Nait50-based setup I have in my office, personally I wouldn’t swap it for the Linn/ATC setup in the lounge.
Just my experience, but a while ago, when I had a DS3 (Katalyst) it sounded better through a Linn pre-amp (Klimax Kontrol) than it did into Solo amps using its own on-board volume control.
I think I’m kind of in the same situation. I have 282 hc/dr into 250dr and multiple sources out to wb square 5 speakers but considering a box reduction to linn selekt dsm/3 organik w/ line out to the 250. Is that feasible and sq? Any advice ?
If you had the NG KDSM, you might want to re-think! The digital volume technology is now much better with the latest Linn network streamer NG KDSM. I also suspect the newest Selekt DSM probably doesn’t need an analog preamp if you’re using an external amplifier (instead of the Linn cartridges).
It’s not the streamer box, but the Organik streamer- DAC that makes the difference and I have tried using the digital volume v fixed. No difference in SQ, so it all boils down to how the NC250 drives my speakers v the Nait 50. My speakers are French. Atohm GT1 SE. Very good. On atabites filled atacama stands.
Yes, I know, as I own the NG KDSM (also known as the the Klimax DSM/3 with the Organik DAC). It’s the streamer + DAC, but in the official Linn literature, it is categorized as network music player, previously known as network streamer.
PS: not sure how much you know about Linn and its product lines? Maybe you are new to Linn?
I have just bought a Klimax DSM after listening to it at various (three) dealers. All of them said whilst it’s an option to do away with my 282 preamp they all said they wouldn’t recommend doing so, unless you’re moving to a full Exakt speaker setup.
Yep, I think most people who own the latest Linn network streamers would have no need for any 3rd preamps (Linn stopped making their own preamps long time ago).
Some people still prefer to use preamp if the Klimax DS(M) streamers are of the previous generations.
I think it partly depends on whether one has a Katalyst or Organik, but like all things Hi Fi it seems ‘try it and see’ is the only option. If the NC250 alone is at least as good as the Nait50 it will be fine as a stepping stone for now. If its a step back that’s a problem.
There’s a Linn white paper from about 10 years ago, still available on the internet, on why they stopped making their analogue preamps. It includes a comparison between using Klimax DSM as preamp and a Klimax Kontrol. Of course, that’s with a Linn rather than Naim or other preamp and is measurement based, but it makes an interesting read.
Interesting thanks. Found it and what it says is simply that a pre-amp does source switching and volume control and that these are better done in the digital domain. Given I have only one source now (the streamer) and the digital volume control in that is fine, I should therefore only need a power amp.
So it really boils down to the performance of an integrated amp Nait 50 v a Naim power amp NC250… anyone with a good digital source (Linn, DCS or Chord) tried that?
Yes, I have a NG KDSM and 350s. Before the 350s I had a NC 250 for a few weeks.
I also have a NAIT 50 and I have used all 3 amplifier combinations with the Linn at various times.
Perhaps not a fair comparison as my speakers are Kudos 606s, but the 50 does hold its own and to be honest, I did wonder if I could happily live with the 50 as my only amp (apart from the overly bright power LED) when I recently ran the 50 for a week in my main system as I really enjoyed what it could do.
Putting the 350’s back into the system soon made me forget that idea. They have the same family sound signature as the 50 but drive harder and go much louder without breaking a sweat. They really are superb amps.
Saying that, the 250 was no slouch here either but 350s take you a lot further.
Your mileage may of course vary with the Atohm speakers, but integrated vs power amp is one you really need to try for yourself.
