Spring Newsletter April 2025

Show Time!!

It is that time of year again…we recently exhibited at the fabulous Audio Show Deluxe in March – thank you to Kudos Audio, REL Acoustics and Melco for partnering with us in an active system featuring the new unpowered active Sigao Crossover from Kudos Audio and the new S1 Network Switch from Melco. Full system is listed below. It’s now just under three months until our next audio show, this time with a more modest system, at The North West Audio Show during the weekend of 21-22 June. More below about these shows and some fantastic new products, as well as news about our February mYtunes and our next mYtunes evening on April 24th.

We demonstrate, supply and install hi-fi systems you can live with, which perform and surprise beyond expectations. Let us know how we can help you acquire or upgrade to the music system you have always dreamed of – single room music or multi-room music, including our full expert installation and aftercare.

New Product – Linn Majik DSM

NEW Majik DSM– a serious piece of kit…

Majik DSM is the accessible distillation of the best Linn can offer. It sets the benchmark for all-in-one digital music players, both in build- and sound-quality.

Designed by the same team, engineered on the same machinery, and built by the same technicians –with all the same care and attention-to-detail as Linn’s flagship products –Majik DSM is a serious piece of kit!

In 2007, Linn was the first to commit to streaming as a genuine audiophile format. They designed and manufactured the world’s first product able to play Studio Master-quality music files in your living room– leaving CD and MP3 in the dust.

Majik DSM is the descendant of Linn’s original flagship streaming player; the beneficiary of more years of digital audio innovation in the industry than anyone else. It stands distinct from the rest. Every electrical component, every piece of aluminium, steel, silicon and glass is tailored expressly for Majik DSM by Linn’s multi-disciplined team of engineers; presented in a future-proof product which is built-to-last.

All-in-one network music player with integrated stereo power amplifier

Overview:

Audio formats: FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, DSD(64/128/256), MP3, WMA (except lossless), AIFF, AAC, OGG
Resolution: Up to 24-bit/384kHz
Integrated Services: TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Deezer,AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, airable, TuneIn, Calm Radio
Power Amps: 100W Class D x 2
HDMI Spec: HDMI 2.0 – Supports: 4k resolution @ 60 Hz,4:4:4, HDCP 2.2, HDR, ARC, eARC, CEC, data rate 18Gbps
Connectivity: Ethernet x1/Exakt Link x1
WiFi: Yes (802.11ac)
Bluetooth: Yes (4.2)
Inputs: HDMI eARC x1/Toslink x1/SPDIF x1 (configurable as output)/USB (Type C) x1/Line Level Phono (RCA) x2/MM Phono (RCA) x1/MC Phono (RCA) x1
Outputs: Binding-post / Banana / Spade x2 pairs/RCA Phono x1 pair/RCA Subwoofer Out x2/SPDIF x1 (configurable as output)/1/4 inch Headphone Jack x1
Construction: Precision-cut and folded aluminium
Finish: Black
Dimensions: 350mm (W) x 114mm (H) x 372mm (D)
Weight: 5.7 kg

A robust chassis formed of precision-punched and folded aluminium lends Majik DSM superb rigidity and isolation for its internal components. The resultant performance improvement this provides is bolstered by three solid steel feet on rubber pads, which serve to further reduce unwanted vibration throughout the product.

The Majik DSM DAC features Linn-designed precision clocking and upsampling. Uprated integrated amplification, derived from the Selekt DSM power amp cartridge, introduces a post-filter feedback loop for the first time in Majik DSM. This reduces noise and distortion dramatically, and improves efficiency.

Majik DSM is built differently; it sounds, looks, and superior build and precision-engineering are evident throughout. The stylish and subtly curvaceous black outer sleeve is formed from a single piece of 2mm-thick aluminium sheet. It’s punched, cut, and precisely folded to exceedingly high tolerances before being sprayed with a powder paint coat, cured to a satin-like sheen, and finished with a crisp, UV-printed Linn logo. All inhouse.

