Linn News

Experience a new level of speaker performance with Akubarik

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:33:42 +0000

It’s here! The loudspeaker you’ve been waiting for! Experience an entirely new level of performance with Akubarik - our newest loudspeaker offering a simple design with intense sound.

Producing a precise, clean sound with lots of rich, deep bass, Akubarik boasts a host of innovative technologies, including developments previously only found in our top of the range Klimax system, letting you enjoy exceptional stereo playback from everything you listen to at home.

Akubarik offers fully Aktiv amplification, housed in one beautifully curved and compact cabinet, so you can enjoy the best sound without the need for a combination of separate amplifiers. All you need to do is add an Akurate DSM and you’ll have an incredible sounding music system.

Read about Akubarik’s pioneering technical advancements in detail and learn why it sounds so much better.

Be sure to come along to one of our Akubarik Launch nights and hear the difference for yourself. We have venues across the UK and Europe and there are more coming up.

New Kandid is the best sounding cartridge we've ever made

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:02:22 +0000

Discover hidden delights and intricate details from your entire record collection with our newest addition - Kandid. 40 years on from the introduction of our Sondek LP12 turntable, it's our best sounding cartridge to date.

When we set out to make Kandid our key aims were to reduce resonance, lower distortion and increase output over its already exceptional predecessor - Akiva. You only have to listen to Kandid to see that we’ve been successful with our mission.

With no cartridge housing, Kandid has been stripped back to expose the motor assembly, resulting in an even purer, cleaner sound - making your vinyl sound better than ever before.

We’ve significantly improved cartridge performance by using plastic instead of metal for the front yoke screw. This eliminates any magnetic interference to the delicate coils, reducing the overall weight of the cartridge, allowing the counterweight to be moved closer to the bearing point giving a quicker reaction to changes in the vinyl.

Repositioning of the stylus and cantilever within the cartridge body means Kandid can achieve the most accurate audio reproduction yet. The angle of the magnets and coil in the front pole piece has been off-set so that the stylus is parallel when the record is playing which ensures perfect alignment for precise movement on the record.

Kandid is the perfect partner for our Ekos SE tonearm. The chassis is machined from the same aircraft grade aluminium as the Ekos SE headshell and features our 3-point mount for completely rigid and precise coupling with the tonearm.

Hear from our expert

Learn more about Kandid from our expert as Linn Product Designer, David Williamson, tells us why Kandid sounds so much better.

Try Kandid

Kandid is currently available from a limited number of Linn Turntable Specialists - find a Kandid LP12 Klinik near you. Audition Kandid and bring your deck along on the day to get expert advice on how you can upgrade your turntable and enjoy even better sound.

If your retailer is not on the list, contact them to find out when they’ll have Kandid available for demonstration.

Introducing Akubarik - the loudspeaker you’ve been waiting for

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:57:06 +0000

We’re delighted to announce Akubarik - a new loudspeaker from Linn that stands apart from the crowd.

Incorporating 40 years of Linn loudspeaker knowledge and expertise, Akubarik includes a host of ground-breaking technical developments as well as building on key technologies from our reference Klimax 350A loudspeakers.

The newest addition to our Akurate range, Akurate DSM plus Akubarik is all you need to enjoy exceptional performance from a beautifully simple music system.

Akubarik is coming to a Linn Specialist near you in April - sign up to make sure you get all the latest info as soon as it becomes available.

Presenting Amy Winehouse at our latest Linn events

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:47:02 +0000

Join us for Linn Lounge presents Amy Winehouse, where we’ll be celebrating the legendary career of one of Britain’s most fearless celebrities. With life cut short at only 27, Amy Winehouse had already achieved more ups and downs than most can expect in a lifetime. Let us take you on a musical journey, uncovering the life, loves and motivations beneath the beehive.

We’ll be listening to Amy’s posthumous album ‘Lioness: Hidden Treasures’, featuring previously unreleased tracks, alternate versions of existing classics as well as a couple of brand new Amy compositions. Played in Studio Master - the highest quality download available - you’ll discover the true sound of the music, exactly as it was recorded.

In today’s fast paced and frenzied environment we often forget to set aside quality listening time. Moments when we can focus our attention entirely on the great sound of our favourite artist or the hidden delights of a well-loved melody.

Our Linn Lounge events give you the chance to hear great music from some iconic artists on a Linn system, while also learning about their motivations and creative influences.

You’ll also get the chance to hear some of your favourite music. Whether it's the latest Studio Master download, a track from Spotify or even a movie, Linn systems get the best sound from everything you listen to at home.

