Audio T Verdict
The Linn Klimax DSM Organik is a reference network music player, digital-to-analogue converter and pre-amplifier designed to sit at the centre of an uncompromising Hi-Fi system.
Linn's in-house Organik DAC, Utopik power supply, precision-machined aluminium enclosure and exceptionally flexible range of analogue, digital and Exakt connections allow it to improve streamed music and almost every connected source.
Choose the standard Audio version for a dedicated music system, or the AV version if you need HDMI switching, eARC television sound and the option of multi-channel surround processing. Neither model contains power amplification, so suitable power amplifiers or Linn Exakt loudspeakers are required.
Linn Klimax DSM Organik Network Music Player
The Linn Klimax DSM Organik is Linn's flagship network music player and integrated pre-amplifier.
It can stream music directly from online services, play files stored on a compatible home network and accept a wide range of connected analogue, digital and wireless sources.
Organik digital-to-analogue conversion and Linn's digital volume control allow Klimax DSM to connect directly to a suitable power amplifier, active loudspeaker system or external Linn Exakt system without requiring a separate pre-amplifier.
The product is available in Audio and AV versions. Both provide the same fundamental music-streaming, Organik DAC, pre-amplifier and analogue-output performance, but only the AV version includes HDMI connectivity.
Choose the Correct Klimax DSM Version
The main decision is whether the system requires HDMI connections for a television, games console, disc player or other video source.
Klimax DSM Organik Audio
- Designed primarily for high-performance music systems
- Organik DAC and integrated pre-amplifier
- Network, USB, optical, SPDIF and analogue inputs
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs
- Two Exakt Link connections
- No HDMI inputs or HDMI output
Klimax DSM Organik AV
- Includes all Audio-version music features
- Four HDMI 2.0 inputs
- One HDMI 2.0 output
- ARC and eARC television support
- 4K video pass-through
- Optional Linn surround processing upgrade
The Audio Version Cannot Be Converted to AV
The Audio and AV models are separate product variants rather than two configurations of the same upgradable unit.
Linn does not provide a later conversion from the Audio version to the AV version, so choose the HDMI-equipped model at the time of purchase if television or video-source integration may be required.
Linn Organik DAC
Organik is Linn's entirely in-house digital-to-analogue conversion technology.
A DAC converts the digital data contained in a streamed music file or connected digital source into the analogue electrical signal required by an amplifier.
Instead of relying on a complete third-party conversion chip, Linn combines its own FPGA digital processing with a discrete analogue conversion stage.
This gives Linn direct control over the processing, timing, conversion and analogue output stages rather than requiring its engineers to design around the fixed architecture of an off-the-shelf DAC.
Organik is designed to reduce noise and distortion while preserving the small timing, tonal and spatial details that help distinguish instruments, voices and acoustic environments.
Digital Processing
- Uses Linn-developed FPGA processing
- Controls digital filtering and signal preparation
- Supports PCM up to 24-bit and 384kHz
- Supports stereo DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256
- Processes streamed and connected digital sources
Analogue Conversion
- Uses a discrete conversion stage
- Designed and manufactured by Linn
- Optimised as part of the complete Klimax DSM circuit
- Feeds the integrated pre-amplifier outputs
- Designed for low noise and distortion
High-Resolution Network Music Streaming
Klimax DSM can play music streamed from compatible online services and files stored on a computer or network-attached storage device.
Supported formats include FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, AIFF, AAC, MP3, OGG, WMA and stereo DSD files.
PCM playback is supported at resolutions up to 24-bit and 384kHz, while DSD support extends to DSD256.
The quality available from a streaming service depends on the subscription, recording and format provided by that service.
Locally stored music requires compatible media-server software so the files can be indexed and made available over the home network.
Streaming Services and Wireless Playback
Klimax DSM integrates with a broad range of music services and playback platforms.
- TIDAL
- Qobuz
- Spotify Connect
- Deezer
- AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- TuneIn internet radio
- Calm Radio
- airable internet radio
Service availability, subscription requirements and maximum playback quality are controlled by the individual provider and may change over time.
