Linn · Selekt DSM

Linn Selekt Classic Hub Streamer with Katalyst DAC

$10,803

On demonstration in our Portland showroom

Linn · Selekt DSM

A Selekt DSM Classic Hub configured as a streamer and preamplifier with Linn's Katalyst DAC: RCA and balanced XLR outputs for your own amplification, with the DAC that first brought Klimax-derived conversion to the Selekt.

Configured as Classic Hub + Stereo Line Out cartridge + Katalyst DAC; the DAC can be upgraded to Organik later.

Katalyst
DAC module
RCA + XLR
line outputs, 2 V and 4 V
MM / MC
phono stage built in
Organik
available as a later upgrade

Authorized Linn dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome

The story

The late-2024 Classic Hub is the second generation of Linn's modular streamer chassis. Its folded aluminum sleeve is powder-coated in textured Classic Black or, for the first time, silver, and sits on an 8 mm machined aluminum base; the six smart buttons are machined stainless steel, the acrylic fascia carries a large-format display, and a Utopik power supply replaced the earlier design. Inside are three cartridge slots. A Line Out, Power Out, Hybrid or Mono Line Out cartridge sets the kind of output; a Standard, Katalyst or Organik DAC module sets the conversion quality; an HDMI switching module and a surround module are optional. Any of these can be changed later, and Pearl Audio fits them in-store.

This configuration fits the Stereo Line Out cartridge and the Katalyst DAC module. Katalyst was Linn's fourth-generation DAC architecture, developed for the Klimax DS and brought to the Selekt as a module: separate power supplies for the analog and digital sections, a high-precision reference and a low-distortion output stage. The Line Out cartridge gives RCA outputs at 2 V and balanced XLR at 4 V, switchable between variable and fixed level, so the Selekt can act as a preamplifier into power amplifiers or as a source into an existing preamp.

Whatever the configuration, every Selekt DSM streams from TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify Connect, supports AirPlay 2 and Roon, plays files to 24-bit/384 kHz and DSD256, and has a built-in MM/MC phono stage, a line input, two Toslink, two S/PDIF, USB and HDMI ARC, a 1/4-inch headphone output, and RCA subwoofer outputs for bass reinforcement. Two Exakt Link sockets connect Linn Exakt speakers, an Exaktbox or an LP12 with Urika II, and Space Optimisation corrects the system for your room. StereoNET's Mark Gusew reviewed a first-generation Selekt with Katalyst and found it "punches way above its weight," with a sound "lean and agile rather than warm and fluffy."

This sits between the Standard DAC streamer and the Edition Hub versions. If you expect to want the Organik DAC, the module is a straight swap at Pearl Audio; the hub, cartridge and settings stay.

Key technologies

  • Cartridge architecture. Three slots take Line Out, Power Out, Hybrid or Mono Line Out cartridges and a DAC module, all changeable later.
  • Utopik power supply. Linn's precision-regulated switch-mode supply, standard in both hubs.
  • Phono stage. Built-in MM (47 kΩ, +40 dB) and MC (100 Ω, +54 dB) inputs with a 24-bit/192 kHz ADC.
  • Exakt Link. Two sockets for Exakt speakers, an Exaktbox, or a Urika II in an LP12; run 119 or 150 speakers fully active with an Exakt configuration.
  • Space Optimisation. Room correction configured by your dealer, with bass reinforcement or redirect to the subwoofer outputs.
  • Smart buttons and dial. Six programmable buttons for albums, playlists or inputs; a 100-LED dial for volume and feedback.

Finishes

  • Classic Black textured powder coat
  • Silver powder coat

Both finishes are the same price.

Specifications
Type Modular network music player and preamplifier
Hub Classic Hub (late-2024): Folded, powder-coated aluminum sleeve on an 8 mm machined aluminum base, acrylic fascia, stainless-steel smart buttons
Output cartridge Stereo Line Out cartridge: RCA 2 V / 300 Ω and balanced XLR 4 V / 600 Ω, configurable for a preamplifier or direct to power amplifiers
DAC module Stereo Katalyst DAC
Analog inputs 1 pair RCA line (1, 2 or 4 V sensitivity, 50 kΩ); MM phono (47 kΩ, 100 pF, +40 dB); MC phono (100 Ω, 470 pF, +54 dB); ADC 24-bit/192 kHz
Digital inputs 2 × Toslink; 2 × S/PDIF (one configurable as output); 1 × USB-B Audio Class 2; 1 × HDMI ARC; optional HDMI switching module
Network Ethernet 100Base-T; Wi-Fi 802.11ac; Bluetooth 4.2; 2 × Exakt Link
Other outputs 2 × RCA subwoofer (bass reinforcement or redirect); S/PDIF; 1/4 in headphone jack
Formats and resolution FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, DSD; PCM to 24-bit/192 kHz (384 kHz with Organik DAC); DSD64/128/256
Streaming TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, TuneIn, airable, Calm Radio; UPnP from local storage
Room correction Space Optimisation
Display 1600 × 480 TFT
Power supply Utopik; 15 W sleep, up to about 200 W continuous depending on cartridges; 100–120 / 200–240 V auto-ranging
Dimensions (W × H × D) 14.0 × 4.7 × 14.0 in (355 × 119 × 355 mm)
Weight 17.7–23.9 lb (8.05–10.85 kg) depending on fitted cartridges (Linn 2024 fact sheet)
Finish Classic Black or Silver powder coat
Upgrade path DAC module and output cartridges can be changed or added at Pearl Audio

Linn Selekt DSM: Classic Hub product page and specifications

Where it sits in the range

Pearl Audio's Selekt DSM configurations in order of price; every one can be re-configured later, and the Klimax DSM sits above them all.

Speakers: the 119 and 150 can be driven directly and run in Exakt. Turntable: a Majik or Selekt LP12 into the built-in phono stage, or a Urika II over Exakt Link.

Reviews

Both reviews tested the first-generation Classic chassis; StereoNET used the Katalyst DAC.

Plan your Linn system with Pearl Audio

Pearl Audio is an authorized Linn dealer. We configure and install Selekt DSM systems, fit upgrade cartridges in-store, and can arrange an audition in our Portland showroom. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.

The Pearl Audio experience

How we work with you

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.

  1. 01

    Listen first

    Hear the Selekt Classic Hub Streamer with Katalyst DAC by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.

  2. 02

    Delivery and installation

    We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.

  3. 03

    Support for as long as you own it

    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.

  4. 04

    A path for what comes next

    Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.

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