There’ll be Linn staff on hand to answer any of your questions, and a selection of tasty snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter and be the first to hear about future Linn Lounge evenings. We’ve got a whole treasure trove of musicians waiting for you.

Introducing Sneaky DSM - the newest addition to our Linn DS family

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:17:47 +0000

If you’re thinking about getting into streaming, Sneaky DSM is a great place to start. Designed to get better sound from all your home entertainment sources, Sneaky DSM has everything you need in one slim box - just add your loudspeakers and plug it into your home network.

An all-purpose streamer, Sneaky DSM not only plays all music at exceptional quality - CDs, downloads, online content, internet radio - it makes movies, games and TV sound better than ever too.

Connect to your world

Songcast simplifies how you listen at home, letting you listen to iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and Netflix from the comfort of your sofa and also share great sound all round your home.

As well as getting you away from your computer, Sneaky DSM plays nicely with AirPlay - send any sound from your iPad or iPhone to your system and instantly enjoy your favourite music in glorious Linn quality.

Puts you in control

Browse artwork, create playlists and control all your music with a device you already love. Whether it’s an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android phone or tablet, PC or Mac - even the humble remote - mix and match to let everyone in the family pick their own favourite way to control Sneaky DSM.

Enjoy great sound everywhere

The beauty of the network is you can start with a Sneaky DSM in one room then expand into more rooms with more systems whenever you like, letting you stream music throughout your home. Each room can pick its own soundtrack or you can play the same music everywhere, so parties no longer remain in the kitchen!

Where can I hear it?

Available in 3 finishes - black, silver and white - Sneaky DSM adds style to any room, making everything you listen to at home sound better.

To hear the great sound of Sneaky DSM for yourself, contact your retailer or find a shop near you. You'll get a chance to listen to some of your favourite songs - 10 minutes or 2 hours - we'll make sure you get as much listening time as you like.

Presenting Mark Knopfler at our latest Linn events

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:05:53 +0000

In reflection of an impressive 35 year career, Mark Knopfler was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his continuing success in the music industry. Join us at a Linn Lounge presents… event near you and discover Knoplfer’s fascinating story, from humble roots to global success as an inspirational solo artist and Dire Straits front man.

We’ll be listening to Knopfler’s latest album ‘Privateering’ in Studio Master, as well as a few of our favourite Dire Straits tracks.

Studio Master is the highest download quality available. It lets you hear music exactly as it was recorded - before it was squashed down to MP3 size or altered to fit on a CD.

Hailed as one of the world’s greatest guitarist’s, Knopfler considers himself foremost a songwriter and there’s a stunningly eclectic selection of tracks on this latest double side album. Join us at your nearest retailer for an evening of Celtic folk, sea shanty pipes, electric blues and even some dreamy Americana.

You’ll also get the chance to hear some of your favourite music on a Linn system. Whether it's the latest Studio Master download, a track from Spotify or even a movie, Linn systems get the best sound from everything you listen to at home.

There’ll be Linn staff on hand to answer any of your questions, and a selection of tasty snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed.

Our Linn Lounge presents… events give you the chance to hear some celebrated artists on a Linn system while enjoying a deeper insight into their lives, loves and motivations. Join us on Facebook and Twitter and be the first to hear about future Linn Lounge presents… evenings. We’ve got a whole treasure trove of musicians waiting for you.

Treat yourself to great sound with our special offer

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:36:01 +0000

The Christmas festivities may be over for another year but you can still treat yourself with our special offer* - a fantastic music package worth up to £2500 when you buy a Klimax or Akurate DS / DSM player before 19th February.

Klimax package	Akurate package
1. A Mac mini	1. A Mac mini
2. 100 Studio Master albums	2. 50 Studio Master albums
3. £100 worth of music vouchers	3. £50 worth of music vouchers

The Mac mini is preloaded with a great selection of Studio Master albums from Linn artists** including the multi-award winning Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Dunedin Consort, William Orbit, Emily Barker and Claire Martin.

With over 700 Studio Master titles you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to spend your music vouchers***. There’s everything from award-winning classical and jazz to the latest rock, pop and electronica including The Rolling Stones, Benjamin Grosvenor, Mumford and Sons, Susan Wong, Emma Pollok (The Delgados) and Mark Knopfler.

Passionate about making the best recordings, Linn Records were the first to champion Studio Master downloads. Studio Master is the highest quality music download available anywhere. It lets you hear a music exactly as it was recorded, before it was altered to fit on a CD or squashed down to MP3 size.

