The perennial debate in high-fidelity audio often revolves around identifying the most impactful components for system upgrades. Recently, a presentation of the new $42k Linn Klimax Streamer/DAC sparked discussions about the primary technological advancements in such high-end devices. The presenter unequivocally emphasized the Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) as the pivotal upgrade. However, a comparative listening experience suggests a more nuanced perspective, particularly when considering the holistic contribution of both the DAC and the streamer sections within these sophisticated units.
It’s understandable that from a marketing standpoint, Linn might highlight their innovative FPGA-based Organik DACs. Yet, dismissing the significance of advancements in other areas, such as the casework and the enhanced clock within the streamer section, would be an oversimplification. The reality is that both aspects contribute profoundly to the overall sound quality.
This point is effectively illustrated by Linn’s Klimax DSM/3 Hub and the separate Exaktboxes, which house the Organik DACs. This configuration neatly segregates the streamer and DAC elements of the integrated Klimax DSM, allowing for a direct Comparative Analysis. An afternoon spent rigorously comparing these components against their predecessors – the older Klimax DSM and Klimax Exaktboxes equipped with Katalyst DACs – revealed intriguing insights.
While the Organik DAC undeniably delivered a smoother and more refined sonic texture, the upgraded Klimax DSM/3 streamer section arguably provided a more fundamental enhancement. This improvement manifested in a heightened ability to discern and follow the melodic flow and rhythmic nuances of the music. For this listener, the streamer upgrade seemed to unlock a more engaging and musically coherent presentation.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the subjective nature of audio perception. While personal preference leaned towards the streamer’s contribution, others present during the comparative listening session held differing views. Some advocated for a 60/40 split in favor of the DACs, emphasizing their advancements in resolution and detail retrieval. Anecdotal evidence from users who upgraded their older Klimax DSMs to Organik DACs further complicates the picture, with some claiming to achieve approximately 90% of the new model’s performance at a fraction of the cost.
Quantifying sonic improvements with numerical precision remains inherently problematic. The claim of a 90% performance gain from a DAC upgrade alone seems speculative. Furthermore, personal biases, such as warranty considerations or the relative cost-effectiveness of different upgrade paths (the DSM/3 Hub upgrade being less expensive than the DAC upgrade at the time), can subtly influence subjective evaluations.
Adding another layer to this comparative analysis is the recent introduction of Linn’s Utopik power supply for the DSM/3 Hub. Reports from the Linn Owners forum suggest that this power supply upgrade for the streamer section yields a further noticeable improvement in sound quality, reinforcing the streamer’s crucial role in the overall system performance. Ultimately, determining the “better” upgrade – DAC or streamer – is not a matter of absolute figures but rather a nuanced appreciation of individual sonic priorities and the synergistic interplay of components within a high-end audio system.
