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    The Computer Audiophile

    Linn Majik DS-I Review

    ds-i-thumb.jpgNovember 24, 2009 Linn announced it would stop production of CD players at the end of the year. Computer audiophiles around the globe were jubilant while skeptics were unconvinced the announcement was anything more than a publicity stunt. Opinions aside the cessation of CD player manufacturing was a bold step in an industry where homeostasis has been the norm for so long. This announcement and subsequent halt to CD player production wouldn't have been possible without Linn's foresight into the disc-less world of hifi. Linn's commitment to its Digital Streaming line of products began years before most consumers could even conceptualize listening to music without a Compact Disc let alone streaming music via Ethernet. Linn announced its first DS (Digital Stream) player, the Klimax DS, back in 2007. Since that time Linn has released several DS components at various price and performance levels. The Linn Majik DS-I, <b>D</b>igital <b>S</b>tream player with <b>I</b>ntegrated amplifier, is the newest component in the Digital Stream lineup.

    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] 

     

     

    <b>About the Linn Majik DS-I</b>

     

    The Linn Majik DS-I is an incredibly versatile high end audio component. The DS-I consists of a Linn DS player/DAC, preamplifier, Chakra power amplifier, and Dynamik power supply all in one chassis. Straight out of the box the DS-I is ready to perform very well in numerous configurations only limited by the imagination. Using the player as an integrated amplifier allows one to take advantage of all that Linn has put into the DS-I. The preamplifier section has eleven total inputs and six outputs. Single-ended analog in and outputs as well as digital in and outputs. The volume control in the DS-I is completely digital.

     

    The Chakra power amplifier delivers ~100 watts (4 ?) into two channels. Chakra power amplification is a patent pending unique Linn technology. According to the <a href="http://files.computeraudiophile.com/2010/0418/linn-chakra-white-paper.pdf">Linn Chakra white paper</a>, <I>"... When output current is less than a few amps, all of the power output comes from the monolithic, maximising the speed and linear properties of this design. At higher output currents the bi-polars provide the majority of the output current, leaving the monolithic to operate well within its capability and so able to correct any error instantaneously...The Linn CHAKRA technology eliminates the weaknesses and maximises the strengths of monolithic linear amplifier technology. It combines the speed and precision of a high integration chip technology with the ruggedness and smoothness of discrete ultra-linear bipolar transistors and delivers precisely controlled Linn Silent Power at all listening levels."</I> Throughout the review I used Verity Audio Fidelio loudspeakers. Listening to music from dynamic orchestral pieces to the electric bass of Marcus Miller the solid state Chakra integrated amplification easily powered these speakers.

     

    The newest Dynamik power supply has several improvements over Linn's previous power supplies and <a href="http://linn.co.uk/why_dynamik">according to Linn</a> the Dynamik supply and its internal filters are more effective than external power filters and conditioners. On one hand its nice to have power filtering engineered by the same people as the other component(s). It's in their best interest to make the products sound as good as possible. On the other hand products using the Linn Dynamik supply are locked in to filtering that can't be disengaged in favor of a third party power product. There are a number of manufacturers specializing in only power products who know this area as well as anyone.

     

    A common argument against using integrated amplifiers is the lack of an upgrade path. The Majik DS-I's plethora of in and outputs enable the component to serve many functions in many different system configurations. Thus the DS-I allows an incredible number of upgrade paths. Want to get a different power amplifier or different DAC? No problem just configure the DS-I appropriately and it'll function wonderfully with either new component.

     

    Here are some of the many configurations possible.

    <ul>

    <li>1. Use the DS-I as an integrated one chassis unit that does everything. (DS-I Integrated)</li>

    <li>2. Digital input to analog pre-out to an external amplifier. (DS-I DAC & Preamplifier)</li>

    <li>3. Digital input via Ethernet to electrical or optical digital output to external DAC. (DS-I bit perfect Ethernet to S/PDIF conversion)</li>

    <li>4. Digital input to line-out analog to external preamplifier. (DS-I DAC only)</li>

    <li>5. Phono input - MM or MC. (DS-I Integrated or Preamplifier or Phono Stage only)</li>

    <li>6. Analog input from external DAC. (DS-I Preamplifier and Amplifier)</li>

    <li>7. Analog input from external DAC to analog Pre-out to external amplifier. (DS-I Preamplifier)</li>

    </ul>

     

     

     

     

    <b>Digital Stream Player Detail</b>

     

    The most notable part of the Linn Majik DS-I is the integrated Digital Stream player. In layman's terms the Digital Stream player connects to a home network via Ethernet. A computer on the home network feeds music files via Ethernet to the DS-I for playback. A more technical description of the Digital Stream player requires information about the surrounding technology. Universal Plug and Play (<b>UPnP</b>) is a broad protocol defining device connectivity on home and corporate networks. UPnP is an open standard. If nothing else, readers should understand that UPnP enables network connected devices to see each other and interoperate with no or almost no configuration. Universal Plug and Play Audio / Video (<b>UPnP AV</b>) is a subset of UPnP applying only to audio and video devices. The Linn Majik DS-I uses the UPnP AV v1.0 standard. This standard separates devices into different components. The three central components for this review are Media Server, Media Renderer, and Control Point.

     

     

    <b>Media Server</b> - Media Servers store content such as audio, video, and photos and provide a directory of this content. This content is streamed from the Media Server to the Media Renderer. Examples of Media Server hardware are Network Attached Storage devices (NAS), or Windows and Mac OS X music servers with locally stored content. Media Servers also require UPnP software. Example of this software include Twonky Media Server, Asset UPnP, and J River Media Center. This software determines what menus and content the Control Point can access.

     

    <b>Media Renderer</b> - Media Renderers play content streamed from a Media Server. The pertinent example of a Media Renderer is the Linn DS-I and all other Linn Digital Stream players.

     

    <b>Control Point</b> - Control Points automatically find Media Servers and Media Renderers on the network. Control Points browse content on the Media Server, create playlists, and have various remote capabilities such as track forward/backward, volume up/down, viewing menus for navigation, and album art. Examples of Control Point hardware are iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, PDA, Windows computer, Mac OS X computer. Control Points require UPnP software for functionality. Examples of Control Point software are PlugPlayer and Konductor for the Apple devices, KinskyDesktop for Mac and Windows, Asset Control for Windows, and SongBook for Mac OS X.

     

    Unique to the Linn DS range of products are the Linn UPnP AV Extensions. The following extensions are only available on specific Control Points designed to work with the Linn extensions.

     

    <b>A</b>. Multiple Media Renderers - Using the SongBook Control Point software on a Mac or J River Media Center on a Windows PC it is possible to view and control multiple renderers.

     

    <b>B</b>. Multiple Control Point support - This extension makes it possible to use an iPhone and iPad, or similar device, for control of the same DS player simultaneously.

     

    <b>C</b>. On device playlists - This is my favorite extension. It allows one to create a playlist that is automatically stored on the DS player. Once the playlist has been created the control point (iPad, JRMC, etc...) no longer has to be powered on. In fact the Linn DS-I remote control can control the playlist. Using the Linn remote is very similar to controlling a CD player. The forward and back, play and pause buttons work just like the days of old. The best part of this extension is the ability to store the playlist while the DS-I is powered off. During the review period I frequently walked in to my listening room, grabbed the Linn remote and pressed play. The last playlist started right in without the need to touch a UPnP Control Point like the iPad or computer.