This fabulous offer lets you enjoy better sound from everything you listen to at home, whether it’s a Studio Master download, your iTunes collection, Blu-Ray player, games console or TV. Create party playlists from the comfort of your couch or relax with crystal clear quality from all your favourite online apps such as YouTube or Netflix.

Find your nearest retailer and hear the difference a Linn makes for yourself.

* Terms and conditions apply
** William Orbit, Emily Barker & Claire Martin with Klimax offer only
*** Please note, not all albums are available to purchase in all territories

Presenting Mumford & Sons at our latest Linn events

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 10:17:09 +0000

We're kicking off the New Year with one of the greatest musical success stories of 2012. Come along to a Linn Lounge presents event near you and discover the blossoming career and stunning sound of the folk-rock, bluegrass quartet Mumford & Sons.

Mumford & Sons have seen a rapid ascent to stardom with their latest album 'Babel' becoming the fastest selling album of 2012 in both the UK and US. And they’re probably still the nicest blokes you’ll meet in show business.

We’ll be playing some foot-stomping, toe-tapping tunes from ‘Babel’ in Studio Master - the highest quality download available anywhere, letting you hear the music exactly as it was recorded.

There will be Linn staff on hand to answer any of your questions and a selection of tasty snacks and drinks to you keep refreshed throughout the evening.

After the event you’ll also get the chance to hear some of your own favourite music on a selection of Linn systems. Whether it’s the latest Studio Master download, a track from Spotify or even a movie, Linn systems get the best sound from everything you listen to at home.

So let Mumford & Sons inspire a successful start to your 2013 with a Linn Lounge presents… event at a retailer near you or come along to one of our Linn Lounge presents... The Rolling Stones evenings and learn all about 'The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band'.

Our Linn Lounge presents… events give you the chance to hear the great sound of some celebrated artists on a Linn system while enjoying a deeper insight into their lives and loves. Join us on Facebook and Twitter and be the first to hear about future Linn Lounge presents… evenings. We’ve got a whole treasure trove of musicians waiting for you.

Don't miss last chance to renew your Akurate DS

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:03:04 +0000

Our fantastic Renew DS offer for Akurate owners ends soon - don’t miss out!

This very special upgrade offer, available until 19th February 2013, not only improves the sound of your existing system but lets you share great sound with another room of your home too using Songcast.

We’re also re-opening Renew DS orders for Klimax during this limited period, so take advantage before it’s too late.

Renew DS is a special upgrade package that lets you update your system with the latest DS audio performance and turns your old audio board into a second working DS player.

The upgrade package comprises:

the latest DS audio board which fits into your existing Linn DS player and improves the sound quality
a new product that contains a power supply and your old Linn DS audio board, giving you a Renew DS player for a second room of your home - just add power amps and speakers

What’s more, you’ll automatically receive a new 5 year parts and labour warranty on both DS players from the date you upgrade.

The latest Klimax DS audio board was introduced in April 2011, while the Akurate DS audio board was introduced in November 2010 and both offer improved audio performance over the original audio board thanks to:

a new lower jitter master clock
an improved DAC power supply and layout
a new lower distortion output circuit

Contact your retailer today to find out more and hear the difference with the latest Klimax and Akurate systems.

Note: the Klimax DS and Akurate DS audio boards can also be purchased separately as an upgrade.

Enjoy your Christmas gift, with love from Linn

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:42:02 +0000

Get in the festive spirit with a free Studio Master download every day until Christmas.

With 24 days of magical recordings from a host of great musicians, you can relax from the bustle of Christmas and enjoy a musical gift from Linn.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy - from the lively lilts of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a captivating concerto from the Avison Ensemble, to foot-stomping indie-rock band Admiral Fallow and the absorbing rhythms of Emma Pollock (The Delgados).

Each track is available in Studio Master - the highest quality download available anywhere, letting you hear a song exactly as it was recorded. Every note, every beat captured just as it sounded before it was shrunk to fit on CD or squashed down to MP3 size.

Don’t forget to check back each day - by Christmas you’ll have an unbelievable playlist, with love from Linn.

If you missed days 1 - 4, here are the promo codes you need. Hurry though, they expire on 8th December.

Day 1: Dunedin Consort DAY1HEG3

Day 2: Trashcan Sinatras DAY2EF6T

Day 3: Scottish Chamber Orchestra DAY3P9LK

Day 4: Human Don’t Be Angry aka Malcolm Middleton DAY4RB7Y

Presenting The Rolling Stones at our latest Linn events

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:16:34 +0000

Following great feedback from our George Harrison events, Linn invite you back to your nearest retailer this December for another musical journey. Join us for Linn Lounge presents… The Rolling Stones and discover the creative influences and inspirations behind the ‘Worlds Greatest Rock and Roll Band’.