Bluetooth 4.2 is also provided for convenient wireless playback from compatible devices. Bluetooth uses SBC transmission and should be regarded as a convenient connection rather than the preferred route for the highest sound quality.
Control with the Linn App
The Linn App provides access to network music, compatible streaming services, radio, playlists, volume control, inputs and system settings.
Klimax DSM can also be controlled through its supplied remote handset, the top-panel dial and compatible third-party platforms such as Roon.
Six Linn PIN buttons provide direct access to assigned radio stations, playlists, albums, streaming-service content or physical inputs.
This allows regularly used music and sources to be recalled without navigating through several app menus.
Integrated Digital Pre-Amplifier
Klimax DSM is more than a network streamer and DAC. It also contains Linn's digital volume control and analogue output circuitry, allowing it to operate as the main pre-amplifier within a complete system.
Source selection and volume are controlled within the Klimax DSM before the signal is sent to a power amplifier, external headphone amplifier, active loudspeaker or Linn Exakt system.
The unit does not contain power amplification and cannot drive conventional passive loudspeakers directly.
A Power Amplifier Is Required
Klimax DSM provides line-level and Exakt outputs rather than speaker-level outputs.
Conventional passive loudspeakers require a suitable power amplifier, such as the
Linn Klimax Solo 800
,
between the Klimax DSM and the speakers.
Linn integrated Exakt loudspeakers can instead receive their audio through Exakt Link.
Balanced and Unbalanced Analogue Outputs
Klimax DSM provides one pair of balanced XLR outputs and one pair of unbalanced RCA outputs.
The balanced outputs provide a nominal level of 4V RMS at 0dBFS with the volume set to 80, while the RCA outputs provide 2V RMS under the same conditions.
The XLR and RCA outputs can be enabled or disabled independently through the system configuration.
This allows one output to feed a power amplifier and the other to feed a compatible headphone amplifier or another suitable line-level component.
Both outputs share the same source selection and volume control. They do not operate as an independent fixed-level recording output.
Analogue Inputs and High-Performance ADC
Klimax DSM includes two pairs of unbalanced RCA line-level inputs and one pair of balanced XLR line-level inputs.
Connected analogue sources pass through Linn's high-performance analogue-to-digital converter before being processed by the DSM.
The ADC operates at up to 24-bit and 192kHz and has its own dedicated circuitry and power supply arrangements.
Input sensitivity can be configured to suit the output level of the connected source, helping avoid overload while making appropriate use of the available digital range.
The Analogue Inputs Are Not a Phono Stage
The RCA and XLR inputs are line-level connections. A standard moving magnet or moving coil cartridge cannot be connected directly.
A turntable requires a suitable phono stage, such as Linn Urika, an external phono pre-amplifier or another correctly matched phono input.
Linn Urika II can connect digitally through Exakt Link.
Digital Inputs
A wide range of digital sources can be connected to Klimax DSM.
- One optical Toslink input
- Two electrical SPDIF inputs using BNC connections
- One asynchronous USB Type-B input
- Network streaming through Ethernet, fibre Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- Four HDMI inputs on the AV version
The Toslink and SPDIF inputs support compatible PCM signals at sample rates up to 192kHz.
One of the BNC SPDIF connections can alternatively be configured as a fixed-level stereo digital output.
USB Audio from a Computer
The rear USB Type-B connection allows Klimax DSM to operate as an asynchronous USB Audio Class 2 device for a compatible computer or mobile device.
PCM sample rates from 44.1kHz through to 384kHz are supported through this input.
The computer treats Klimax DSM as an external sound device, allowing music software and other system audio to be passed directly to its Organik DAC.
The USB Connection Does Not Read Memory Sticks
Klimax DSM is not a USB storage player.
The USB Type-B socket is designed for audio from a computer or compatible device. The separate USB Type-A connection is reserved for service use and does not accept USB drives.
Ethernet, Optical Ethernet and Wi-Fi
A reliable network connection is required for streaming services, internet radio, app control, software updates and locally stored network music.
