Linn’s Majik DSM has been around since 2012, leading the way in high-end, all-in-one systems. Its latest iteration introduces the styling of Linn Klimax and Selekt DSM, but is a whole lot more than just a facelift. Majik DSM/5 doesn’t just raise the bar in its category, it elevates it to a currently unassailable position, both in sound and build quality. It is one serious piece of kit.
Before we delve deeper, a quick history lesson.
Linn is an undisputed pioneer of high--end digital music streaming, launching the world’s first audiophile network player in 2007, Klimax DS; a product Peter Tyson is exceptionally proud of being one of the first retailers in the world to champion. As controversial as it was game-changing, Klimax DS was the springboard for two decades of music streaming engineering.
Majik DSM (meaning Digital Streamer Multimedia for its inclusion of inputs) is its descendant, benefitting from subsequent innovation and technological advances; designed by the same engineers and built using the same state-of-the-art machinery and expert technicians as Linn’s current flagship Klimax DSM.
The New Magik DSM
New Majik DSM/5 combines a high-resolution music streamer, DAC, pre- and power amplifier in a one-box system that just requires speakers. It distils the best of Linn into a compact system to rival not just other one-boxes, but separates systems at twice the price.
On unboxing here at Peter Tyson, our first reaction was “it looks so much better.” Now we’ve had a good listen, we’re even more impressed with the improvement in audio quality; Majik DSM/5 just sings! Let’s break down why.
Sound Quality
Firstly, the crucial Digital-to-Analogue conversion: new Majik DSM features Linn’s proprietary precision clocking and up-sampling, generating a more accurate signal than previously. That signal passes to new, innovative Class D amplifiers that introduce a post-filter feedback loop, dramatically reducing noise and distortion whilst improving efficiency.
The case is significantly heavier and more rigid than before; a precision-punched and folded 2mm-thick aluminium sheet, subtly curvaceous and strengthened by 3 new, solid steel feet on rubber pads. This provides superior isolation for internal components, the sophisticated power supply and circuitry designed and populated entirely in-house by Linn, reducing unwanted vibration and increasing overall stability. All contributing to better performance.
Linn’s room correction software, Space Optimisation, is included, ensuring optimum performance no matter the size, shape or construction of your listening space.
Build Quality
Simply Better… Majik’s case is powder-paint coated and cured to satin effect for a more premium look and feel. A UV-printed Linn logo adorns the top, along with its aesthetic pièce de resistance: the cut-glass, illuminated, rotary control dial, as seen in Klimax and Selekt. This dial, like the front acrylic fascia, glows and fades beautifully to convey messages to its user - volume, track information, etc. - whilst also providing a tantalising opportunity for physical interaction.
This Majik DSM not only has a classier look and feel, it’s moved up a weight division. Pick this up after a DSM/4 and your arms will certainly feel the difference; it’s 40% heavier!
Features and Connectivity
Majik DSM/5 has everything you need from a hi-fi system, including:
• Integrated TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Deezer, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, airable, TuneIn, Calm Radio
• Your own stored music files up to supporting up to 24-bit/384kHz, DSD 256
• Top quality MM/MC phono stages
• eARC TV connectivity
• Headphone out
• Subwoofer out
• Linn Exakt Link
• Ethernet / USB-C / 2 Line inputs / Co-axial and Toslink digital inputs / Coax out
Control is via the Linn App, which is the best manufacturer app we know - slick, reliable, intuitive and ever-evolving.
Systems Design
An enduring strength of Linn is manufacturing systems - boffins in Glasgow design and manufacture all components - source, amplification and playback - so possess expert knowledge of each and, crucially, how they interact.
Linn’s New Product Introduction (NPI) process involves ongoing listening tests until the listening panel is satisfied that the new product sounds as good as it possibly can. Linn meticulously considered how Majik DSM/5 behaves with various competitor loudspeakers and, understandably, fine-tuned it to perform optimally with Linn 119 bookshelf and 150 floorstanding speakers, ensuring the ultimate complete system.
Having Majik DSM set up in our demo rooms with both Linn 119 and 150, we can testify to that. But actually, put this piece of kit on the end of virtually any loudspeaker and it will blow you away.
We have plenty of options in Peter Tyson stores to keep you listening for a long time.
Contact us to arrange a listen:
Nigel, Carlisle - 01228 546756
Danny, Newcastle - 0191 285 7179