     

    <b>D</b>. Full preamp integration - This enables Control Points like the iPad to adjust the volume on the DS-I.

     

     

    The Linn DS players rely on an existing home network in addition to a Media Server and Control Point to operate. The data path from Media Server storage to speakers is pretty efficient and logical. The Control Point (iPad running PlugPlayer) browses the music library on the Media Server (NAS running Twonky Media Server). The Control Point (iPad running PlugPlayer) then signals the Media Renderer (Linn Majik DS-I) to pull selected file(s) directly from the Media Server (NAS running Twonky Media Server). The Majik DS-I streams small portions of the music file as needed to keep a small buffer full and music playing uninterrupted <a href="http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/images/4/40/Streaming.png">(Graphic)</a>. A very nice feature of the buffer is it allows audio to fade out slowly when there is a network problem prohibiting the buffer from refiling. Once the buffer is full again the sound slowly fades back up to the normal volume level. According to Linn the advantages to this method of streaming are a small buffer requirement, file size is inconsequential, and the small amount of data required to fill the buffer can be transferred quickly. After the buffer audio is passed through the DAC, preamp, amp, and finally out to the speakers. The Control Point and Media Server software and hardware mentioned are only a few of the many options available. During my research of UPnP hardware and software I asked the very friendly readers of the <a href="http://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/">Linn Forum</a> for their input and recommendations. The feedback I received was very good and enabled me to operate the DS-I in my systems with ease.

     

     

     

    <b>Computer Audiophile DS-I Configurations</b>

     

    The numerous Media Server and Control Point hardware/software options can be a bit overwhelming. I tried many of them but settled on four main UPnP configurations and one more traditional music server configuration without using UPnP. Most of the items listed below can be interchanged with hardware or software preferred by the user.

     

     

    <b>1</b>. Playback directly from NAS with iPad control. This configuration is simple to setup and use but doesn't offer the best library navigation features.

     

    <b>Hardware</b>

    Linn Majik DS-I - This is the Media Renderer

    Basic PC - This is only used for initial DS-I setup and ripping CDs or copying downloaded music to the NAS. Core Duo processor, two GB of RAM, and 160 GB spinning hard drive.

    Thecus N5200B Pro Network Attached Storage (NAS) - The Media Server user for storing all the music and running UPnP compliant Media Server software.

    iPad - Running UPnP compliant Control Point software PlugPlayer used to browse the music library and control the Linn DS-I.

    Apple Airport Extreme Base Station - Provides the wired and wireless network infrastructure for the UPnP components to communicate.

    Category 6 cables to connect devices - Connect all devices to the Airport Extreme, including the DS-I.

     

    <b>Software</b>

    Windows 7 - Current operating system capable of running the needed software. No built-in features of Windows 7 are necessary.

    dBpoweramp - Used to rip CDs to the NAS Media Server.

    Konfig for Windows - Used for initial Majik DS-I setup only.

    PlugPlayer - Control Point software runs on iPad. Features full library navigation and search as well as album art and DS-I volume control.

    TwonkyMedia server - Media Server software runs on Thecus N5200B Pro NAS. TwonkyMedia server indexes the music files on the NAS and provides the navigation menus available to PlugPlayer on the iPad. A major reason TwonkeyMedia server is not my favorite software is its lack of support for browsing a library by Album Artist.

     

     

     

    The system works as follows. Every device is connected to the Airport Extreme wired or wireless. I recommend only connecting the iPad via wireless. Cat 6 Ethernet cables can run 100 meters, eliviating the need to place any of this hardware near the Majik DS-I. The DS-I is configured from the Windows PC one time using Linn's Konfig for Windows. dBpoweramp is setup on the PC to rip CDs to the Thecus NAS Media Server and meet the user's ripping requirements. I tried WAV, AIFF, and FLAC formats. I settled on FLAC because the DS-I and UPnP applications supported FLAC metadata much better the others. TwonkyMedia server is installed and configured on the Thecus NAS Media Server. PlugPlayer for the iPad is downloaded from the App Store and configured as the Control Point. PlugPlayer configuration simply involves looking at a list of devices already broadcast on the network and selecting the appropriate Media Server (NAS) and Media Renderer (DS-I) to control. Once this is complete the user needn't worry about it again. Playback directly from the NAS to the DS-I can now be controlled from the iPad. There is no need for the Windows PC to be powered on as it only provides CD ripping capability.

     

     

     

    <img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/Linn-Diagrams-1.png"></img>

     

     

     

     

    <b>2</b>. Playback directly from NAS with Mac OS X running SongBook as the Control Point. This is very similar to the previous configuration. It is a little more Mac-centric and requires a computer for control. Again, any number of devices like an iPad can also supplement this configuration. I will stray a bit from the configuration I used in order to show readers a simpler setup. In addition to the hardware and software listed below I continue to use dBpoweramp on a PC to rip FLAC files to my NAS. This is replaced by the Mac that also acts as the Control Point in this configuration.

     

    <b>Hardware</b>

    Linn Majik DS-I - This is the Media Renderer

    MacBook Pro - This is only used for initial DS-I setup, ripping CDs or copying downloaded music to the NAS, and the Control Point. Core 2 Duo processor, four GB of RAM, and 64 GB SSD.

    Thecus N5200B Pro Network Attached Storage (NAS) - The Media Server user for storing all the music and running UPnP compliant Media Server software.

    Apple Airport Extreme Base Station - Provides the wired and wireless network infrastructure for the UPnP components to communicate.

    Category 6 cables to connect devices - Connect all devices to the Airport Extreme, including the DS-I.

     

    <b>Software</b>

    Mac OS X Snow Leopard - Current operating system capable of running the needed software. Nothing special is required from the operating system.

    SongBook - Excellent Control Point application that also rips CDs to FLAC. SongBook can browse a music library directing the DS-I to pull files directly from a NAS Media Server.

    Konfig for Mac - Used for initial Majik DS-I setup only.

    TwonkyMedia server - Media Server software runs on Thecus N5200B Pro NAS. TwonkyMedia server indexes the music files on the NAS and provides the navigation menus available to SongBook on the Mac. A major reason TwonkeyMedia server is not my favorite software is its lack of support for browsing a library by Album Artist.

