Next Generation Klimax DSM – The Verdict

We have had our next generation Linn Klimax DSM for a week now and have listened intently. So, what’s our verdict?

One word: Outstanding.

The ultimate music streamer? It’s a bold claim, but if any source product is entitled to make it, then it’s next generation Klimax DSM.

Clarity, detail, range, boogie – sheer musical delight. We pitted next generation Klimax DSM against the incumbent Klimax Katalyst DSM first:

“It’s just a no-brainer”

“That’s not even close”

“MILES better”

“It sounds like Lou Reed is actually in the room”

“That’s just stupid”

“That has taken me out of the recording booth and put me right in front of the artist”

A few of our reactions (we’re an eloquent bunch) but we couldn’t possibly publish some of the quotes in their entirety😂.

The ‘old’ Klimax is up there with the best streamers we’ve heard and is still an awesome performer.

Next generation Klimax DSM simply blows it out the water.

Why is it better?

Well, new Klimax has been designed and engineered from the ground up, exploiting the decades of digital technology expertise that Linn now has. As well as of course Linn’s near fifty years’ experience in audio engineering. Every design decision has been made on the basis of that experience, and with music in mind. The two pivotal improvements being:

• New all-Linn Organik DAC
• New enclosure design providing complete acoustic isolation

Organik DAC
The first ever completely home-grown Linn DAC architecture is the game-changer. Organik allows Klimax DSM to flourish. It is a momentous achievement for the Scottish engineering company and will massively benefit future Linn products. Organik combines FPGA processing with a discrete conversion stage; the constraints of using 3rd party DAC chips have been removed, allowing Linn to develop and optimise Organik for the absolute pinnacle of audio performance. Significant investment in the latest Surface Mount Technology production equipment means manufacturing processes in Glasgow are second-to-none, flexible and efficient.

New Enclosure
Instantly impressive, Klimax DSM’s exquisite and custom-designed casework provides acoustic isolation along with visual and tactile luxury. Linn has maintained complete control in both design and manufacture to enable maximum sonic protection and hence ultimate audio quality. Enclosures are machined in-house from solid, special grade aluminium, using specialist 5-axis CNC machining, another significant investment.

“I already have a Klimax DSM, what should I do?”

First off, don’t be disheartened, you still have an amazing product! We have many clients in this position and we will talk to you all about the best way forward, including a listening session of course. There is a generous trade-in/upgrade scheme in place from Linn and we will tailor that to each individual.

Next generation Klimax DSM comes in three variants:

• Klimax DSM Audio version
• Klimax DSM AV version
• Klimax DSM System Hub

Audio version (£30,000)
Klimax DSM (Audio) provides all essential digital, analogue and wireless connectivity for all music sources and integration with any music system.

AV version (£30,000)
Klimax DSM (AV) with all of the above plus the addition of HDMI connections for movie and gaming sources. A complete AV entertainment nucleus and such is the acoustic isolation of the new enclosure, the addition of HDMI does not impact audio quality in any way.

System Hub (£15,000)
Network music player with inputs for other sources, designed for use in any Linn system with Exakt technology.

Words cannot really do this product justice. Listening is the only true ‘review’.

So we would urge you, if a serious music streamer is on your wish list, come and listen. Give us a call on 0141 221 0221 or email glasgow@loud-clear.co.uk. We are beginning one-to-one demonstrations next week, from Tuesday 6th April. Home auditions are also being arranged.

The only drawback? Klimax DSM’s beautifully reflective mirror facia makes it frustratingly difficult to photograph!