The sleeve transitions pleasingly to an optical-grade acrylic fascia, which floats at the front of Majik DSM. This in turn houses a sharp, monochrome TFT display which illuminates unobtrusively to inform the listener of track information before fading back to invisibility after a few moments. Majik DSM’s clean frontal aspect is crowned by a cut glass, rotary control dial – a beautiful and practical feature now synonymous with Linn’s contemporary crop of network music players.

Connect analogue sources to one of Majik DSM’s dedicated MM, MC, or either pair of line level inputs; connect a TV and experience video sources over high-bandwidth eARC; connect headphones, subwoofer, or a computer-hosted music library—and it has Exakt Link for future-proofing.

Whatever you connect to Majik DSM, it just works – and beautifully. Majik DSM features, as standard, Linn’s unique room correction software – Space Optimisation. This powerful tool means you are guaranteed the best performance possible, no matter the size, shape, or construction of your living room.

Majik DSM is the category-leading all-in-one streamer, pre-amplifier, DAC, and power amplifier – with all the connectivity you will ever need. It’s a serious piece of kit…

New Product – Klimax LP12 Bedrok Plinth

Bedrok™ plinth now available for LP12

First seen in limited edition Sondek LP12-50, and now available for LP12, Bedrok™ is the first-ever, plinth performance upgrade from Linn. Formed of orthogonal layers of beech placed under extreme pressure and heat to create an entirely new, solid and massive material; this engineered, ultra-dense wood has negligible resonance and offers a superior isolating housing for an LP12’s mechanism.

The LP12 plinth affects everything. Everything is mounted to it, and every component depends on the combination of its stability, acoustic isolation and resonance characteristics. With more than double the density of a standard LP12 plinth, Bedrok™ is uniformly solid and ultra-low resonance.

Bedrok™ technology makes each component the plinth houses perform better. It’s an holistic upgrade which improves every aspect of an LP12 – more pace, tighter bass, greater insight and enjoyment!

Bedrok™ is available in a single, distinctive finish; its constituent natural beechwood layers are enhanced and protected with a simple coat of oil.

Availability Information: this Klimax-level plinth upgrade is now available.

Booplinth

Trevor pictured this week eagerly inspecting the first of a new Booplinth batch, with a first glance before final checks and installation on a client’s LP12.

Designed as an upgrade for any spec of LP12, Booplinth is the original one-piece, precision machined plinth and universal performance upgrade for any Linn Sondek LP12 – we designed Booplinth to apply the highly effective acoustic isolation properties of bamboo to a new and advanced plinth, that reduces vibrations by more effectively housing and isolating all of the LP12’s component parts – this includes all Linn mechanics – bearings, inner and outer platter, sub chassis, internal power supply and motor, Linn top plate, tonearm and cartridge.

Available since 2015, Booplinth offers a transformational performance, revealing recorded detail not apparent with the traditional LP12 plinth construction, no matter the spec of the LP12.

For more information visit the Booplinth website and feel free to contact us for a demonstration.

New Product – Melco S1 Network Switch

£12.5k may seem a lot to spend on a network switch, but for those who have invested heavily in a music system it is actually a small price to pay considering the immense improvements to sound quality and streaming clarity.

We were sceptical at first to see how much of an improvement could be achieved compared to our incumbent demonstrator Melco S2 network switch, and we were instantly hooked – a good test of the new S1 network switch (or any network switch) is listening to internet radio – and which does not sound like internet radio anymore! The S1 drastically improves internet streams from Radio Paradise – our favourite music station which broadcasts in 16 bit CD quality – but the S1 makes it sound hires!

Just imagine how the S1 can improve all music streams no matter their origin – a dedicated network home music library or elsewhere. A drastic improvement.

Discover how network noise harms the true listening steaming experience.

The S1 is Melco’s flagship data switch meticulously crafted for high-end audio performance. Building on expertise developed through the S100 audio network switch, the separate linear power supply model S10, and the premier Music Library N1, the S1 represents the pinnacle of innovation.

