Linn Selekt DSM Utopik Power Supply Upgrade

Utopik is Linn's current generation of high-performance switch-mode power supply and is available as an internal upgrade for compatible earlier Selekt DSM products.

The power supply feeds the network-player platform, digital processing, analogue circuitry and any compatible output or amplifier cartridges fitted within the Selekt DSM.

By replacing an earlier Selekt power supply, Utopik brings the original-generation player closer to the power architecture used as standard within Linn's current Selekt DSM range.

Why the Power Supply Matters

Every circuit within Selekt DSM depends on the power supply.

It must provide the different voltage rails required by the network platform, digital processing, DAC modules, analogue circuitry and any internal power-amplifier cartridges.

These demands are not constant. They change as sources are selected, music becomes more dynamic and optional cartridges draw different amounts of power.

Utopik is designed to respond rapidly to these changing requirements while maintaining stable output and reducing unwanted electrical noise.

Multiple Feedback Loops

Utopik uses multiple feedback loops to measure and regulate the supply at different stages.

These loops continually compare the required output with the power being delivered and make corrections when operating conditions or electrical demand change.

This active regulation helps the supply maintain consistent performance rather than relying on one fixed operating state.

Filtering Mains-Borne Noise

Household mains electricity can carry interference produced by appliances, lighting, chargers, computers and other connected equipment.

Linn designed Utopik to persistently filter unwanted mains-borne noise before it reaches the sensitive audio and digital circuitry within the Selekt DSM.

Linn also describes the design as targeting 50Hz mains hum, including during demanding playback conditions.

Correct system grounding and cable routing remain important, as a power-supply upgrade cannot correct every possible source of hum within a complete Hi-Fi system.

Intelligent Valley Switching

Utopik uses intelligent Valley Switching to manage when its electronic switching devices operate.

By switching at a more favourable point within the electrical cycle, the design aims to reduce switching losses, unwanted electrical noise and unnecessary heat.

This contributes to the supply's combination of efficiency and responsiveness.

Power Factor Correction

Power Factor Correction helps the supply draw current from the mains in a more controlled and efficient manner.

It forms part of Linn's approach to maintaining stable operation across different compatible mains supplies and changing loads within the Selekt DSM.

Precision-Regulated and Isolated Power Rails

Different sections of Selekt DSM require different power-supply voltages and operating conditions.

Utopik uses precision-regulated and isolated power rails to provide the required power to the product's digital, analogue and optional amplifier circuitry.

Separating and regulating these rails helps reduce the opportunity for activity in one area of the product to interfere with another.

Compatible Selekt DSM Models

Linn specifically lists the original Selekt DSM/0 as compatible with the Selekt Utopik upgrade.

This includes earlier Selekt DSM products that pre-date Utopik becoming standard equipment within the current Classic Hub and Edition Hub ranges.

Because Selekt DSM is modular, an earlier player may contain one of several original power-supply variants depending on its production date and fitted output cartridges.

The product should therefore be identified and inspected before the upgrade is ordered.

Already Standard on Current Selekt DSM

Utopik is fitted as standard to current Selekt DSM Classic Hub and Edition Hub products.

Customers purchasing a new current-generation Selekt DSM do not need to add this separate power-supply upgrade.

This page is most relevant to owners of earlier original-style Selekt DSM players who want to update their existing system.

Utopik and Organik DAC

An original Selekt DSM does not technically require Utopik simply to operate with a compatible Organik DAC module.

Linn confirms that Organik can function with earlier compatible Selekt power supplies.

Utopik is nevertheless the current power architecture used within Linn's newer Selekt DSM models and can form a complementary upgrade when Organik conversion is being installed.

Audio T can assess whether the DAC, power supply or another part of the system should be upgraded first.

Additional Selekt Output Cartridges

Original Selekt DSM products were available with different power supplies according to their intended cartridge configuration.

Some early supplies were intended primarily for line-level cartridges, while higher-demand configurations required a larger supply.

Adding power-amplifier cartridges, several output cartridges or other internal modules may therefore require the power supply to be assessed or upgraded.

Utopik provides the current Selekt power-supply solution for compatible earlier units.

HDMI and Surround Expansion

Adding the optional Selekt HDMI switching module or expanding an earlier product for multichannel use can change the electrical demand placed on the internal supply.

Linn advises that some early Selekt DSM units may require a power-supply upgrade when additional cartridges or HDMI hardware are installed.

The exact requirement depends on the original supply and the complete proposed module configuration.

Designed for Changing Electrical Demand

A modular Selekt DSM can be configured as an Exakt Hub, analogue pre-amplifier, integrated streaming amplifier or multi-channel controller.

Each arrangement places different demands on the internal supply.

Utopik is designed to maintain stable output as demand changes, whether the system is feeding external amplification or powering internal Class D amplifier cartridges.

Professional Installation Required

Utopik is an internal mains power supply and is not a plug-in external accessory.

Installation requires the Selekt DSM enclosure to be opened, the existing supply to be safely removed and the replacement unit to be connected and tested.

The product should also be updated and checked through Linn's current configuration tools after installation.

This work must be completed by Audio T or another suitably experienced Linn retailer.

What Audio T Will Check

A Hardware Upgrade for an Existing System

Utopik allows an existing compatible Selekt DSM to receive a current Linn hardware development without replacing the complete network player.

This reflects the wider Selekt philosophy of allowing DACs, output cartridges, amplification and other modules to be changed as the system develops.

The most appropriate upgrade will depend on the current DAC, amplification, loudspeakers and source configuration.

Planning Your Selekt DSM Upgrade

Utopik may be considered as a standalone power-supply upgrade or as part of a wider change involving Organik conversion, additional amplifier cartridges or HDMI expansion.

A system using Standard conversion and internal amplification may have different priorities from one using Dual Mono Organik and external mono power amplifiers.

Audio T can demonstrate suitable Selekt DSM configurations and recommend an upgrade order based on the complete system rather than one component in isolation.

Key Features

• Internal power-supply upgrade for compatible Linn Selekt DSM
• Designed primarily for original Selekt DSM/0 models
• Current Linn switch-mode power-supply architecture
• Multiple internal feedback loops
• Continuous output monitoring and regulation
• Designed to filter mains-borne electrical noise
• Designed to reduce 50Hz mains hum
• Intelligent Valley Switching
• Power Factor Correction
• Precision-regulated power rails
• Isolated internal supply rails
• Designed for efficient and responsive power delivery
• Supports changing demand from Selekt DSM circuitry
• Suitable for compatible line-output configurations
• Suitable for compatible internal amplifier configurations
• Can complement an Organik DAC upgrade
• May be required for some expanded early Selekt systems
• Already fitted to current Classic Hub and Edition Hub
• Professional Linn installation required

Frequently Asked Questions