Linn Klimax Twin Reference Stereo Power Amplifier

The Linn Klimax Twin is a two-channel power amplifier designed for high-performance stereo, multi-amplified and externally active Hi-Fi systems.

Both amplifier channels are contained within a single enclosure, making Klimax Twin a more compact alternative to a pair of separate monoblock amplifiers.

Each channel can deliver up to 200 W into a 4 O loudspeaker load or 111 W into 8 O.

Klimax Twin can be connected to a suitable pre-amplifier, network music player with variable analogue outputs or another source component providing safe volume control.

Two Channels in One Reference Enclosure

Klimax Twin contains separate left and right amplifier channels within one precision-engineered enclosure.

In a conventional stereo system, one channel powers the left loudspeaker while the other powers the right loudspeaker.

This provides the convenience of a single power amplifier while retaining dedicated amplification for both stereo channels.

Additional Klimax Twin amplifiers can be added where a compatible system requires separate channels for bi-amplification, multi-amplification or external Linn Exakt operation.

200W per Channel into 4 Ohms

Linn specifies a maximum output of 200 W per channel into 4 O and 111 W per channel into 8 O.

This gives Klimax Twin sufficient output for a wide range of compatible passive loudspeakers, including designs that require good current delivery and control from the connected amplifier.

Power output should not be considered in isolation. Loudspeaker sensitivity, impedance, electrical phase, room size and preferred listening level must also be considered.

A powerful amplifier can provide useful headroom for dynamic musical peaks, but excessive playback levels may still damage a loudspeaker with limited power handling.

Linn Chakra Amplifier Technology

Klimax Twin uses Linn's patented Chakra amplifier topology.

Chakra combines a monolithic amplifier circuit with an array of bipolar output transistors.

At lower output currents, the monolithic circuit supplies the amplifier output, taking advantage of its speed, consistency and linear operation.

When the loudspeaker requires more current, the bipolar transistors provide most of the additional output while the monolithic circuit continues to monitor and correct the signal.

This arrangement allows the amplifier to respond to changing musical and loudspeaker demands without relying on an unnecessarily large conventional output circuit.

Linn Dynamik Switch-Mode Power Supply

Klimax Twin uses Linn's Dynamik switch-mode power supply.

The power supply converts and regulates the incoming mains electricity before providing stable power rails for the amplifier circuitry.

Linn developed Dynamik to provide strong isolation from mains-borne noise, fast response to changing demand and greater efficiency than many large conventional transformer-based power supplies.

Its compact construction allows the power supply and two amplifier channels to fit within the Klimax Twin's slim enclosure.

Linn specifies a maximum input power of 1000 W.

Separate Audio and Power-Supply Sections

The audio circuitry and power-supply circuitry are mounted on separate internal circuit boards.

The machined enclosure provides electrical and mechanical separation between these sections, helping reduce the transfer of vibration and electrical interference.

Separating the sensitive audio circuits from the high-frequency power-supply section allows each area to operate within a carefully controlled environment.

The compact internal arrangement also helps keep the audio signal path relatively short.

Machined-from-Solid Aluminium Enclosure

Klimax Twin uses an enclosure precision-machined from solid aluminium.

The casework provides a rigid and stable structure for the internal electronics while shielding the amplifier circuitry from external electrical and mechanical interference.

Its clamshell-style construction also forms part of the amplifier's thermal-management system.

Machined fins assist cooling, while the aluminium enclosure acts as a large heat exchanger that transfers heat away from the internal circuitry.

The slim case measures only 60 mm high, allowing Klimax Twin to provide two reference amplifier channels without requiring a large conventional enclosure.

Cooling and Thermal Efficiency

Chakra amplification and the Dynamik power supply are designed to operate more efficiently than many traditional high-power amplifier circuits.

Reduced unnecessary power dissipation means less energy is converted into heat during normal operation.

Heat generated by the audio and power-supply circuits is coupled into the aluminium enclosure and released through its external surface and machined cooling fins.

The amplifier still requires suitable ventilation and should not be placed inside a sealed cabinet or directly against another significant heat source.

Balanced XLR Inputs

Klimax Twin provides one balanced XLR input for each amplifier channel.

Balanced connections use separate conductors for the positive and negative signal phases, together with a shield connection.

They can help reject noise picked up along the cable and are particularly useful where the pre-amplifier and power amplifier are separated by a longer cable route.

The connected pre-amplifier or network music player must provide correctly wired balanced analogue outputs.

Unbalanced RCA Inputs

One unbalanced RCA input is also provided for each channel.

These connections allow Klimax Twin to work with a broad range of conventional pre-amplifiers and source components.

The balanced and unbalanced sockets provide alternative connection methods for the same two amplifier channels.

Use one appropriate connection type throughout the stereo pair and follow Linn's operating instructions when selecting or changing inputs.

WBT Speaker Binding Posts

Klimax Twin provides two pairs of WBT speaker binding posts, giving separate positive and negative connections for the left and right amplifier channels.

The terminals can accept compatible banana plugs, spade connectors or carefully prepared bare speaker cable.

Correct polarity must be maintained, with each positive amplifier terminal connected to the corresponding positive loudspeaker terminal.

All equipment should be switched off and disconnected from the mains before speaker cables are fitted, removed or rearranged.

Linn K200 speaker cable may be considered for suitable Linn and non-Linn installations.

Using Klimax Twin in a Stereo System

Klimax Twin can operate as the main stereo power amplifier within a conventional separates system.

