TEMPTATION AWARD
We’ve been tempted by lots of superb high-end kit this year, but this stunning streamer took things to a new level
Linn Klimax DSM AV £30,000
Up in the stratosphere of high-end audio kit there are some exceptionally talented products, many of which we have heard; so it takes some doing to create a device that beats them all. With the Klimax DSM AV, Linn has done just that.
Linn has been in the streamer game longer than most, and it shows in the sophistication and quality of this range-topping Klimax DSM.
There are three variants of the Klimax. One is intended to be used as a digital source in a two-channel music set-up, while the AV variant, the one we are talking about here, adds four HDMI 2.0 sockets and a single e-arc-equipped output to an already extensive features list. The System Hub is the final Klimax DSM variant; that’s designed specifically to work in an all-linn set-up, connecting to the rest of the system through the Exakt connection.
Rather than being a mere streamer, the DSM is more accurately described as a streaming preamplifier. It has the expected digital inputs – USB Type B, optical and a pair of coaxials (BNC form) – as well as analogue equivalents in Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA (x2) form. And let’s not forget the HDMI ports that come as standard on our AV variant.
The deeply impressive and beautifully finished casework (machined from solid aluminium and available in silver or black) hides an immense amount of advanced technology and signalprocessing equipment – including the Organik digital-to-analogue circuitry. Listen to the sound this device produces and you’ll soon appreciate that none of that tech has been wasted.
A product such as the Klimax DSM AV positively demands a top-class partnering system. We plug it in to our reference set-up of Burmester 088/911 Mk III amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers. We also have Naim’s rangetopping ND555/555 PS DR music streamer £21,000 ($33,000), our current reference, on hand for comparison purposes.
Setting new standards
Once the DSM is given a few days to settle in, it’s pretty obvious that it’s an exceptional product that sets new standards for the streamer category as a whole. We certainly haven’t heard an alternative that betters the Linn’s detail resolution or dynamic expression. Time and time again we hear new details in recordings that we have been using for years and know well. When we listen to an old favourite such as Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa we’re far more aware of the recording venue than ever before, thanks to the clarity with which the Linn resolves the low-level ambience information. Each instrument is placed securely in position within the soundstage and stays sharply focused no matter how demanding the music gets.
We’re astonished by just how convincing the instrumental textures are and the skilful way the Klimax renders subtle changes in dynamic intensity too. There’s plenty of muscle when required, but the whole presentation is also infused with breathtaking subtlety too.
Moving on to Massive Attack’s Heligoland, we realise we haven’t come across a rival that delivers bass with such grip, depth or power. Even our reference Naim streamer has to step aside here, sounding a little blurred in comparison.
Some people will never get past the Klimax DSM AV’S huge price tag – and we can understand that. But if you are lucky enough to contemplate spending this much on a streamer, we say dive right in. It currently represents the state of the art when it comes to streaming sound quality as far as we’re concerned.