     

     

     

    This system operates similar to system number 1. All devices are connected to the Airport Extreme via wired Ethernet. The DS-I is configured from the Mac one time only. The SongBook Control Point and CD ripping application runs on the Mac but does not provide any music or send any files itself. This avoids the need to worry about sample rate conversion or anything related to Audio Midi Setup. The music flows directly from the NAS to the Majik DS-I where the DS-I automatically adjusts to the sample rate. TwonkyMedia server running on the NAS provides the library browsing information to SongBook. Through SongBook users browse the library similar to most other playback applications. One difference that is neither good nor bad is SongBooks use of playlists. In fact all the UPnP Control Point software operates this way. Selected files are added to a playlist. Playback is only initiated by working with the playlist, not the files directly in the library. There may be a way to change this but I am unaware at this time. It's really no big deal and I got used to working this way. I usually added an album to the playlist and worked through the tracks at my leisure. SongBook is capable of using the Linn UPnP AV extensions. Notably, placing the playlist on the DS-I itself. Thus when launching SongBook it automatically reads the DS-I playlist and mirrors its playlist to the DS-I's playlist. Another way to use this UPnP extension is to load up a playlist through SongBook then exit the application. Every track on the playlist, stored on the DS-I, is accessible via the Linn remote control just like a CD player. Forward and backward buttons go through the tracks in the playlist and call the tracks directly from the NAS Media Server. I actually used this functionality quite a bit. Often when I enter my listening room I don't have a control readily available to start music playback. Using the Linn remote I was able to press play to startup the stored playlist without a single computer powered on. This works because my NAS Media Server is powered on 24/7.

     

    I used this configuration mostly when working on a Mac at my desk in my listening room. I ran SongBook in the background just like iTunes. It's the perfect configuration for using a DS-I in the office. The SongBook application can also use local playlists to send music to the DS-I instead of a NAS Media Server. This option is even better for the office system as NAS units can be a bit noisy and overkill for most offices.

     

     

     

    <img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/Linn-Diagrams-2.png"></img>

     

     

     

     

    <b>3</b>. Playback using Windows 7 computer as the Media Server storing music files locally. J River Media Center is used as the software interface to manage the music library and as the Control Point.

     

    <b>Hardware</b>

    Linn Majik DS-I - This is the Media Renderer

    Basic PC - This is used for initial DS-I setup, ripping CDs or storing downloaded music, and running Control Point software. This computer must contain a hard drive large enough to store all one's music. Think of this as a basic Windows / JRMC music server. The only difference will be the output method.

    Apple Airport Extreme Base Station - Provides the wired and wireless network infrastructure for the UPnP components to communicate.

    Category 6 cables to connect devices - Connect all devices to the Airport Extreme, including the DS-I.

     

    <b>Software</b>

    Windows 7 - Current operating system capable of running the needed software. No built-in features of Windows 7 are necessary.

    J River Media Center - JRMC's DLNA features really shine in this configuration. JRMC identifies the Majik DS-I as a separate playback Zone automatically. There is no need to create a separate Zone. This allows one to use the app exactly the same as if a DAC was connected to the computer locally. JRMC handles all the UPnP/DLNA work behind the scenes as long as the user selects the DS-I Zone.

    Konfig for Windows - Used for initial Majik DS-I setup only.

     

     

     

    Similar to the previous Mac based system this Windows 7 system uses a full application to control playback as opposed to a mobile app for a dedicated device. The major difference is J River Media Center also stores the music library in its own format and on the local computer. There is no NAS Media Server involved in this configuration. In fact the playback chain is a bit different using this configuration as well. The Majik DS-I is no longer receiving a signal from a Control Point directing it to pull a file from a Media Server. J River Media Center is actually using the DS-I as a UPnP "output device" / Media Renderer. This configuration does not take full advantage of the Linn UPnP extensions such as the DS-I stored playlist. JRMC functions as it always does storing the playlist in its database and adding tracks by double-clicking them in the library. Users who prefer playing tracks directly from the library and hearing immediate playback will prefer the JRMC based configuration. There is no need to create a playlist before playback. This configuration is not my favorite but nonetheless it's simple to use and eases users comfortable with PCs and JRMC into UPnP playback. Like all four UPnP configurations the Linn Majik DS-I can be located hundreds of feet from any computer or Media Server. Using JRMC's Zones it is entirely possible to use several Linn DS components and play different music on each DS at the same time, all from a single JRMC console. This level of convenience and sound quality can make whole house audio very appealing.

     

     

     

    <img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/Linn-Diagrams-3.png"></img>

     

     

     

     

    <b>4</b>. Control Point is PlugPlayer on an iPad, Media Server is Asset running on Windows 7, music files stored on NAS. This is my favorite configuration for navigation and convenience.

     

    <b>Hardware</b>

    Linn Majik DS-I - This is the Media Renderer

    Basic PC - This is used for initial DS-I setup, ripping CDs, and running Media Server software. There is no need for large internal storage as all music is stored on a NAS.

    iPad - Running UPnP compliant Control Point software PlugPlayer used to browse the music library and control the Linn DS-I.

    Thecus N5200B Pro Network Attached Storage (NAS) - The NAS will store all music files but will not run TwonkyMedia or any other UPnP Media Server software.

    Apple Airport Extreme Base Station - Provides the wired and wireless network infrastructure for the UPnP components to communicate.

    Category 6 cables to connect devices - Connect all devices to the Airport Extreme, including the DS-I.

     

    <b>Software</b>

    Windows 7 - Current operating system capable of running the needed software. No built-in features of Windows 7 are necessary.

    dBpoweramp - Used to rip CDs to the NAS Media Server.

    Asset - UPnP Media Server application. Asset is directed to the NAS drive music folder location. Asset indexes all the music files on the NAS. Asset has terrific metadata support enabling UPnP Control Points to browse by album artist, bit rate, number of bits, and many more great navigation options.

    Konfig for Windows - Used for initial Majik DS-I setup only.

    PlugPlayer - Control Point software runs on iPad. Features full library navigation and search as well as album art and DS-I volume control.

     

     

     

    This configuration is a bit more complex than previous configurations. Keep in mind most of the work and complexity involves one-and-done configurations that a Linn dealer can also help configure. A unique part of this configuration involves splitting the Media Server application from the NAS that stores all the music. The reason for this is the Asset application's superior handling of metadata and menu navigations options. One drawback to running the Media Server software on a separate computer is this computer must remain powered on to browse the music library and for music playback. In reality this isn't a big deal as the no computer required configuration is more of a feel good method. Leaving a computer running in another room in order to access a music library isn't very troublesome for most people. It just feels good to think a separate computer isn't required to play music from a NAS. If Asset could run on my NAS unit I would install it there instead of the Windows computer for simplicity and stability, nothing else. In addition to Asset's great support of metadata it can also enable the Majik DS-I to stream Internet radio. Sure sound quality is less than desirable via the Internet but it's a great way to discover new music.

     

    Once the initial setup is complete this configuration is fabulous to use. Simply launch PlugPlayer on the iPad and browse the complete music library. Asset in conjunction with PlugPlayer on an iPad offer virtually endless ways to find music in the library. The key is support for metadata / tags embedded into the ripped music files. In my ripping strategy and methodology article I stressed the importance of metadata and FLAC's stellar support of these tags. Other file formats really take away from the overall Majik DS-I experience. Using WAV or AIFF can make it very hard or nearly impossible to locate specific albums and the DS-I cannot read the information to display track, artists and album across its display. The problem is these formats don't follow standards like FLAC. Not all AIFF files are tagged in a similar fashion. This increases complexity to a degree that many applications offer support on a best effort basis. The application developer will give it his best effort, within reason, to support AIFF metadata but usually there are bigger fish to fry.

     

    It was this configuration with Asset and PlugPlayer that I couldn't stop using. It was so easy to use I frequently drifted away from the other configurations subconsciously. LIke anything in life it's tough to downgrade once one has had a taste of something very good.

