Upgrading a Linn Classik

I bought recently my first piece of Linn equipment, the lovely old classik music. I notice quite a few of the LK power amps come up at reasonable prices on ebay from time to time. Is it worth adding one to this machine and would there be any worthwhile benefit.

Absolutely, its often in fact where most people head after buying a classik which of course houses a fine transport that you would have to spend a lot to better anyway. Add a power amp and you'll get a better grip on whatever speakers your running, the LK 140 would show huge benefits. Then its time to look at replacing the pre using the Classik as a transport only. When it comes to changing the CD though you then have a big choice to make with your source.Do you stick with the black box range or move to the newer range

Incidently the Classik is rumoured to be being replaced sometime by a new model.. Pity as I have a soft spot for those diminutive black boxes, the new stuff looks less refined to me though obviously its the sound that matters.

Thanks for that I may look into it. I know my dealer has some used ones for sale at the moment.

It would be a good move on the upgrade route . However one immediate thing you could do with the Classik is get rid of the mains cable and use a better one, don't go mad even something like a hydra will do so you can connect that Sub up that I see in your picture. This will really make it even more musical at little cost, the Classik uses the old style power supply and likes a good source. Expect a sweeter treble and a more musical soundstage.

Lancashireboy wrote:It would be a good move on the upgrade route . However one immediate thing you could do with the Classik is get rid of the mains cable and use a better one, don't go mad even something like a hydra will do so you can connect that Sub up that I see in your picture. This will really make it even more musical at little cost, the Classik uses the old style power supply and likes a good source. Expect a sweeter treble and a more musical soundstage.

Really, I always thought the view was that the Linn mains lead was the one to stick with.

Danny wrote:
Really, I always thought the view was that the Linn mains lead was the one to stick with.

Somone with more knowledge may come along and give a reason, I don't think the Classik has the Linn switchmode power supply and may therefore be more influenced by the power chord. Then again I may be totally wrong but its worth trying. Just try before you buy. Some chords can give horrible results.

I'd suggest testing yourself to see if power cables make a difference for you - try some suitable power cables from ordinary domestic equipment (e.g. other A/V kit, fan heaters, kettles, etc). If they make an audible difference (better or worse), think about trying specialist power cables, otherwise save your money for a different upgrade. If possible, get someone to switch the leads for you without letting you know which is which.

I tried this with a number of bog-standard cheap power leads, but never heard a difference. Having said that, all my Linn kit (with the exception of an LK100) uses Brilliant switch-mode power supplies.

Here is an interesting article: Kettle Leads - an Audiophile Study ;-)