Klimax DSM provides a conventional Gigabit Ethernet connection and an SFP socket for a compatible optical Ethernet connection.
Optical Ethernet can provide electrical isolation between the network equipment and the DSM when used with the correct fibre hardware and network infrastructure.
Dual-band Wi-Fi is also built in, supporting compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
A wired network connection is normally preferred where it can be installed reliably, particularly for high-resolution streaming and larger local music libraries.
Wired Ethernet
- Stable connection to the home network
- Suitable for high-resolution streaming
- Recommended where practical
- Uses a standard RJ45 network cable
- Supports Gigabit Ethernet
Optical Ethernet
- Uses the rear SFP socket
- Requires compatible fibre-network hardware
- Provides electrical isolation from copper Ethernet
- Useful within suitably equipped installations
- Should be planned with a Linn specialist
Wi-Fi
- Useful where network cabling is impractical
- Supports compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks
- Performance depends on signal strength
- May be affected by walls and interference
- Should be tested in the final installation position
Exakt Link Connectivity
Two Exakt Link connections allow Klimax DSM to send a lossless digital audio signal and control information to compatible Linn products.
Exakt Link can connect Klimax DSM to integrated Linn Exakt loudspeakers, a Linn Exaktbox or an LP12 fitted with Urika II.
In an Exakt loudspeaker system, the digital crossover, timing correction and drive-unit processing take place before the signal reaches the individual amplifier channels.
Klimax DSM can therefore act as the central source and control component within a complete Linn Exakt system.
Linn LP12 and Urika Connections
A Linn LP12 fitted with the analogue Urika phono stage can connect to one of the Klimax DSM line-level analogue inputs.
An LP12 fitted with Urika II connects through Exakt Link, allowing the signal to travel digitally from the phono stage to the DSM.
A conventional LP12 cartridge without an internal phono stage requires a suitable external moving magnet or moving coil phono stage before it can be connected.
View the
Linn Klimax LP12
and
Linn Radikal and Urika options
for further information.
Utopik Power Supply
Current Klimax DSM models are fitted with Linn's Utopik switch-mode power supply.
Utopik uses multiple feedback loops to monitor and regulate its power rails while reducing mains-borne noise and low-frequency hum.
Power Factor Correction, intelligent Valley Switching and isolated regulated supplies allow the power supply to respond quickly to changes in circuit demand.
The supply is designed as part of the complete Klimax DSM rather than being treated as a separate general-purpose module.
Linn Space Optimisation
Space Optimisation models how the connected loudspeakers interact with the dimensions, construction and layout of the listening room.
The system considers factors including room shape, wall construction, doors, windows, speaker positions and listening location.
Digital processing can then reduce the effect of problematic low-frequency room modes without requiring the loudspeakers to be placed in an impractical position.
Space Optimisation is available for systems using the analogue outputs, while Space Optimisation+ adds the timing and drive-unit control available within a compatible Exakt loudspeaker system.
The loudspeakers should still be positioned carefully before optimisation is applied.
Space Optimisation Requires Accurate Configuration
Incorrect room dimensions, wall information or speaker positions can reduce the effectiveness of the optimisation.
Audio T can measure the room, configure the speaker model and positions, and refine the final Space Optimisation profile.
Precision-Machined Aluminium Enclosure
The Klimax DSM enclosure is machined from solid aluminium.
Separate internal compartments and carefully controlled mechanical structures provide shielding and acoustic isolation for the digital, analogue and power-supply sections.
The substantial 16.4kg enclosure also provides a stable foundation for the internal circuit boards and top-mounted control assembly.
Klimax DSM is available in black or silver anodised finishes.
Top-Mounted Control Dial
The glass and metal top-mounted dial provides direct control over volume, playback, source selection and system menus.
Illuminated segments display the volume position and respond as the dial is turned or pressed.
Six programmable PIN buttons sit around the dial, providing immediate access to frequently used music and inputs.
A wide 1600 x 480 TFT front display shows album artwork, track information, volume, source and system status.
Klimax DSM Organik AV and HDMI
The AV version adds four HDMI 2.0 inputs and one HDMI 2.0 output.