     

     

     

    <img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/Linn-Diagrams-4.png"></img>

     

     

     

     

    Using any of these four UPnP configurations it didn't take me long to forget about sample rates and bit depths. The Linn player instantly adjusts to whatever resolution is played. The front panel of the DS-I displays the current sample rate and bit depth in addition to several other user selectable information screens. When playing FLAC files the track, artist and album scroll across the display panel once shortly after the track begins. The DS-I via Ethernet / UPnP is really convenient and seems quite awkward at first. Without any traditional analog or digital interconnects my listening room seemed bare. The lone Ethernet wire going to the DS-I was comparable to something Apple's sleek design team would recommend. Computer audiophiles in need of a nice looking system without yards of ugly cabling will be pleased with the DS-I.

     

    The Majik DS-I supports FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, AAC and MP3 file formats at all common sample rates. I had no problems playing 24/88.2 and 24/176.4 files on the DS-I. Via its Ethernet input the unit didn't even hiccup on any sample rate or any number of frequent sample rate changes I threw its way. The DS-I does upsample all incoming data streams. 44.1 kHz based sample rates are upsampled to 358.2 kHz and 48 kHz based sample rates are upsampled to 384 kHz. In fact all Linn DS products use a <a href="http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Up-sampling">custom upsampling engine</a> implemented in a Xilinx Virtex-4 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). I must admit my bias against upsampled music before giving my opinion on sound quality. From day one a lack of reverb in every recording I played was evident. I suspected upsampling and later confirmed this with Linn headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland. No matter what UPnP configuration I used all sound quality was equal via the Ethernet input. I tried to alter the sound quality by adding layers of devices between the music files and the Ethernet input but nothing had any effect on sonics. Extremely heavy NAS use did cause the DS-I to fade out music playback gracefully until the NAS could provide the needed data at the required speed to fill the DS-I's buffer. This graceful fade in and out is a very nice touch. Users don't need to worry about blowing tweeters with bursts of noise coming through the system.

     

     

     

    <b>5</b>. The remaining configuration used was a more "traditional" direct connection between the DS-I and the computer. Playback was from the <a href="http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-Pocket-Server-CAPS">C.A.P.S. server</a> with an ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Slim audio card outputting coaxial S/PDIF directly to the Majik DS-I. This configuration bypassed all UPnP hardware and software. After extensive listening tests I concluded the sound quality using this configuration exceeded that of the four Ethernet UPnP based configurations. The increase in quality was evident in the mid to lower frequencies. Instruments were tighter and had better separation. The Ethernet input sounded wonderful on its own until I tested the sound quality via S/PDIF. The sound in the mid and lower frequencies via Ethernet was a bit mushy when compared directly to the DS-I's coaxial S/PDIF input. In no way am I stating the sound quality via Ethernet was bad, it just wasn't as good as the DS-I's S/PDIF input. Accounting for the sonic differences can be quite difficult if not impossible. Listeners including myself often favor the sound they are used to hearing. I use S/PDIF digital inputs and the C.A.P.S. server nearly every day of the week. Since the DS-I is the first high quality Ethernet / UPnP component I've heard in my listening room I can't rule out favoritism of the familiar.

     

     

     

     

    <b>Quality All Around</b>

     

    The Linn Majik DS-I is a terrific audio component. Despite some sonic differences between its Ethernet and S/PDIF inputs the overall sound quality is very good. I connected the analog pre-out from the DS-I to my McIntosh MC275 tube amplifier to compare with the Linn solid state amplifier. At first blush I preferred the MC275 and thought it had more power. Shortly after my listening session began I lost interest in the music through the tube amplifier. Usually this is evidence that the sound quality is just not there. I switched back to the Linn Chakra internal amplifier and played the same music. The sonic superiority of the Linn was immediately evident. Sure it sounded very solid state-esque but the low level resolution was much better. My brain wasn't trying as hard to fill in gaps in the sound or to erase the inherent color of the MC275. Preference for either the MC275 tubes or the DS-I Chakra solid state amplification is an entirely different matter than sonic quality and accurate reproduction. In the long run I may prefer the MC275 for my listening pleasure. This preference could arise after the DS-I heads back to Linn and I fall back into tube mode. With nothing to directly compare the MC275 against I'm sure I'll like it's warmth more than ever. The DS-I like other Linn products has a very clean sound. I didn't hear any audible "distractions" throughout the length of the review. Linn's control over every aspect of the DS-I from the power input to the speaker output terminals is major reason for this impeccable degree of sonic cleanliness.

     

    The Majik DS-I is also very aesthetically pleasing. Linn has a knack for great design and attention to the little details. The DS-I chassis is really light. It's less than 11 lbs. frame shouldn't be equated to anything but light weight. The DS-I easily rests on an equipment rack, desk, or shelving unit. Access to the front panel headphone input and 3.5mm analog input is a great feature for units residing on a desk. The front display has numerous user selectable views. The standard view I selected displayed the currently playing bit and sample rate. In a tip of the cap to the old days I also used a view that looked like a CD player. This view allowed switching between the time counting up from zero or down from the end of the track. I always like knowing how much time remains in each track. Through the web interface if the DS-I it is possible to set the display to completely off once playback has commenced. Little details like these separate Linn from a plethora of other manufacturers. There is no doubt the Linn name is synonymous with great quality.

     

     

     

    <b>Final Thoughts</b>

     

    Prior to receiving the Majik DS-I I was very aware of Linn's products. What I did not know or expect was its level of dedication to providing information about its products and technology. Like most in the industry Linn realizes music servers and digital streaming products do not operate like toasters. Unlike most Linn is doing something about this by providing page after page of technical documentation, layman's explanations, and assisting its customers via the Linn <a href="http://www.linn.co.uk/community">online community</a> site. I used the LinnDocs site extensively while researching the DS range of products. The Linn Forums are also incredibly useful for users of Linn products or those considering a Linn purchase. I highly recommend Computer Audiophile readers browse the Linn community site for a while. One interesting link leads to another and before you know it hours have passed. Unlike wasted hours spent on FaceBook the hours spent on the Linn community site will increase one's knowledge of all things computer audio exponentially.

     

     

    <img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/ca/cash-logo-black-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 10pt 7pt 5pt;" align="left">The Linn Majik DS-I in incredibly versatile and sounds very good. The Ethernet input and UPnP capability are the real stars of the show. The complete user experience and ability to just listen to music is wonderful. A single chassis clean looking and clean sounding component that accepts all common sample rates without user intervention is exactly what many readers have been seeking. Using the Majik DS-I provides the user some piece of mind as well. There are no worries about bit perfect output, a KMixer, Exclusive Mode, Audio Midi, ASIO, or WASAPI. At $4,200 the Majik DS-I is a terrific buy. I highly recommend visiting a Linn dealer to spend some time using the Majik DS-I. This is the type of product that sells itself. I happy to place the Linn Majik DS-I on the <a href="http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-Suggested-Hardware-List">C.A.S.H. List</a> as the first high end UPnP digital streaming component.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Click to enlarge

     