A compatible pre-amplifier or network music player with volume-controlled analogue outputs connects to the Twin's left and right inputs.

The two speaker outputs then connect to a pair of compatible passive loudspeakers.

The Linn Klimax DSM Organik provides Linn's reference network music player, DAC and pre-amplifier partner.

Passive Bi-Amplification

Additional Klimax Twin amplifiers can be used to bi-amplify compatible loudspeakers.

In a passive bi-amplified stereo system, one amplifier channel may power the high-frequency section of a loudspeaker while another powers its low-frequency section.

The loudspeaker must provide separate crossover inputs and be specifically designed for this type of operation.

Any factory terminal links between the loudspeaker inputs must normally be removed before separate amplifier channels are connected.

Externally Amplified Linn Exakt Systems

Klimax Twin can provide power amplification within a compatible external Linn Exakt system.

A Linn Exaktbox performs the digital crossover, timing correction and drive-unit processing before sending separate analogue signals to the power amplifiers.

Each Klimax Twin channel can then be assigned to a particular loudspeaker section or drive unit.

Additional amplifiers are required according to the number of channels needed by the connected loudspeakers.

The amplifier itself does not perform Exakt processing and must be partnered with a compatible Linn DSM, Exaktbox and loudspeaker configuration.

Automatic Signal Sensing

Klimax Twin includes energy-saving automatic signal-sensing circuitry.

The amplifier detects the presence of an incoming audio signal and activates when music is being played.

When the amplifier has been inactive, it can return to a lower-power sleep state to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption.

Persistent hum or noise from the connected source may be interpreted as an audio signal and prevent the amplifier from entering sleep mode.

Fault Detection and Protection

Protection circuitry monitors the amplifier for unsafe operating conditions.

This helps safeguard Klimax Twin against short circuits, excessive electrical loads and other conditions that could place the amplifier outside its intended operating range.

Protection circuitry should not be regarded as a substitute for correct speaker wiring, ventilation or loudspeaker matching.

If the amplifier repeatedly shuts down or indicates a fault, switch off the system and check the cables, loudspeakers and installation before using it again.

Compact Klimax Casework

Klimax Twin measures 350 mm wide, 60 mm high and 355 mm deep.

Its compact proportions make it considerably slimmer than many conventional high-performance stereo power amplifiers.

This can be useful where space is limited or where several amplifiers are required for a multi-amplified installation.

The 9 kg enclosure still requires a stable and level equipment support with sufficient surrounding ventilation.

Black or Silver Finish

Linn Klimax Twin is available in Black anodised or Silver anodised aluminium.

Both finishes use the same amplifier circuitry, Dynamik power supply and machined enclosure.

Customers adding Klimax Twin to an existing system may wish to match the finish of their Linn network music player, pre-amplifier or other Klimax components.

Finish availability and current lead times should be confirmed with your local Audio T store.

Klimax Twin or Klimax Solo 500?

Klimax Twin and Klimax Solo 500 provide different routes to high-performance Linn amplification.

Klimax Twin provides two channels in one slim enclosure, while Solo 500 offers considerably greater power and Linn's newer Adaptive Bias Control technology.

Loudspeaker demands, available space, preferred system configuration and budget should determine the most appropriate option.

Klimax Twin or Klimax Solo 800?

The Linn Klimax Solo 800 is Linn's ultimate reference monoblock power amplifier.

Solo 800 provides far greater output into demanding low-impedance loads, together with Adaptive Bias Control, a 2kW Utopik power supply and completely fanless cooling.

Klimax Twin is significantly smaller and provides both stereo channels within a single enclosure, making it a more straightforward solution for many passive stereo systems.

Positioning and Installation

Place Klimax Twin on a stable, rigid and level equipment support.

Leave sufficient room around the amplifier for heat to escape through the machined aluminium casework and cooling fins.

Avoid sealed cabinets, soft surfaces, radiators and positions where other equipment blocks the amplifier's cooling surfaces.

The rear connections should remain accessible without forcing the mains cable, interconnects or speaker cables against the enclosure.

Professional System Setup

A straightforward stereo installation requires correct input selection, speaker polarity, safe volume control and suitable ventilation.

Multi-amplified and external Exakt systems require additional planning to assign each amplifier channel to the correct loudspeaker input.

Audio T can advise on pre-amplifier matching, balanced or unbalanced connections, speaker compatibility, cable selection and system configuration.

Key Features

• Reference two-channel stereo power amplifier
• Two amplifier channels within one enclosure
• 200 W per channel into 4 O
• 111 W per channel into 8 O
• Linn patented Chakra amplifier topology
• Monolithic amplifier circuit for lower-current operation
• Bipolar transistor support for higher-current demand
• Linn Dynamik switch-mode power supply
• Maximum input power of 1000 W
• Separate audio and power-supply circuit boards
• Electrical and mechanical isolation between circuit sections
• Precision-machined solid-aluminium enclosure
• Machined cooling fins
• Casework acts as a heat exchanger
• Two balanced XLR inputs
• Two WBT unbalanced RCA inputs
• Four WBT banana and binding-post speaker terminals
• No line-level pass-through outputs
• Suitable for conventional passive stereo systems
• Supports passive multi-amplification with compatible speakers
• Suitable for compatible externally amplified Linn Exakt systems
• Automatic signal-sensing circuitry
• Energy-saving sleep operation
• Fault detection and overload protection
• Compact 60 mm-high enclosure
• Available in Black or Silver anodised finishes

Frequently Asked Questions