Linn Majik DS-I D/A integrated amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Solid-state integrated amplifier with D/A converter, Ethernet interface, and phono preamplifier. Line-level analog inputs: 3. S/PDIF (coax) digital inputs: 3. Optical (TosLink) digital inputs: 3. Digital outputs: 1 S/PDIF, 1 optical. Digital file formats supported via Ethernet connection: FLAC, AIFF, WAV, ALAC, AAC, MP3. Sampling rates supported: various, up to 192kHz. Word lengths accepted: 16 and 24 bits. Control protocol: uPnP V1.0. Phono input voltage: 50mV RMS, 70mV peak. Phono gain: 40dB. Phono input impedance: 47k ohms. Preamp signal/noise: 117dB. Amplifier output power: 90Wpc into 4 ohms (16.5dBW) at <0.015 % distortion.
Dimensions: 15" (385mm) W by 3.5" (90mm) H by 14" (360mm) D. Weight: 10.78 lbs (4.9kg).
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 1219406.
Price: $4200. Approximate number of dealers: 88.
Manufacturer: Linn Products Limited, Glasgow Road, Waterfoot, Eaglesham, Glasgow G76 0EQ, Scotland, UK. Tel: (44) 141-307-7777. Web: www.linn.co.uk. US distributor: TC Group Americas, 335 gage Avenue #1, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2M 5E1. Tel: (519) 745-1158. Web: www.tcg-americas.com.

COMPANY INFO
Linn Products Limited
US distributor: TC Group Americas
335 gage Avenue #1
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2M 5E1
(519) 745-1158
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
deckeda's picture

1) Linn says Ethernet sounds better but doesn't explain why.
2) AD concurs.
3) JA apparently theorizes about jitter and goes looking but doesn't find meaningful differences.
4) Linn says yes, it's lower jitter that makes RJ-45 et al better but JA's test equipment can't reveal it.
5) JA says actually, yes it can.

*********************

I didn't get a sense at all that the "stupidness" software issue has been overcome. And Linn---"open" software more often than not means everyone is free to design by committee, with predicable results. Don't tout that too strongly.

There are other facets not covered here, like why iTunes isn't a great ripper (it has a selectable error correction, giving the software more time for example) or why something that incorporates CD Paranoia while ripping wouldn't suffice.

This review is a good example of the perils of subjecting single components to scrutiny that demands investigation beyond the norm---so much more interaction occurs with computer-based music replay.

X