    <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/dca7ff2c-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/dca7ff2c-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 2pt 7pt 2pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-08"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/3abb0b0c-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/3abb0b0c-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 2pt 7pt 2pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-01"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/a109dcd1-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/a109dcd1-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 2pt 7pt 2pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-07"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/49732e7e-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/49732e7e-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 2pt 7pt 2pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-06"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/9af3a03a-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/9af3a03a-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 2pt 7pt 2pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-04"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/6ed660c2-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/6ed660c2-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 2pt 7pt 2pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-02"></a>  

     

     

    <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/8f65e7d6-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/8f65e7d6-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 10pt 7pt 5pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-03"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/7571e22a-.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/7571e22a-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 10pt 7pt 5pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-05"></a>  

     

     

     

     

     

    <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/plugplayer-horizontal.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/plugplayer-horizontal-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 10pt 7pt 5pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-10"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/plugplayer-vertical.jpg" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/plugplayer-vertical-thumb.jpg" style="padding: 5pt 10pt 7pt 5pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-11"></a>   <a href="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/songbook.png" class="thickbox" rel="LinnDS-I"><img src="http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2010/0420/songbook-thumb.png" style="padding: 5pt 10pt 7pt 5pt;" alt="LinnDS-I-12"></a>  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Product Information

    <ul>

    <li>Price - $4,200</li>

    <li>Power - 90 W RMS per channel into 4 ?</li>

    <li>DAC - up to 24/192 via all digital inputs</li>

    <li>Manual - <a href="http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Majik_DS-I">Link</a></li>

    <li>Chakra Amplification White Paper - <a href="http://files.computeraudiophile.com/2010/0418/linn-chakra-white-paper.pdf">Link</a></li>

    <li>Informational pdf - <a href="http://files.computeraudiophile.com.s3.amazonaws.com/2010/0418/Majik_DS-I_Product_Information.pdf">Link</a></li>

    </ul>

     

     

    Links

    <ul>

    <li>Linn Majik DS-I Product Page - <a href="http://linn.co.uk/majik_ds-i">Link</a></li>

    <li>Linn Recommended Software - <a href="http://linn.co.uk/ds_software">Link</a></li>

    <li>Linn Community - <a href="http://linn.co.uk/community">Link</a></li>

    <li>PlugPlayer Product Page - <a href="http://www.plugplayer.com/">Link</a></li>

    <li>TwonkyMedia server Product Page - <a href="http://www.twonkyvision.de/">Link</a></li>

    <li>Asset UPnP Product Page - <a href="http://www.dbpoweramp.com/asset-upnp-dlna.htm">Link</a></li>

    <li>dBpoweramp Product Page - <a href="http://www.dbpoweramp.com/cd-ripper.htm">Link</a></li>

    <li>J River Media Center Product Page - <a href="http://www.jrmediacenter.com/">Link</a></li>

    <li>Thecus N5200B Pro NAS CA Review - <a href="http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Thecus-5200B-Pro-IP-Storage-Server-Product-Review">Link</a></li>

    <li>SongBook UPnP Control Software - <a href="http://bookshelfapps.com/">Link</a></li>

    </ul>

     

     

    Associate Equipment:

     

    <a href="http://files.computeraudiophile.com/2010/0418/Brochure_Fidelio.pdf">Verity Audio Fidelio loudspeakers</a>, <a href="http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/mcintosh-mc275-vacuum-tube-power-amplifier.asp">McIntosh MC275 amplification</a>, <a href="http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com/products.aspx?type=accessories">Richard Gray's Power Company High Tension Wires</a>, <a href="http://www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com/">Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC</a>, <a href="http://www.usbdacs.com/Products/Products.html">Wavelength Audio Proton</a>, <a href="http://www.ayre.com/products_detail.cfm?productid=12">Ayre AX-7e Integrated Amp</a>, <a href="http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-Pocket-Server-CAPS">C.A.P.S. server</a>, <a href="http://www.belcantodesign.com/Product_USBlink.html">Bel Canto USB Link</a>, <a href="http://www.halidedesign.com/bridge/">Halide Design Bridge</a>, <a href="http://www.dcsltd.co.uk/product/debussy-dac"><i>d</i>CS Debussy DAC</a>, <a href="http://www.dcsltd.co.uk/product/puccini-u-clock"><i>d</i>CS Puccini U-Clock</a>, <a href="http://www.kimber.com/products/interconnects/digital/usb/bbus/cu/">Kimber USB Cu</a>, <a href="http://www.kimber.com/products/interconnects/digital/usb/bbus/ag/">Kimber USB Ag</a>, <a href="http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/system1/digital-analog-converter/dac1-pre">Benchmark DAC1 PRE</a>, <a href="http://www.kimber.com/products/interconnects/analog/select/singleended/ks1011/">Kimber Select KS1011 Analog Cables</a>, <a href="http://www.kimber.com/products/interconnects/digital/select/ks2020/">Kimber Select KS2020 Digital Cable</a>, <a href="http://www.kimber.com/products/loudspeakercables/monocle/x/">Kimber Monocle X Loudspeaker Cable</a>, <a href="http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=SPZfqXDJvadmFPoh&templete=2">ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Slim</a>, <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/">Apple iPad</a>, <a href="http://www.amarraaudio.com/">Sonic Studio's Amarra</a>.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     




    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Thank you very much Monsieur Lakefield for the clarifications! You confirmed what I thought in the first place but since the Linn seller told me otherwise, I wasn't so sure anymore...<br />

    <br />

    First and foremost, what I am truly looking for now is a integrated amp. And since I always loved the Linn "sound", I was looking for the Majik until I came across the new DS-I. I was thinking about buying a cheap USB-DAC (HRT Streamer perhaps) but I am not into the whole computer thing just yet, although I do have lots of music on my PC, ripped and otherwise. But since It's mostly random formats and rates and nothing is of interest to me (for now) in the 24/96 field, I wasn't seriously looking for that. Not until something like the Sooloos became more affordable or some other brand with that kind of truly amazing interface!<br />

    <br />

    I think most people here (audiophiles) are interested in the best sound possible (rightly so) but for me and the regular folks out there, I think the interface is the real seller for computer audio. The facility, convenience and plain 'ol fun of playing with something like the Sooloos or QSonix is nothing short or revolutionnary in my opinion. Well, the iPod did start the revolution indeed but still... And now with the iPad and soon-to-be siblings, the future looks good!<br />

    <br />

    Anyhow, the Linn seemed interesting but I wasn't so sure because of most comments about the not-there-yet interface... And since I am not faithful to one player only (WMP, MediaMonkey, RP, WinAmp) now I realise that I can go the SPDIF route and my habits will stay the same If I don't like the Linn Ethernet interface. <br />

    <br />

    Re-reading this article (and your comment), I understand now that It is indeed an all-you-can-eat type of product. It can be a streamer, an integrated, a preamp, an amp, a DAC or all of the above! And for a price almost lower than the "serious" DAC's out there... It may not sound as good, but I bet It still does have the Linn sound which is, to me, a pretty mighty sound on it's own!<br />

    <br />

    Again, thanks for the reply mister Lakefield, I appreciate It!<br />

    <br />

    <br />

    <br />

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    I would also like to thank Chris for the very detailed article(s) and the whole site. I've learned more here than anywhere else on the web regarding computer audio.<br />

