Hopefully of interest to those of us combining Naim with LP12s - I heard a demo on Sat of Radikal 1 vs Radikal 2, Linn’s new top-spec power supply.
Two middle level decks (Kore, Akito, Krystal) one using Radikal 1, the other Radikal 2. Demo at What You See and Hear, Beaconsfield, Bucks.
Very impressed in both sound solidity, clarity, soundstage and lowering of background noise. Decay on snare drums noticeable as was improved bass detail. The difference was not subtle.
New, it’s not cheap but existing Radikal 1 owners can upgrade without paying the full price, I was told (around £1800 iirc). Well worth an audition.
Can’t comment Andy as only heard the comparison on Akurate Radikals. Logically however if it sounded great at this level, which it did, Klimax level would be even better.
Are these demos using a Linn phono stage ( Urika ) or is the Radikal just powering the LP12 ? I’m just using mine as power supply for the deck and wonder how much difference the upgrade would make.
Hi Blacksheep. In my case the LP12 was connected to a MC Lejonklou Entity phono stage, then into Linn’s new Klimax DSM streamer acting as a preamp and out to some large active Linn floorstanders, maybe Klimax?
Changes to motor (replaced) and inside the case as Radikal 1 can be upgraded to Radikal 2. I think there’s a sticker added similar to Naim adding a DR sticker to cases after that upgrade
Seems to be left up to the dealer. Some will and the better ones…will not.
BTW, i am a little surprised that Linn left the Radikal casing alone, particularly after they had changed the casing design on a few of their new products…as an example, their server. Probably that casing will be left for a future upgrade of the Radikal2 to Radikal 3 or ? — makes sense to me for them to do this!
I wasn’t aware of the LP12’s Radikal 2 having been launched until reading it on a forum - I think here somewhere I’ve decided to not just do the upgrade but change over from the Akurate to the Kilmax chassis.
Just paid a deposit to Peter @ Cymbiosis so will post the results of the upgrade in the near future.
Has anyone had the upgrade or switched from the Akurate to Klimax and if so what are your opinions?
I had a brief dem in less than perfect circumstances but heard no difference. This was with the original Radikal, not the new one. I am very happy with my Akurate Radikal but agree that the Klimax looks lovely.
That said, most do claim they hear an improvement.
There is a broad consensus on the Linn Forum that the Klimax case makes for a big improvement Clare. I am willing to accept that it does, I just didn’t hear it myself.
When I bought the Radikal several years ago I wasn’t given the option of hearing both. I just thought the Klimax was made to fit in with other Linn kit, and the Akurate was a deeper box which looked better with my Naim boxes. I now understand the difference in build quality and construction. Doing part ex for the Klimax and taking into consideration the cost of the upgrade kit alone, I won’t be too much out of pocket moving from one to the other and I’ve been assured the Klimax is better