In celebration of their 50 year legacy, we’ll be playing the Rolling Stones’ latest album ‘GRRR!’ in Studio Master - the highest quality download available anywhere, letting you hear the music exactly as it was recorded.

With 50 spectacular tracks ‘GRRR!’ tells the Rolling Stones’ fascinating ongoing story with everything from their first single ‘Come On’ and party-hit chart topper ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ to their two latest releases 'Doom and Gloom' and 'One Last Shot'.

Knowledgeable Linn staff will be on hand to answer any of your questions and there’ll be a selection of tasty snacks and drinks to you keep refreshed throughout the evening.

After each event you’ll get the chance to hear some of your own favourite music on a selection of Linn systems. Whether it’s the latest Studio Master download, a track from Spotify or even a movie, Linn systems get the best sound from everything you listen to at home.

So start the festive period with a Linn Lounge presents… The Rolling Stones event near you and get in the party spirit with some truly iconic tracks.

Our Linn Lounge presents… events give you the chance to hear the great sound of some celebrated artists on a Linn system while enjoying a deeper insight into the drive and motivations behind their masterpieces. Join us on Facebook and Twitter and be the first to hear about future Linn Lounge presents… evenings. We’ve got a whole treasure trove of musicians waiting for you.

Presenting George Harrison at our latest Linn events

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:07:32 +0000

Join us for Linn Lounge presents… George Harrison at a Linn retailer near you and we’ll take you on a musical journey through the life, loves and inspirations of this often side-tracked Beatle.

As the first in a series of Linn Lounge presents… events, we’ll be listening to ‘Early Takes Volume 1’ - a unique collection of previously unreleased tracks.

Originally debuted as a companion piece to Martin Scorsese’s critically-acclaimed documentary ‘Living the Material World’, this album provides a fascinating look into the creative influences behind George Harrison’s music.

The album will be played on a Linn system in Studio Master, the highest download quality available, letting you hear each track exactly as it was recorded.

Our Linn Lounge presents… events give you the chance to hear the great sound of some iconic artists on a Linn system while enjoying a deeper insight into the drive and motivations behind their masterpieces.

Knowledgeable Linn staff will be on hand to answer any of your questions and there’ll be a selection of tasty snacks and drinks to you keep refreshed throughout the evening.

So come along to a Linn Lounge presents… George Harrison event near you and learn about the man behind the Beatle or join us on Facebook and Twitter and be the first to hear about future Linn Lounge presents… evenings. We’ve got a whole treasure trove of musicians waiting for you.

What Hi-Fi? award Kiko 'Best Streaming System'

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 10:14:16 +0000

It seems like only yesterday that we launched our latest network music system, Kiko, but we are delighted to announce today that it won ‘Best Streaming System, £2,000 +’ in the prestigious What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Awards 2012.

After months of deliberation and thousands of hours spent testing the ‘best of the best’, What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision have picked Kiko as ‘best-in-class’. Check out their 5 star review where they declare Kiko ‘bang on the money.’

Everyone’s raving about Kiko, with 5 star reviews streaming in from tech experts and music fans across the globe, including Mail on Sunday, What Hi-Fi?, Slashgear and Stuff.

Everyone loves Kiko

Kiko was awarded ‘Product of the Month’ in the Gramophone Awards 2012. Praising the ‘neat Setup Wizard’, Gramophone noted that ‘Kiko was up and running in about 10 minutes flat’, making it the ideal hi-fi for the modern customer.

Convenient and compact, Gramophone explain that this ‘seriously cute system’ can play ‘everything from bargain-basement MP3 right up to 192kHz/24-bit hi-res audio’.

Hi-Fi Choice have also offered a superb 5 star review, selecting Kiko as Editors Choice. After rigorous sound testing, they declared Kiko ‘a genuine success’ that is both ‘spellbinding and a true pleasure to listen to’ and makes ‘any song compelling and involving to hear.’

And it’s not just music that sounds incredible with Kiko. Tech magazine T3 love our latest network music player, describing it as an attractive and versatile system that ‘can also beef up your TV’s sound output, connecting via HDMI’, while Stuff have written another impressive 5 star review stating that Kiko is a great ‘hub for a cinema system as well as just a hi-fi.’

Kiko looks as good as it sounds

Cute, colourful, and compact, Kiko is a music system that fits perfectly into your home, providing everything you need for great sound in any room.

