New Klimax DSM

The following is a press release issued by Linn.

March 31, 2021 –  Linn has launched its next-generation Klimax DSM, the ultimate streaming product and the closest you can get to streaming audio perfection. Applying almost five decades of digital technology learnings and expertise, every element has been designed from first principles and is fully optimised for the best musical performance.

A complete reimagining of its flagship streamer, the new Klimax DSM introduces an exquisite custom-designed enclosure that provides acoustic isolation along with visual and tactile luxury. Crucially, the enclosure cradles the beating heart of Klimax DSM and its most critical component, Organik DAC – the ground-breaking, first ever, all-Linn digital to analogue converter.

Gilad Tiefenbrun, Linn Managing Director, said, ‘New Klimax DSM is the ultimate embodiment of Linn’s passion for music and is as close as you can get to streaming audio perfection.​ We’ve approached every single element with exacting attention to detail, inside and out, to ensure it’s optimised for performance in every way.

Since launching Klimax DS in 2007, Linn has invested substantially in people, skills and manufacturing capability, and we’ve brought that together to create our new flagship streaming product featuring the first home-grown all-Linn DAC.

Organik is a momentous achievement for Linn, making next generation Klimax DSM our most natural sounding product ever. Combined with a new level of precision machined casework, and stunning visual and tactile interfaces, it’s the epitome of extreme engineering.’

Organik DAC: The beating heart

Designed without compromise and manufactured entirely in-house, Organik DAC is the culmination of five decades of audio innovation and three decades of digital technology expertise.

It has been developed from first principles and combines FPGA processing with a discrete conversion stage, enabling Linn to precisely control and optimise every stage of the digital to analogue conversion process for the first time.

The powerful FPGA processing stage uses custom-designed algorithms to provide increased upsampling, more precise volume control, and distortion free modulation. Its partnering discrete conversion stage renders the analogue signal with extremely low levels of distortion thanks to a new ultra-low jitter oscillator and carefully designed clock distribution network. These are cleverly combined within a unique double-sided design which reduces signal paths to an absolute minimum.

Employing decades of experience in optimising circuit design, every component has been selected, designed and laid out by a Linn engineer and populated on a Linn circuit board at the factory in Glasgow. Investment in the latest Surface Mount Manufacturing technology has enabled further refinements to circuit board population techniques, including smaller component placement to tighter tolerances, as well as the use of cutting edge vapour phase ovens to ensure zero oxidisation of the soldered contacts on the boards.

Organik offers significantly lower noise and distortion, measuring better than anything Linn has achieved before. It expertly performs the digital to analogue conversion to achieve the most accurate re-creation of the original music signal, revealing even more of the tiny details that provide a closer emotional connection with the music.

With Organik DAC on-board, Klimax DSM sets a new benchmark in music streaming for the ultimate musical experience.

Extreme Engineering

Advanced new in-house manufacturing technology has enabled Linn to precision engineer the new casework to exceptionally unforgiving tolerances. Every aspect of the exquisite custom-designed enclosure plays a crucial role in preserving the original musical detail while exuding a luxurious look and feel.

Machined from solid, special grade aluminium, the striking design takes on a fresh new Linn DSM family look while retaining the distinguished and much-loved signature Klimax character.

The diamond-cut circles on the upper surface echo the grooves of a record, paying homage to Linn’s iconic Sondek LP12. The dial is rendered in the highest quality materials, from the turned brass bearing celebrating its provenance while creating the smooth handling of the precision-cut glass, to the photo-etched stainless steel surround that encases each of the 100 status lights.

Connected for the best possible sound

The exceptional audio performance of Klimax DSM with new Organik DAC, including support for up to 24-bit 384khz and DSD256 audio resolution, will give all streaming and connected digital, analogue and wireless sound sources a new lease of life.

Connected analogue sources will also enjoy an extra benefit thanks to a brand new higher performance, lower distortion ADC design which has its own circuit board with dedicated power supply, while Exakt Link ports enable direct connection of an LP12 with Urika II.

A USB input enables direct connection to a computer for the ultimate performance stand-alone DAC.

Built-in wireless connectivity enables convenient connection of sources via WiFi or Bluetooth.

Additionally, the AV variant offers HDMI inputs and again uses Organik DAC to enhance the performance of all connected AV sources. It also provides eARC for Smart TV support.

Linn DSM Family

Next generation Klimax DSM adds to the family line-up of Klimax DSM, Selekt DSM and Majik DSM, to offer three highly distinct offerings with a shared family aesthetic. With its striking new design, Klimax DSM clearly sits at the very top of the range.

Products

The two Klimax DSM variants provide choice depending on listening preferences. Klimax DSM (Audio) is for those wishing only to connect music sources. Klimax DSM (AV), with its HDMI connections, provides an enriched listening experience from movie sources as well.

Those seeking the highest performance from a complete Linn system, should opt for the new Klimax System Hub. It’s housed in the same exquisite new enclosure as next generation Klimax DSM so benefits from improved acoustic isolation. It also includes the new, improved ADC, and in terms of connectivity, offers all the same inputs as Klimax DSM (AV) variant, including the option to upgrade with surround capability.

The powerful pairing of Klimax System Hub plus Klimax 350 speakers or Klimax Exaktbox, both with the new Organik DAC on-board, delivers a result that’s out of this world.

Pricing and availability

Klimax DSM is available to order immediately from Linn Specialists worldwide.

Book a demonstration here (local restrictions permitting): www.linn.co.uk/try-linn

Klimax DSM (Audio) $39,000
Klimax DSM (AV) $39,000
Klimax System Hub $19,500
Pricing excludes tax

Supported trade-in offer

Existing Linn customers can trade-in their existing Klimax DS, Klimax DSM or Klimax System hub with supporting trade-in options available from their local Linn Specialist.

Organik DAC for Exaktbox & Klimax 350s

New orders of Klimax 350 speakers and Klimax Exaktbox and will ship with Organik DAC as standard, providing a fantastic performance boost for new customers. They are available to order now with shipping taking place from April.

An Organik DAC upgrade is also available for existing Klimax Exaktbox and Klimax 350 owners.

Klimax Exaktbox with Organik DAC $19,500
Klimax 350 Speakers with Organik DAC $74,750
Organik DAC Upgrade for Klimax Exaktbox $7,020
Organik DAC Upgrade for Klimax 350 Speakers $14,040