HDMI video pass-through supports resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz, 4:4:4 colour, HDCP 2.2, HDR, CEC and a maximum data rate of 18Gbps.
Sources such as a television receiver, games console, Blu-ray player or streaming-video device can be connected through the Klimax DSM AV.
Video is passed to the television while the soundtrack is processed through the Klimax DSM audio system.
Check Your HDMI Requirements
Klimax DSM AV uses HDMI 2.0 rather than the newer HDMI 2.1 standard.
Customers requiring specific gaming features, refresh rates or video formats should confirm compatibility with their television and source equipment before ordering.
Linn recommends suitable certified Premium High Speed HDMI cables for reliable 4K operation.
ARC and eARC Television Sound
The HDMI output on Klimax DSM AV supports ARC and eARC.
This allows compatible television audio to travel back through the same HDMI cable used to send video to the screen.
Television apps and connected sources can therefore use the main Hi-Fi system without requiring a separate optical cable.
Correct operation depends on the television's HDMI settings, audio-output format, CEC configuration and the connected cable.
A standard stereo Klimax DSM AV should normally receive stereo PCM unless the optional Linn surround processing upgrade has been installed and configured.
Optional Surround Sound Processing
Klimax DSM AV can be fitted with Linn's optional surround sound processing upgrade.
This provides decoding and processing for compatible Dolby, DTS and PCM soundtracks in systems containing up to 7.1 channels.
Klimax DSM AV does not contain multi-channel power amplification. Passive-speaker systems require suitable external amplification and compatible Linn Exaktbox hardware, while Linn integrated Exakt speakers can connect through Exakt Link.
Klimax DSM AV Is Not a Conventional AV Receiver
The unit does not provide speaker terminals or built-in amplification for centre, surround or subwoofer channels.
A complete surround system requires the optional processing upgrade plus suitable Exakt products, power amplifiers, speakers and professional configuration.
Audio Version or AV Version?
Choose Audio When
- The system is dedicated mainly to music
- No HDMI source switching is required
- Television sound is not part of the main system
- Analogue, digital and network sources provide all required connections
- You want the simplest dedicated stereo configuration
Choose AV When
- A television will use the main Hi-Fi system
- eARC connectivity is required
- HDMI video sources need switching
- Movie and gaming sound are important
- A future Linn surround system may be considered
Choosing the AV version does not reduce its suitability for two-channel music. It adds HDMI hardware and the option of surround processing while retaining the main Organik DAC, network and pre-amplifier features.
Planning a Klimax DSM System
Klimax DSM can be used in several different system configurations.
Conventional Separates System
- Klimax DSM as streamer, DAC and pre-amplifier
- Balanced or unbalanced connection to a power amplifier
- Passive loudspeakers connected to the power amplifier
- Space Optimisation configured for the room
Linn Exakt System
- Klimax DSM used as the source and system controller
- Exakt Link connection to compatible Linn products
- Digital crossover and timing processing
- Space Optimisation+ support
Audio and Television System
- Requires Klimax DSM Organik AV
- HDMI sources connected to the DSM
- ARC or eARC connection to the television
- Stereo or optional multi-channel configuration
Installation and Network Setup
Klimax DSM should be installed on a stable equipment support with sufficient ventilation and access to its rear connections.
The installation may involve network configuration, software updates, streaming-service accounts, source-level adjustment, analogue-output selection and Space Optimisation.
AV installations can also require television settings, HDMI-CEC configuration, eARC setup and audio-format selection.
Audio T can configure the Klimax DSM, update its software, connect the associated equipment and provide a practical demonstration of the Linn App and system controls.
