When it comes to audiophile-grade hi-fi, few names carry the same weight as Linn. And now, with the launch of the all-new Klimax Solo 500, the Scottish manufacturer has taken everything it knows about world-class amplification and created its finest compact monoblock amp to date.
Reimagined from the ground up, the Klimax Solo 500 isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a total evolution. Designed for those who demand pure, uncoloured power, it delivers reference-level performance in a remarkably sleek and compact chassis. The new Solo 500 was recently unveiled at Munich High-End and given it's first UK public showcase at Peter Tyson Carlisle. Today you can order one from us, but of course you'll want to know what all the fuss is about first.
A Compact Powerhouse Reengineered
Over 25 years ago in 1999 Linn released their groundbreaking Klimax Solo mono block amplifier, and it’s stood an incredible test of time. Many of our Linn customers will still be getting great enjoyment from their original Linn Klimax Solo. So, its successor has some huge shoes to fill… albeit in a small form factor.
The Klimax Solo 500 is a complete redesign. Every cubic millimetre of its machined-from-solid aluminium enclosure has been optimised to deliver performance gains in every area.
Thanks to innovations like Adaptive Bias Control, a sophisticated hybrid cooling matrix, and Linn’s custom Utopik power supply, this new monoblock pushes Class AB amplifier design to new heights.
It's had a minor size gain, with it being thicker (6.7cm) than the old 500 Solo (3.9cm). All other measurements remain the same so it maintains a compact form factor ideal for high-end active systems or installations where space is at a premium.
Adaptive Bias Control: Always Optimised
At the heart of the Solo 500 is Adaptive Bias Control, Linn's proprietary system first introduced in their 360 Exakt speakers and later refined in the Klimax Solo 800.
Unlike traditional Class AB amps, which rely on a fixed, manually set bias current that can degrade over time, Solo 500 continuously monitors and adjusts its own bias in real-time. This means:
• Significantly lower distortion
• Perfectly balanced output between channels
• Consistent performance for the amp's entire life
The result? Eighty-five times lower distortion and noise than the original Solo – a staggering improvement by any standard.
Hybrid Cooling Matrix & Intelligent Fan Management
Keeping high-power electronics cool is a challenge, especially in compact designs. Linn’s hybrid cooling matrix solves this elegantly:
• A sub-chassis-mounted thermal plate with precision-cut fins draws heat away from vital components
• During typical listening, heat is passively dissipated through natural convection
• When needed, intelligent fan control kicks in, triggered by both internal temperature and incoming audio signal – ensuring efficient, whisper-quiet cooling
This ensures the Solo 500 remains cool and quiet even during the most demanding listening sessions.
Utopik Power Supply: Smart, Efficient, Silent
Complementing the thermal design is a bespoke Utopik power supply, custom-tuned for the Solo 500. It dynamically adjusts voltage output in response to the demands of the music, delivering only the power required.
This minimises excess heat, reduces energy consumption, and keeps baseline operating temperature lower – all while preserving audio purity.
Precision-Machined Beauty
The Solo 500 doesn’t just sound good. It looks stunning, too.
• Its three-piece aluminium construction gives the amp a seamless, sculptural feel
• A newly evolved Linn 'smile' fascia and dual-axis curved top panel give it a distinct visual character
• At its centre is a glowing miniature roundel with LED lighting and chrome detailing, indicating status with quiet elegance
It's a product designed to be admired as much as it is to be heard.
Built for the Long Haul
Everything about the Solo 500 is engineered for longevity. From its real-time bias adjustment to its cool-running architecture, it's built to deliver consistent, flawless performance for years – and with minimal maintenance.
Whether you're running it in a flagship Linn system or pairing it with high-end third-party loudspeakers, the Solo 500 is a perfect drop-in upgrade with enormous sonic benefits.
Now Available to Experience at Peter Tyson
The Linn Klimax Solo 500 represents the pinnacle of compact monoblock amplifier design – a harmonious fusion of innovation, elegance and raw performance.
It’s available to demo now at Peter Tyson Carlisle and Newcastle alongside a range of Linn’s finest products.
Book your listening session today and hear the best compact monoblock amplifier Linn have ever made!
Contact us to arrange a listen:
Nigel, Carlisle - 01228 546756
Danny, Newcastle - 0191 285 7179