The S1 is equipped with a fully designed main board that incorporates unique features tailored specifically for high-end network audio. This ensures optimal performance and unparalleled sound quality, allowing you to experience your music like never before.

With innovative link speed selection and various connector options, users can easily tailor the S1 to create the perfect network environment for their audio systems. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, the S1 provides the flexibility you need to achieve the best possible audio experience.

Elevate your listening experience with the S1 Flagship Network Switch – where cutting-edge technology meets exquisite sound quality.

Features:

Link Speed Selector
Uniquely, the Melco S1 gives the user capability to fine tune each data port for Link Speed directly from the front panel in real time. The front panel buttons mirror the back panel layout with each port having a single button to select Link Speed which is confirmed by color coded feedback of the button illumination. In this way the user can configure the status of each port for the environment and hardware that it connects to.

Additionally any unused port can be selected to be OFF.Rear panel link / Act LEDs can be disabled by the button on the rear panel.

External clock input
Professional grade Neutrik RJ45 connectors assure reliable connectivity and internal electronics is built around dedicated audio-optimized technology with high grade internal NDK clock, and low noise linear power supply with condenser bank as used in the Melco N1 Music Library.

S1 Network Switch Specification:

Ports
4 x SFP+ (No.1-4, 10Gbps/1Gbps/OFF selectable)
7 x RJ45 (No.5-11, 1Gbps/100Mbps/10Mbps/OFF selectable)
USB 2.0 (for power supply only)
Output Current
SFP+ Port (4 Ports Total): Max. 1.8 A (DC 3.3 V)
USB Port: Max. 0.9 A (DC 5 V)
Clock Input
BNC, 10MHz, 50Ω, 0.5–5 Vpp
Power
Dedicated 12 V toroidal separate power supply
Size 440 x 82 x 353 mm (W H L)
Weight Approx.14 kg
Model name
Silver : S1-X-E (AC230V) / S1-X-EA (AC120V)
Black : S1-XB-E (AC230V) / S1-XB-EA (AC120V)

Remember – you aren’t aware of network noise until it’s gone!

Also, if you are a DAC user, then also consider the superlative NUPRIME DAC with a Melco server music library…we can arrange home dems as well as here at brianandtrevors.

mYtunes! evenings.

We enjoyed the return of our mYtunes guest playlist evenings on Thursday February 20th.. Our guest mYtuner – Gary Barton – a lifelong music lover and audiophile. presented his 14 significant music tracks and hi-fi journey. We thank Gary for his informative and entertaining presentation, and the thought and consideration given to selecting his playlist which may seem like an easy task – but its isn’t!

Gary’s mYtunes playlist:

20-second preludes: A Windmill in Old Amsterdam – Ronnie Hilton/Puff the Magic Dragon – Peter Paul and Mary/Nellie the Elephant – Mandy Miller/Right Said Fred – Bernard Cribbins/Hello Mother Hello Father – Allan Sherman/The Runaway Train – Michael Holliday.

Albatross – Fleetwood Mac (1968). 3.10

The Witch’s Promise – Jethro Tull (1970)) 3.47

Lucky Man – Emerson, Lake and Palmer (1970) 4.38

The Night Watch – King Crimson (1974) 4.41

Frankenstein – The Edgar Winter Group (1972) 9.14

Gold Finger – Shirley Bassey (1964) 2.48

Not Fade Away – The Rolling Stones 1.47

Florentine Pogen – Frank Zappa (1974) 5.25

Toccata in F major Charles Marie Widor (Edit 1.30) – Kalevi Kiviniemi recital from St Ouen church, Rouen, France

State of Independence – Donna Summer (1981) 5.50

Sweet Thing – David Bowie (1974) 9 mins

I’m Only Sleeping – The Beatles (1966) 2.58

Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead (1995) 4.49

Song For My Father – Horace Silver (1965) 7.18

Our next mYtunes evening on Thursday April 24th from 7:30pm.

Presented by Jav Rathor

When Jav isn’t enjoying the great outdoors, he relaxes with music in the family home. We are delighted that Jav offered to share and present his significant 14 tracks with his journey through music and playback systems.