Key Features
- Flagship Linn network music player and integrated pre-amplifier
- Available in Audio and HDMI-equipped AV versions
- Linn Organik digital-to-analogue conversion
- Discrete analogue conversion stage
- FPGA-based digital processing
- Linn Utopik switch-mode power supply
- PCM playback up to 24-bit and 384kHz
- Supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256
- TIDAL and Qobuz integration
- Spotify Connect and Deezer
- AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- TuneIn, Calm Radio and airable internet radio
- Bluetooth 4.2 wireless playback
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Optical Ethernet SFP socket
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2 input
- One Toslink optical input
- Two BNC SPDIF connections
- One SPDIF connection configurable as a digital output
- Two pairs of RCA line-level analogue inputs
- One pair of balanced XLR analogue inputs
- High-performance 24-bit and 192kHz analogue-to-digital conversion
- One pair of balanced XLR analogue outputs
- One pair of unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
- Independently switchable XLR and RCA outputs
- Two Exakt Link connections
- Linn Space Optimisation
- Space Optimisation+ with compatible Exakt systems
- Machined solid-aluminium enclosure
- Top-mounted glass control dial
- Six programmable Linn PIN buttons
- 1600 x 480 TFT front display
- Four HDMI 2.0 inputs on the AV version
- HDMI output with ARC and eARC on the AV version
- 4K 60Hz and HDR video support on the AV version
- Optional surround processing on the AV version
- Available in black or silver anodised finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Klimax DSM Audio and AV?
Both versions include Organik DAC, streaming, analogue and digital inputs, analogue outputs and Exakt Link. The AV version adds four HDMI inputs, an HDMI output with ARC and eARC, and the option of surround processing.
Can the Audio version be upgraded to the AV version later?
No. Linn treats the Audio and AV models as separate products and does not provide a conversion between the two versions.
Does Klimax DSM contain a power amplifier?
No. It is a network music player, DAC and pre-amplifier. Passive loudspeakers require a suitable external power amplifier.
Can Klimax DSM connect directly to active speakers?
Yes, where the active loudspeakers accept compatible balanced or unbalanced line-level signals. Linn integrated Exakt loudspeakers can connect through Exakt Link.
Does it have a built-in phono stage?
No. The analogue inputs are line-level. A turntable requires a suitable external or internal phono stage, while Linn Urika II can connect through Exakt Link.
Can I connect my computer by USB?
Yes. The USB Type-B input allows Klimax DSM to operate as an asynchronous USB Audio Class 2 device for a compatible computer or mobile device.
Can it play music from a USB memory stick?
No. The USB Type-B connection is for computer audio, while the rear USB Type-A socket is reserved for service use.
Does Klimax DSM support Roon?
Yes. Current Klimax DSM Organik models are Roon Ready when running suitable current Linn software.
Does it support MQA?
No. Linn DSM players do not provide MQA decoding. They support a broad range of open PCM and DSD formats instead.
Can I use both XLR and RCA outputs?
Yes. The current Klimax DSM allows the balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs to be used together or enabled and disabled independently. Both share the same volume control.
Can the AV version connect to a television?
Yes. Its HDMI output supports ARC and eARC, allowing compatible television audio to play through the main Hi-Fi system.
Does Klimax DSM AV include surround sound?
Surround processing is an optional dealer-installed upgrade. Additional Exakt hardware, amplification and speakers are required for a complete multi-channel system.
Does the AV version support HDMI 2.1?
No. It uses HDMI 2.0 with support for 4K at 60Hz, HDR, HDCP 2.2, ARC and eARC. Check compatibility if specific HDMI 2.1 gaming features are required.
Can Audio T install and configure Klimax DSM?
Yes. Audio T can provide system planning, network and streaming setup, HDMI configuration, source matching, Space Optimisation and complete Linn Exakt installation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert advice choosing between Audio and AV versions
- Demonstrations through participating Linn stores
- Power amplifier and loudspeaker matching
- Balanced and unbalanced connection advice
- Linn Exakt system planning
- Network and streaming-service configuration
- Local music-library and media-server advice
- Roon setup and integration
- USB and digital-source configuration
- Turntable and phono-stage matching
- Linn LP12 and Urika II integration
- HDMI, ARC and eARC setup for the AV version
- Surround-system planning and configuration
- Linn Space Optimisation setup
- Professional home installation options
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Linn software and system support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the correct Linn Klimax DSM Organik version for your music and television system.