Rating:
Hot: Clarity is a given with this digital streaming player, with great staging depth and an inky backdrop, making all elements of the music stand out. A slight warmth in the highs will please many. Gets to the essence of the recording, and shows impeccable bass delivery. Pleases the ear, without glossing over any little nuance or detail. CDs ripped and transferred to the NAS and streamed to the Majik DS sounded more organic. Best of all, it can drive a power amp directly. Sounds even better hooked up to an outboard DAC above its class (when it functions as a “transport” section only).
Cold: Wiring installation required. Setting up with NAS is best left to your dealer or tech geeks. Initial hassle of transferring your collection to storage can be tedious. No onboard storage or WiFi. Eschews USB, but that is Linn’s direction.
Encore: There’s no really obvious “right” path with digital music playback options now; Linn stays away from USB and so will attract quite a few users, and those that take the trouble will be rewarded with great performance. Once your music collection is on a NAS and linked to the Majik, say goodbye to your CD player.
Specs: Ethernet port / Controlled via Kinsky app (you can download this to your PC or i-Device) / 2 pairs of analogue outputs, two digital outputs (coaxial and optical) / Compatible with FLAC, WAV, MP3 and AIFF, up to 24-bit/192kHz native sample rate and everything in between, including 88.2kHz, 96kHz and 176.4kHz / Access to SHOUTcast Internet radio / Switching power supply, detachable power cord / Dimensions: 80 x 381 x 360 mm (h/w/d), 4.2kg / Finish options: Black, silver
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