Having already seen Jav’s mYtunes playlist, we know this will be another mYtunes evening to remember..

A few words from Jav –

“I grew up in Salford and was heavily influenced by the music of the late 70s and early 80s post punk /new wave / synth scenes.Coupled with DJs like John Peel and Tony “The Greek” on Piccadilly 261. This encouraged my early music buying. My habit was of only buying the extended 12 ” versions for maximum pleasure. My taste in electronic sound naturally drew me towards dance… investing many ££s in electro , early hip hop, Italo disco, house, acid, and techno.

As a complete opposite I was always into prog/metal, particular favs Hawkwind, Maiden and Motörhead. As the years have passed, I have become a collector as much as a listener. I’m enjoying dark ambient sounds and other worldly sounding movie soundtracks. Also, modern take on post punk/ synth. Dance music is never far from my ears and heavily influenced by intergalactic FM internet radio from the Hague. Up until very recently I hadn’t invested much in my hi fi from 2003.Due to space for speakers, the system confined to loft listening. I had B&W speakers, Denon Amp, Marantz CD player, Technics Turntable and for nostalgia, my Yamaha tape deck. It felt a million miles away from the family gold coloured Marantz hifi stack system with graphic eq from 80s.

We recently moved into a house with more space, I decided to treat myself to a new set up in a dedicated room. Initially I thought B&W speakers and Naim amp… after a visit to Brian and Trevor I was rightly set on the correct path to ATC SCM40A speakers and LINN Selekt Organik. Modest by some standards in the world o fexpensive hifi but perfect for my budget and my wife’s heart rate. There is a bedroom DJ inside of me and a new limited edition green technics 1200 turntable firms up the system. I’ve never been so content as sitting on my own being taken to another place listening to some amazing sounding music… in particular electronic based or the recent Dune soundtrack!”

mYtunes is an informal gathering at brianandtrevors with lots of interesting music presented with a high-spec audio system. We are always on the lookout for more willing mYtunes victims! – so let us know if you would like to be a mYtunes presenter – it’s a lot of fun and a great way for others to discover new music by listening to someone else’s personal favourites.

Register with us to attend on April 24th by clicking here .

Recent Client Installations

We supply and install hi-fi systems you can live with. Choose from a range of finish options and RAL custom colours. We installed this Linn/Naim/ATC system as our client wanted a high gloss walnut LInn LP12 plinth with matching ATC SCM 50 passive loudspeakers in crown-cut walnut. Looks as lovely as it sounds!

We demonstrate, supply and install hi-fi systems you can live with, which perform and surprise beyond expectations. Let us know how we can help you acquire or upgrade to the music system you have always dreamed of. Single room or with additional multi-room music, including our full expert installation and aftercare.

Audio Show Deluxe 22-23 March.

Thank you to everyone who came to listen with us at this lovely show.

Thank you to Kudos Audio, REL Acoustics and Melco for partnering with us. We presented music with an Active system featuring the new unpowered active Sigao Crossover from Kudos Audio and the new S1 Network Switch from Melco.

Read the full show report he re

The North West Audio Show

The North West Audio Show gets better and better each year.
We will be in the Mercer room again, so register by clicking the banner below and come and see us!

Current Linn Supported Trade-In Schemes:

• Linn Akurate DS/DSM to Selekt DSM Edition Hub.

• Linn Akurate System Hub/Exakt DSM to Selekt DSM Edition Hub or Klimax DSM system Hub.

• Linn Akurate Exaktbox 6/10 to Klimax Exaktbox w/Organik DAC.

Please contact us for full details on these promotions and substantial savings.

Ex-Dem and Approved Used

If interested in any of the items listed please get in touch for further details – remember, the price may be right for the item but the item may not be right for you, we would rather discuss your needs so you can be sure you are making the right decision. View here.

Why Wait?

Just a reminder that we also offer finance and to review your options here:

Finance

https://www.houseoflinn.com/finance/