    <br />

    ... and I am too listening to the new Natalie Merchant as I write this, brilliant album! Wish there was a 24/96 version available, that would be a great incentive to get started at last!<br />

    <br />

    Keep up the good work!<br />

    <br />

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    Hey dummy<br />

    <br />

    thanks for your thanks. <br />

    Do you have a PC or a Mac. I understand from your post that you are not hunting the last Bits of your audio files, but you are looking for a good sound. If you running a Mac a clean sound shouldn't be a problem. Newer Macs also coming with a SPDIF output as standard. If you got a PC (no matter what OS) you should make sure you get a Soundcard (internal or external) wich provides something like ASIO, etc. This doesn't only give you bit perfect output, but (in your case more important) also a clean sound. Otherwise it CAN happen (doesn't have to) that there will be distortion or some kind of crackles (which can (in the worst case) harm your speakers). I'm running XP on my Desktop PC (no HiFi ambitions on this one, just want to hear some music while im working on it) and i'm fine without ASIO. No problems at all (i'm using iTunes and foobar). When i had Vista and Win 7 running, there were crackles all over the place. I think you couldn't live with that either. It's got nothing to do with SPDIF, analogue is the same. Problem is that Windows resamples the audio output. That's why you won't get high resolution playback out of it. Macs with OS X support up to 24/96, which should be enough in most cases. Remember, the DS-i supports 24/192.<br />

    Connected via Ethernet you got nothing to do with all that stuff (but i think thats why you want to use SPDIF in the first place).<br />

    <br />

    So, what to do: <br />

    First check if you got problems with distortions.<br />

    Learn more about ASIO etc. on this Page.<br />

    Make sure your Software-Player supports ASIO (Players like Winamp, MediaMonkey, Foobar, etc. supports ASIO).<br />

    Get a Soundcard with ASIO support and SPDIF outputs (make sure it outputs 24/96 or 192 via SPDIF for the future. No need for a High-End card, but a quality one).<br />

    <br />

    Yes, i know, but it sounds more difficult then it really is.<br />

    <br />

    If you got a (newer) Mac, sorry for stealing your time ;)<br />

    <br />

    <br />

    Lakefield<br />

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    Nice review, Chris. I particularly appreciated your approach to various UPnP configurations. Art Dudley recently reviewed the Naim Uniti for <i>Stereophile</i> and failed utterly in this regard. He even went so far as to diss Naim for not providing native iTunes support, while (again) utterly failing to perceive UPnP as a standard. I'll get off my soapbox now. A couple questions/comments:<br />

    <br />

    I'd love to hear more of your perception of how the DAC sounded. You commented on your general distaste for upsampling - something we share - but I didn't read much in terms of comparisons. You compared the amp section against your McIntosh. I'd have loved to have read a comparison of the sound against, say, your Berkeley DAC while using the McIntosh as the amp du jour for both.<br />

    <br />

    Back to the Uniti... if you can get your hands on one, the Naim Uniti seems to be an almost direct competitor to the Linn: it is also an integrated that leverages UPnP for playback of music files. It has a CD player to boot, and costs a few hundred less than the Linn. Pretty darned close, I'd say... could make for a fun review!<br />

    <br />

    Finally~ 90wpc into 4 ohms, so... about 50 into 8? Thanks again for the review Chris.

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    As they've been mentioned a couple of times already... I'll just clarify a couple of things about the Naim "integrated" devices which compete with the Linn.<br />

    <br />

    There are actually two devices in Naim's catalogue which could be seen as competitors for the Linn Magik DS-I. The first, the <a href="http://www.naimaudio.com/hifi-product-range/578">NaimUniti</a> is (some of this already mentioned by sturgl) a full width (43cm wide) device combining a CD player, FM/DAB radio and amplifier with a UPnP compliant streamer. The second is the <a href="http://www.naimaudio.com/hifi-product-range/579">UnitiQute</a>, a half sized (20cm wide) device which drops the inbuilt CD player. The UnitiQute also relies on control from an external controller (Naim are working on an iPod Touch application or standard IR) while the NaimUniti has some front panel controls. UK Prices are just over £2000 for the NaimUniti, a promised £1400 for the UnitiQute and (for comparison) the Linn DS-I is £2550.<br />

    <br />

    Both the devices support MP3, AAC (up to 320kBit/s, CBR/VBR), Windows Media-formatted content-9 (up to 320kBit/s), FLAC and WAV (up to 24bit/96kHz) and OGG Vorbis - unfortunately at the current time no AIFF or Apple Lossless. Both also have an iPod input - analogue via Naim cable for the NaimUniti, digital via USB for the UnitiQute. Both devices have multiple SPDIF input (2 each optial and digital and mini-TOSLink) along with analogue inputs (1 on UnitiQute, 3 + powered DIN for Naim Phono on NaimUniti).<br />

    <br />

    The big feature lacking on both the NaimUniti and UnitiQute is that they do not (at the present time) allow gapless playback. This is a limit of the UPnP standard though Linn have got round this by creating their own extensions to the UPnP standard. Also note that the UnitiQute has been announced but I believe is not yet our in the shops.<br />

    <br />

    Hope this was of interest to someone out there...<br />

    <br />

    Eloise

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    Eloise<br />

    <br />

    Both the Naim and Linn have their groups of fanatical followers here in the UK; the two companies espouse their own brands of audiophile philosophy (religion) and limit their products to those dealers they believe will treat their stuff with respect. They also control prices with the kind of control freakery that even Apple would admire. I gather Linn is planning stupendous increases in its price list at the start of May.<br />

    <br />

    For me the Naim looks like a black Iron brick (weighs twice as much) with kryptonite green highlights but at least has the option of wireless streaming as standard. The Linn has horrible control software, insists on ethernet and prefers twonky media or songbook if customers insist on using a mac. It does have the bonus that Mrs Tog would probably give it house room whilst the Naim would have to be buried in concrete under the floor as its price of admission. <br />

    <br />

    For me the question is how good is the SPDIF and how good is the internal dac. I would want to connect my mac directly and use Itunes/Touch to control. Then wait to see if Linn can sort out their UPnP software. I want quality plus simplicity. My Cyrus kit is starting to take over - too many boxes - too many cables and only small paws.<br />

    <br />

    Both Linn and Naim have an upgrade path. Which one sounds better as an integrated amp/dac?<br />

    <br />

    PS Naim have been promising a Touch app for months - so far they have only produced one for the HDX<br />

    PPS Konfig for the Linn is vile and don't get me started about Plugplayer. <br />

    <br />

    yours, simple tog.

