The Linn Selekt DSM is a compact and upgradable one-box streaming system
FOR Crisp presentation; room equalisation software; modular AGAINST Tough competition; no Bluetooth or wireless yet
There was a time when single-box just-add-speakers systems were compromised budget affairs. They were aimed at people who didn’t want the complication (or cost) of separates and who were willing to put up with the resultant shortfall of performance.
The most capable of this breed at the time was an early generation of Denon’s DM microsystem, which would set you back a couple of hundred pounds and still sound pretty good. If you wanted something that sounded better, but just as convenient, there was no real option until the Linn Classik about 20 years ago.
This was a one-box system that originally packed a CD player and amplifier, but later added a tuner and even multi-channel capability. It was the product of a staunchly premium brand with a back catalogue of high quality, high priced and fine sounding separates components. All that gave it credibility in the eyes of those who might normally ignore all-in-one solutions such as this.
Despite a premium price for the time – the Classik cost around £1000 in 1998 – it was a hit thanks to its neatness and inherently fine sound. It probably wasn’t as good as carefully chosen separates at the same price, but was close enough so that those who took the plunge were still satisfied; and it cemented its appeal with an unimposing, fuss-free nature.
Seeing Linn’s success, rivals started to get in on the act, and ultimately the likes of Arcam and then Naim began to dominate the market that Linn created. It’s taken a while, but we think this new Selekt DSM moves the game on yet again – not only when it comes to performance, but for price level too.
The Selekt DSM is a modular product that can be tailored to taste, with the basic version available for £4000. This gives you a high-end streamer and digital preamplifier in a single box. Highlight features include network streaming, embedded Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz streaming services, and even the option of Apple Airplay. It’s Roon ready too.
There are five digital inputs including HDMI ARC for connection to a television and USB for a computer. Analogue hasn’t been ignored either; alongside the single line-level input you’ll find dedicated sockets for both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. Given Linn’s rich record playing heritage, the inclusion of both options is no surprise.
Could it be Majik? No: better…
In basic streamer/preamp guise, the Selekt DSM sits between the company’s entry-level Majik offering and the distinctively premium Akurate product. But with an all-new modular design, it’s aimed at a different audience. Right now there are two options for modules (or cartridges as Linn calls them). You can upgrade from the capable 24-bit/192khz DAC section to Katalyst spec for an additional £1500, which lifts the sound quality considerably or/and add a Class D 50W per channel (into 8ohms) stereo power amplifier module for £1250, as in the review sample here.
You’ll often see a power figure of 100W per channel quoted for this amplifier. That’s its output into 4ohms, and the doubling of power shows that this design is unlikely to be upset by more demanding speakers.
The choice of add-on modules doesn’t end there and there are plans for a surround sound module. Expect this option to have power amplification for five speakers (and a subwoofer line-level output) as well as four HDMI inputs, one
“It has taken a while, but we think the Linn Selekt DSM moves the game on, not only when it comes to performance but price level too”
output and support for DTS and Dolby Digital Plus codecs. Expect to see Bluetooth and dual-band wi-fi (2.4/5 GHZ) soon too. It is a surprise that both of these aren’t supported from the off, though. Most products of this type, even at budget levels, have them as standard.
Linn’s engineers have worked hard to integrate the modules in a way that doesn’t spoil the Selekt’s performance. Signals are transferred digitally throughout the circuit to reduce degradation and noise, even those that start off in the analogue domain, and the power supply is generous enough to deliver the punch and dynamics expected from a product at this level.
Linn has taken advantage of this being a ground-up new product by developing a new dual-core processing engine that should be capable of coping with a decade’s worth of progression. This powerful new brain also makes it possible for the company to include the latest version of its Space Optimisation room-equalisation software.
The original version of this software made its debut in 2015, but this latest version is an intriguing, more complex alternative to the kind of mic-operated auto equalisation systems we’re used to seeing on modern AV amplifiers. While some users could get decent results, it needs training and experience.
The new version can work with any shape of room, no matter how uneven. It will accommodate the effects of windows and doors, and even the changes in air pressure due to temperature fluctuations.
Space Optimisation also takes into account the behaviour of your speakers. Linn has built up a large database with the detailed measured results of a wide range of speakers, including their electrical characteristics as well as physical aspects such as the distance of the drive units from the ground. This information, plus all the data of the room’s walls and construction, is crunched and the DSM’S output tailored accordingly to deliver what Linn feels is the optimum sound. Clever stuff.
Smart dialling
The Selekt DSM is smart, well made and neatly finished. That dial on the top panel is more than just a volume control. Pressing down on different parts gives access to basic controls such as skipping tracks or pausing. It feels a little vague in action, but works well enough.
Each button in the row below it can be assigned a particular task, such as a shortcut to an input or even a specific track on one of the streaming services. The buttons are easy to set and control, and while we’ve seen this kind of thing before it makes the Selekt easy to use.
Some may be surprised at the lack of a full colour display. The Selekt DSM’S closest rival, the Naim Uniti Nova (£4199) has one, but Linn wanted to avoid the visual distraction. The OLED display is crisp and large enough to be read from the other side of our test room.
This is an easy system to use, especially considering the range of sources available. You’ll need Linn’s Konfig app to set up the product to taste, and then the Kazoo app to control it. There’s a physical remote for those who prefer one; we certainly find it easier to control basic things such as volume from the wand rather than the app.