Enjoy crystal clear quality from all your favourite music, movies and games, plus get better sound from apps such as iTunes, Spotify, YouTube or Netflix. Control it all from a laptop, tablet or phone.

The Linn Kiko system includes the Kiko DSM network music player, a Linn DS player with fully integrated amplification, and bookshelf Kiko speakers. Kiko is available in 6 different colours.

Learn more about Kiko and hear the difference for yourself at a retailer near you.

'Linn Kiko takes Airplay up a level' -Slashgear

'Sleek, compact and with an excellent sound, Kiko looks like a winner for style victims and streaming fanatics alike' - Stuff

'Sweet streams are made of this'- Mail on Sunday

'Sleek, stylish and fun to use, Kiko also has the performance to impress' - What Hi-Fi?

Linn leads debate on Future of Music at Reeperbahn

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:50:08 +0000

This year our Managing Director, Gilad Tiefenbrun, was invited to Reeperbahn music festival to talk about the importance of high quality sound in today’s music market. Gilad has a passion for high resolution music, seeking to enrich people’s lives with great sound throughout the home.

Set within the bustling music metropolis of Hamburg, Reeperbahn is an upcoming festival that features over 250 exciting new acts and plays host to a number of influential seminars and workshops from leading music industry professionals across the globe.

Gilad led a captivating discussion, questioning the future of digital music and criticising the convenience over quality mantra brought about by the internet age. In a society that is used to everything being instantly available, convenience has overruled the importance of top quality sound and this poses an intense problem for the music industry.

When the digital age dawned with the launch of the CD in the early 1980s, and later compressed MP3 files, we were promised ‘pure, perfect, sound forever’. Music industry profits rose dramatically as a result, however this revolutionary shift marked the demise of music quality and ultimately led to the music industry crisis present today. Tracks were squashed into inferior formats, altering the original studio recording and sacrificing the dynamic range and subtle delicacies of the music. Gilad notes;

‘It’s never been more important to record music at the highest quality. We can now listen to music at the same quality it was recorded at in the studio. The only way forward is for the industry to make 24-bit Studio Master music recordings that capture the full performance and provide these as downloads. That means a deeper emotional connection with music for everyone.’

In today’s fast-paced, technology-obsessed environment it seems that the quest for top quality listening has been usurped by an increasing desire for music streaming convenience. There is no doubt that the accessibility of music is greater now than it ever has been and this is a fantastic advancement. Digital downloads have revolutionised the entire music industry. With Spotify and YouTube at our fingertips we can listen to our favourite artists, long-lost tracks or the latest bands within a few simple seconds. But unfortunately, for the average listener, this tends to mean a compromise on quality. The digital age has lost touch with the deeply personal and emotional experience of great sound.

A desire to recapture the intricate subtleties in every recording inspired Gilad to search for a digital solution that would unleash the true sound of each track. Adapting alongside the music industry’s technological advances and a consumer demand for convenience, Linn systems play all digital music but in the highest resolution possible. A Linn system brings music to life in its full glory - transcending the limitations of the CD and making everything sound better.

It’s essential that the music industry moves forward to combine high resolution sound with the increased convenience of digital music. It’s about time that we enjoyed the best quality from everything we listen to.

Visit our Facebook page to see some great pictures from Gilad’s talk as well as Linn’s Listening Lounge event, where Gilad was joined with a guest performance from the foot stomping Scottish folk/rock band Admiral Fallow. You can even hear the difference of Studio Master music for yourself with a free download of Admiral Fallow’s hit song ‘Old Balloons’.

Kiko wins 5 star reviews

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:40:31 +0000

Our latest network music system, Kiko, has been storming the market with 5 star reviews from What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, Stuff and the Mail on Sunday Live magazine.

Praising Kiko as ‘the best digital music "streamer" ever’ the Mail on Sunday describes our new system as ‘future proof’ and ‘a sublime piece of Linn kit’ that is ‘made to fit in nicely with your décor’.

Stuff celebrates Kiko as a hot new digital streaming solution, stating; ‘Sleek, compact and with an excellent sound, Kiko looks like a winner for style victims and streaming fanatics alike’.

Also commending Kiko as ‘Sleek, stylish, and fun to use’ What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision believe this Linn DS system to be ‘bang on the money’, noting that ‘the sound is big, confident and easy to listen to while at the same time drawing you into the music.’

Kiko works straight out of the box and is simple enough for everyone to use. Check out What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision’s ‘Linn Kiko unboxing’ video and discover just how easy Kiko is to get going with our step-by step Setup Wizard.

Read these 5 star reviews in full or discover the exceptional sound quality for yourself at a Linn retailer near you.