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    Tog,<br />

    <br />

    Quite agree with all your comments about Naim and Linn. As for Cyrus - well they are supposed to be coming to the party sooner rather than later with their own streamer. Personally I prefer the look of Naim over Linn, but then I've always had weird tastes (shhh ... but I like Marmite!) Not sure what Cyrus kit you currently have - but have you considered matching the Cyrus DAC XP with one of their power amps and your Mac Mini - only 3 boxes plus cables (well unless you want to use the PSX-R with the DAC XP and use a pair of Cyrus mono-blocks and of course then you could use PSX-Rs with those too ... oh my god!!!). Or even a Cyrus 8XPd integrated with MacMini - only 2 boxes though also only 24/96 capable if that's important.<br />

    <br />

    Eloise<br />

    <br />

    P.S. Not sure where in UK you live, or if Chris would mind me suggesting a dealer, but if you can get to Leicester, Cymbiosis is renowned as both Naim and Linn dealer and should be able to demo both the Magik DS-I and the NaimUniti. And Leicester HiFi just round the corner have Cyrus if you want to see them too.<br />

    <br />

    P.P.S. Sorry I've really managed to divert this whole topic off thread from the Linn Magik DS-I

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    Thanks Eloise - I may well stick with Cyrus,<br />

    <br />

    They are going to introduce a streamer but they have been there before and got burned. I assume their caution is well deserved and I must admit they have never let me down even to the point of answering emails within half an hour. I started with a cyrus 1 over 25 years ago (human years - not bear) and never looked back.<br />

    <br />

    The more I look at it the Naim offers nothing new and I don't want another CD player nor do I want to faff with Linn's nightmare implementation of UPnP. I will upgrade my trusty smartpowers to monoblocks instead.... should still have some change.<br />

    <br />

    Seriously all three companies have produced great stuff in the past and as Cyrus learnt a few years ago streaming doesn't come naturally to engineers steeped in traditional hifi. It certainly takes more than coming up with a fancy name .... perhaps Linn could call their new models Stremik DS-I. Cyrus will of course adopt their normal pragmatic yet dull naming conventions XPSt perhaps?<br />

    <br />

    Macbook Pro -> Dac X > Pe X> 2X SmartPower > Monitor Audio RX6<br />

    <br />

    Yours, upgrading tog

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    This looks indeed more troublesome than I thought. I didn't know Windows resample audio... I may be completely wrong (I talk from memory only here) but is the windows resampling audio has anything to do with the "Kestrel" (?) thing? I remember reading about problems with windows about a kestrel mixer or something... <br />

    <br />

    By the way, I am using a Vista PC now. I may buy a laptop in the future but not now. Beside, I am not terribly found of Mac's. Neither do I like iTunes... nor Foobar... MediaMonkey is my favorite player so far. <br />

    <br />

    Anyway, If I understand correctly, going the Ethernet route with the DS-I, all this is irrelevant, right? Just plug and play? Seems to be the easiest way to do It. Beside, I didn't try yet the Linn interface, who know, maybe It's not as bad as some says It is. What mostly interest me with computer audio is to create playlists and hit shuffle and voilà! All this with good sound. Otherwise I just put the cd in my Oppo and listen.<br />

    <br />

    We shall see... <br />

    <br />

    Thank you again!<br />

    <br />

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    Hi dummy,<br />

    <br />

    yes, It's called 'Kernel' mixer. that's the thing that resamples. Anyway, if you use MediaMonkey you can use a ASIO plug-in for such soundcards. <br />

    <br />

    Via Ethernet you won't have problems with resampling and you'll be able to benefit from high resolution files. But this is not a Plug n Play setup. You should have some network experience. Otherwise, if you buy a DS-i, your dealer will set it up for you. That's a special service by Linn for DS customers (not Sneaky DS) and it won't cost you a penny. As mentioned in the test article, i would recommend using Asset UPnP and not Twonky.<br />

    I used the Kinsky Desktop while i was listening to the DS-i at the dealer. It was very easy to use. You'll be able to hit shuffle and create playlists. I'm not shure, but i think you can create playlist on your PC and then use it in such softwares.<br />

    <br />

    There is a youtube video about Kinsky Desktop here<br />

    />

    and part 2 here<br />

    />

    <br />

    <br />

    Lakefield<br />

    <br />

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    Seams like the British HiFi companies are all jumping on UPnP to provide streamers and integrated systems. Arcam have announced the <a href="http://www.arcam.co.uk/news,ces-news-arcam-announce-solo-neo_47.htm?news_pg=0">Solo Neo</a> which they showed at the <a href="http://www.arcam.co.uk/news,solo-neo-first-public-showing-bristol-2010_50.htm?news_pg=0">Bristol Sound and Vision</a> show earlier this year.<br />

    <br />

    If it carries on the quality of the original Solo and Solo Mini then it's something to look forward to.<br />

    <br />

    Eloise

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    Hello Lakefield,<br />

    <br />

    Thank you for the tube links. Browsing through It, I came across videos from a french guy who gives a rather detailed description of his setup and how his DS works. Quite informative! Your links were quite fine as well although I wasn't blown away by the interface. Seemed a bit slow to me. That said, after playing with the Sooloos, I am afraid nothing will come close to that. Regardless, the Linn seems to be fine enough as It is for now.<br />

    <br />

    As for going the SPDIF route, I think I found the answer for that, whitout having to change my soundcard. It's called the hiFace from M2Tech. A USB to SPDIF that looks to be pretty much plug'n'play with few settings. Samples all the way to 192 too. And It bypass the Kernel thing or something like that. Looks cool and cheaper than a good soundcard. Looks like it works with any computer too. I don't know... The more I read and search, the more possibilities are out there and coming out everyday. <br />

    <br />

    Less is more sometimes though!<br />

    <br />

    Again, thanks for the help!<br />

    <br />

    <br />

    <br />

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    I wonder what prompted Chris to do such a thorough study on the Linn DSi.<br />

    <br />

    I remember when Chris/Computer Audiophile was asked about the distributed audio option, he opined that computer audio was the way to accomplish sonic nirvana and the distributed options out there could not match a well assembled computer audio system. I cannot find the discussion on that but I now it prompted my curiosity enough that I bought myself a Macbook Pro and a Weiss DAC to try out. <br />

    <br />

    Well computer audio did sound pretty darn good, but not night and day better than the Slim Devices Transporter I had. I am sure at that time had Chris explored the Linn DS or Transporter he would have found out the same thing.<br />

    <br />

    Some may not realize but Sean Adams and his Slim Devices Squeezebox/Transporter’s open source platform defined the distributed audio platform and had a cult following in the genre. I suspect that Linn was following the elegance of the open source Slim platform, the fact that the Linn platform is open source sort of hinted at that.<br />

    <br />

    Oh and aside from being open sourced, the reason for Slim’s success is that the interface and its server platform simply works. The Transporter is simply a sonic and engineering tour de force. I brought the Transporter over to my Linn dealer to compare with the 10X priced Linn Klimax DS. We thought but was not sure that the Klimax was ever so slightly “blacker” but that could have been imagined given the presence of a that megabucks aluminum block. That experience convinced me pretty quickly that it was not worth it to consider the lower Linn DS models. Not because they are no good, but because the Transporter is enough.<br />

    <br />

    I imagined if Sean Adams priced the Transporter at $5000 instead of $1999 people would have taken notice.<br />

    <br />

    By the way, there is a fix to Linn’s sucky interface. Just install an addon SkweezyDs and it would allow you to control the Linn DS with eh Slimserver interface. It is just so much better.<br />

    <br />

    Being a Naim/ex-Linn owner myself, I have an affinity towards anything that has their logos on it. But in terms of distributed audio more credit should be given to Slim Devices.<br />

    <br />

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    Well agentsmith, I think we think alike on this one, you and I. Having been down both roads, I am generally biased towards the client/server paradigm. I just can't help but think that placement of a computer or NAS device in an audio rack is bound to create unwanted noise: electrical noise, audible noise (fans, HDDs), jitter if using s/pdif. Most of these problems can be solved with enough effort, time, and money. Firewire and asynchronous USB DACs will probably go a long way here. I don't know about the power supply in computers and NASes though - they're certainly not intended to be audiophile-grade. I also don't know if it matters - but it seems like it just might. By relegating the computer to the role of "server", these problems either go away entirely or at least become easier to solve. The "client", meanwhile, can be a dedicated audiophile device. So I also find myself in the Transporter camp as well. I haven't compared it to the DS or otherwise - but have compared it to megabuck CD players. To my ears, the Transporter is very much on par with these - and can be superior to many CD players when playing 24-bit audio (I have not personally compared it to SACD or DVD-A, however). Running a Transporter, DS, Uniti, etc. as a client while leaving the server in another room just makes a bit more intuitive sense to me. What's more, I think manufacturers will find there's a real market in this space... and competition's good for everyone!

