Linn · Klimax
$48,230
On demonstration in our Portland showroom
Linn · Klimax
Linn's reference network music player and preamplifier: the in-house Organik DAC, a Utopik power supply and a 16.4 kg enclosure machined from solid aluminum, with inputs for every source and Exakt Link for Linn speakers.
Price applies to the Audio variant or the AV variant with HDMI 2.0 switching; specify at order.
Authorized Linn dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
The 2021 Klimax DSM was the first product built around Organik, the digital-to-analogue converter Linn designs and manufactures itself after years of using the best available chips. Organik pairs FPGA processing with a discrete conversion stage, and Linn's measurements showed lower noise and distortion than anything it had produced before. The enclosure is machined from solid aluminum with precision-cut pockets and partitions that separate the analog, digital and power sections, so each is shielded from the other and the mass of the casework isolates the electronics from vibration in the room. Power comes from Utopik, a supply with valley switching, power-factor correction and precision-regulated rails. On the front, a machined dial of 100 LEDs reports volume; the rest of the face is deliberately plain.
As a source it streams from local storage and from TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Deezer and TuneIn, supports AirPlay 2 and is Roon Ready, handling PCM to 24-bit/384 kHz and DSD256. As a preamplifier it takes two pairs of RCA and one balanced XLR analog input through what Linn calls its lowest-distortion ADC, plus Toslink, two S/PDIF and USB-B, with Ethernet, optical Ethernet over SFP, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for the network. Outputs are one balanced XLR pair and one RCA pair with distortion-free digital volume control, plus two Exakt Link sockets for Linn's 360 or 343 Exakt Integrated speakers or a Klimax Exaktbox. The AV variant adds four HDMI 2.0 inputs and an eARC output, with a surround processing upgrade available. Space Optimisation, configured by your dealer, models the room and corrects the speakers' response for it.
Alan Sircom in Hi-Fi+ called it "the best streaming audio component I've ever reviewed" and wrote that the new model "pushes those boundaries way further than ever" compared with the already excellent previous Klimax DSM. Jason Kennedy in The Ear liked "the way that this streamer can sound both relaxed and taut simultaneously" and cautioned listeners not to expect an immediate wow factor; its qualities show over time. Reviewing the Organik board as a retrofit, David Price at StereoNET found it "head and shoulders over the previous Katalyst model."
The Klimax DSM is the top of Linn's network players, above the Selekt DSM in either hub, and it is the source Linn specifies for a Klimax System with 360 Exakt Integrated speakers. With a Sondek LP12 fitted with Urika II, records arrive over Exakt Link and stay digital to the speakers. For a system with separate amplifiers the XLR outputs feed a pair of Klimax Solo 500 or Solo 800 monoblocks directly. Finishes are silver or black anodized aluminum.
Both finishes are the same price. The Audio and AV variants are the same price; the AV variant adds HDMI switching.
| Type | Network music player, DAC and digital preamplifier |
| DAC | Linn Organik, FPGA plus discrete conversion stage |
| Resolution | PCM to 24-bit/384 kHz; DSD256 |
| Streaming | TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Deezer, TuneIn, Calm Radio, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready; UPnP from local storage |
| Analog inputs | 1 balanced XLR; 2 pairs RCA |
| Digital inputs | 1 Toslink; 2 S/PDIF (one configurable as output); 1 USB Type B; AV variant: 4 HDMI 2.0 |
| Analog outputs | 1 pair balanced XLR; 1 pair RCA |
| Digital outputs | S/PDIF (configurable); 2 × Exakt Link; AV variant: HDMI 2.0 with eARC |
| Network | Ethernet; optical Ethernet (SFP); Wi-Fi 802.11ac; Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Room correction | Space Optimisation |
| Power supply | Utopik, valley switching with power-factor correction |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 13.8 × 5.0 × 13.8 in (350 × 126 × 350 mm) |
| Weight | 36.2 lb (16.4 kg) |
| Finish | Silver or black anodized aluminum |
Linn's network players, from the configurable Selekt DSM to the Klimax DSM, in order of price.
Linn pairs the Klimax DSM with the 360 Exakt Integrated or 343 speakers over Exakt Link, or with Klimax Solo 500 or Solo 800 monoblocks and a Klimax Exaktbox.
Plan your Linn system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Linn dealer. We can configure the Audio or AV variant, set up Space Optimisation for your room, and arrange an audition of the Klimax DSM in our Portland showroom. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
Hear the Klimax Organik DSM Streamer by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