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    What the point is regarding the Transporter? Certainly Audiophiles have not neglected it, considering the very good review that was published in Stereophile, and the fact that Dan Wright does a vey significant mod to it, which ups the performance substantially. I know the Transporter was originally limited to 24/96 file playback, and therefore some folks might not want to accept that limitation versus some other computer audio interface options. Has Logitech been able to update the Transporter to handle 24/192 files as the Linn DS products and the (soon to be available) Network Bridge for the PS Audio PerfectWave DAC can?

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    The Chakra power amplifier delivers ~100 watts (4 ?) into two channels. Chakra power amplification is a patent pending unique Linn technology. According to the Linn Chakra white paper, "... When output current is less than a few amps, all of the power output comes from the monolithic, maximising the speed and linear properties of this design. At higher output currents the bi-polars provide the majority of the output current, leaving the monolithic to operate well within its capability and so able to correct any error instantaneously...The Linn CHAKRA technology eliminates the weaknesses and maximises the strengths of monolithic linear amplifier technology. It combines the speed and precision of a high integration chip technology with the ruggedness and smoothness of discrete ultra-linear bipolar transistors and delivers precisely controlled Linn Silent Power at all listening levels." Throughout the review I used Verity Audio Fidelio loudspeakers. Listening to music from dynamic orchestral pieces to the electric bass of Marcus Miller the solid state Chakra integrated amplification easily powered these speakers.<br />

    <br />

    ====<br />

    <br />

    Well this sounds to me awfully similar as Quad "current dumping" power amplifier technology which I absolutely like. It sounds as if it is based on same 'feed forward' principle as Peter Walker 'current dumping' employed in Quad 405, 306, 606, 707 and 909 series of power amplifiers. <br />

    <br />

    Quad 'current dumping' design has high quality low power Class A amplifier (seems equivalent to Linn's 'monolithic') stage which 'fills in' the cross-over region with high quality signal (during that time Class B 'current dumpers' are switched off) and when input signal exceeds conduction threshold of the Class B stage (Linn's equivalent seems to be called 'bi-polars ;-) they provide output current. An intelligent 'passive bridge network' (no active components in it) decides which stage is switched on or off.

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    A lot of it about!<br />

    <br />

    Is a DS a computer? No more than a CD player is (DAC, control software, etc.) It's definitely not a PC, in the sense that it has no need for a big operating system, hard drive, graphics, yada yada. It's got about the minimum componentry necessary to get data in and music out.<br />

    <br />

    Why the fixation with spdif - that really misses the point. The data delivered via ethernet is robust, but when it's pulled out of the buffer, it's nekkid. Using spdif is making it do a walk of shame across town - wrong!<br />

    <br />

    @vortecjr, 'I guess I don't see that it does everything as you need a bunch of support features to make it complete. For example, ripping, storing, network switching and so on. I'm not putting it down, but it only does what it does.' This completely misses the point. It's got an integrated amp built in, Chris was talking about it as an audio component. The UPnP AV spec separates out control, server and renderer - umpteen benefits there. The only bit that has any impact on the sound is the renderer.

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    Hi Chris. As far as I know, The volume control on the Majik DS-I, is analog. Not digital as your review inferred. This is quite a big deal, as it is the only streamer in the Linn DS range so far, that uses analog volume within the one unit. I have the forum link clarifying this if you want. If you want to go with the pricier Akurate DS and Klimax DS for streamng and want analog control of volume output, you can switch this off in these using software, and run them into the corresponding Linn pre-amps. Regards Wap.

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    Hi Wap - I'd appreciate the Linn link so I can look further into this. At the time of my review Linn did approve the final version as factually correct.<br />

    <br />

    Thanks for raising this.

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    Chris. Here it is. <br />

    <br />

    http://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/showthread.php?tid=9578<br />

    <br />

    I thought I'd try and chase this down, as I am aware alot of people on this forum don't like digital volume control, or are confused about how it works. I fall into this category! So if you can also clarify this with Linn, and if it is in fact true, and how it works, maybe the Majik DS "all in one" might suit a few more computer audio folk. :)<br />

    <br />

    Discloser: I don't work for Linn. I just have some of their other gear.

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    Just switched out my wyred4sound dac driven by auraliti into wired sx 500 monos for a single majik dsi.<br />

    Resulting in the Majik (to my ears being the clear winner)<br />

    Better bass. Clearer instrument separation , more presence<br />

    The wyred was really good but compared to the Linn seemed warm and woolly<br />

    Speakers remained the same - quad esl's<br />

    Perhaps it is the reduction of power Cords and interconnects<br />

    Ethernet cable to Majik and Nas, o e power cord to Majik<br />

    Previous system 5 power cords ,1 Ethernet , 1 USB cable. 2 interconnects<br />

    I bought it on a whim and was fully prepared to be underwhelmed<br />

    Totally surprising!<br />

    Also before the purchase I researched the majik and was really put off by the many reviews that found it nearly impossible to configure.<br />

    I already had a Nas set up and just urged the Majik into the network and it was instantly found, downloaded chorus for pad and phone and was streaming instantly<br />

    Wonderful!<br />

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    In the original review, there was a poorer sound from the NAS to the Majik DS-I than from a PC. I have been continuously ugrading my system over the last 6 months until I am almost where I want to be to hear music streamed from an NAS. One of the things I learned, much to my surprise, was that ethernet cables make a difference in the sound. This was found by a comparison of six cables in a German audiophile magazine http://meicord.de/userfiles/028_LAN-Kabel%20neu1.pdf and independently reported by somebody who modifies the Squeezebox touche http://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.com/2011/01/soundchecks-squeezebox-touch-toolbox-20.html . I bought a set of MeiCord cables http://meicord.de/page1.html, which are not cheap but they do ship internationally and can communicate in English if approached by email, connected the QNAP to the ethernet switch with one and the switch to my Sneaky with a second. Previously, I was using ethernet cables bought at the local computer shop. The difference was staggering! The standard ethernet cables were removing a lot of the musicality.<br />

    <br />

    I tried for quite a while to implement a wireless connection to the Sneaky via an Access Point but gave up in the end, not because I have drop outs but because the music wasn't there.<br />

    <br />

    Just my experience.<br />

    <br />

    Mark

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