Audio T Verdict
The Linn Klimax Solo 800 is Linn's ultimate reference monoblock power amplifier, designed to deliver exceptional control, consistency and extremely low distortion into even demanding loudspeaker loads.
Its Adaptive Bias Control continually monitors and corrects the operating current of sixteen output transistors, while a 2kW Utopik power supply and large fanless heatsinks allow it to deliver up to 800 W into 4 O and 1.2 kW into 2 O.
Each Solo 800 contains one amplifier channel, so a conventional stereo system requires two amplifiers. It is available in Black or Silver anodised finishes and should be professionally installed due to its 27 kg weight, substantial power capability and demanding ventilation requirements.
Linn Klimax Solo 800 Reference Mono Power Amplifier
The Linn Klimax Solo 800 is a single-channel reference power amplifier developed for the most demanding passive, multi-amplified and externally active Hi-Fi systems.
It provides 400 W into an 8 O loudspeaker load, 800 W into 4 O and as much as 1.2 kW into 2 O.
Rather than relying on sheer power alone, Linn has designed the complete amplifier around consistency, low distortion and the ability to maintain stable performance as temperature, musical demand and loudspeaker impedance change.
Klimax Solo 800 combines Linn's Adaptive Bias Control, Class-V power-supply rail management, a 2kW Utopik switch-mode power supply and fanless thermal engineering within a substantial machined-aluminium enclosure.
Sold as One Single-Channel Amplifier
The price shown is for one Linn Klimax Solo 800 monoblock containing one amplifier channel.
A conventional stereo system requires two amplifiers: one for the left loudspeaker and one for the right loudspeaker.
Systems using separate amplification for individual loudspeaker sections may require additional Solo 800 amplifiers.
What Is a Monoblock Amplifier?
A monoblock contains a single amplifier channel, its associated output stage and its own power supply within one enclosure.
In a stereo system, the left and right channels are handled by separate amplifiers. Each Solo 800 receives one line-level signal from a compatible pre-amplifier or network music player and powers one loudspeaker.
Separating the channels gives each amplifier its own substantial Utopik power supply, Adaptive Bias Control system and cooling structure.
Monoblock amplifiers can also be positioned relatively close to the loudspeakers, allowing shorter speaker-cable runs where the room layout and equipment support permit.
Conventional Stereo
- One Solo 800 for the left channel
- One Solo 800 for the right channel
- Two amplifiers required in total
- Separate interconnect to each amplifier
- Separate speaker cable to each loudspeaker
Multi-Amplified System
- Separate amplifiers can power individual speaker sections
- Additional Solo 800 units may be required
- Suitable crossover processing is essential
- Every amplifier channel must be clearly identified
- Professional system planning is strongly recommended
Up to 1.2kW of Output Power
Linn specifies a maximum output of 400 W into 8 O, 800 W into 4 O and 1.2 kW into a 2 O load.
This allows Klimax Solo 800 to maintain substantial output into loudspeakers whose impedance falls significantly below their nominal rating.
High power provides useful headroom for short musical peaks and helps reduce the likelihood of the amplifier clipping during demanding passages.
Amplifier power is only one part of successful loudspeaker matching. Speaker sensitivity, impedance, electrical phase, power handling, room size and preferred playback level must also be considered.
Solo 800 Cannot Protect the Loudspeaker
Klimax Solo 800 can protect its own circuitry against unsafe operating conditions, but it cannot determine how much power the connected loudspeaker can tolerate.
Its considerable output may damage an unsuitable loudspeaker if excessive volume is used.
The volume should be limited appropriately unless the speaker includes suitable protection circuitry. Ask Audio T or the loudspeaker manufacturer when there is any doubt.
Class AB Amplifier Design
Klimax Solo 800 uses a transistor-based Class AB output stage.
In a conventional Class AB amplifier, positive and negative output devices share responsibility for reproducing the audio waveform.
A controlled bias current keeps the transistors active around the point where responsibility passes from one group of devices to the other. If this bias is incorrect, crossover distortion can be introduced.
Solo 800 operates in pure Class A up to approximately 2.6 W into 8 O and 1.3 W into 4 O, before gradually moving into Class B operation as greater output is required.
Adaptive Bias Control is used to maintain the correct operating conditions through this transition.
Adaptive Bias Control
Klimax Solo 800 contains sixteen output transistors, each of which is monitored and controlled individually.
The operating current supplied to the transistors is measured, sampled and converted into digital information in real time.
A digital control loop calculates the optimum bias for each individual transistor and continually adjusts the analogue output stage to maintain that setting.
This process allows Solo 800 to compensate for changes in temperature, transistor characteristics, playback level, musical dynamics and component ageing.
Conventional fixed-bias amplifiers can gradually move away from their original setting as the circuit warms or its components age. Linn's system continually checks and corrects the output stage rather than relying on a one-time factory adjustment.
Continuously Measured
- Current through all sixteen output transistors
- Changing amplifier temperature
- Variation between individual devices
- Dynamic demands from the music
- Long-term changes in component behaviour
Continuously Corrected
- Bias for each individual transistor
- Output-stage operating conditions
- Crossover behaviour
- Performance across changing loads
- Consistency between multiple amplifiers
Consistency Between Multiple Amplifiers
Closely matched behaviour is particularly important where two or more Solo 800 amplifiers are used together.
In a stereo system, variations between the left and right amplifiers could affect tonal balance, image stability and dynamic behaviour.
In a multi-amplified or externally active system, several amplifiers may be responsible for different drive units within the same loudspeaker.
By monitoring and correcting each output stage independently, Adaptive Bias Control helps the amplifiers maintain consistent behaviour throughout the system and over their operating life.
Extremely Low Distortion
Linn specifies total harmonic distortion and noise of 0.0004% at 1kHz when Solo 800 is delivering 400 W into 8 O.
The specified figure is 0.0005% at 800 W into 4 O and 0.0006% at 1.2 kW into 2 O.
These measurements describe the unwanted signal components produced by the amplifier in addition to the original test signal.
Low measured distortion is not the only factor influencing music reproduction, but it demonstrates the accuracy with which Solo 800 can operate at substantial output levels under the stated test conditions.
Low Output Impedance
Klimax Solo 800 has a specified output impedance of 0.01 O at 1kHz.
A low amplifier output impedance helps reduce the effect that changes in loudspeaker impedance have on the voltage supplied by the amplifier.
It also contributes to electrical control over the loudspeaker drive units as they start and stop during bass transients and rapidly changing musical passages.
2kW Linn Utopik Power Supply
Solo 800 uses a specially developed 2kW version of Linn's Utopik switch-mode power supply.
The supply generates precision-regulated power rails for the amplifier circuitry and is designed to maintain stable output as the mains voltage and loudspeaker demand change.
Its high maximum output allows the amplifier to respond to demanding musical peaks without requiring the size and weight of a large conventional transformer-based supply.
The Utopik supply also works with the amplifier's Class-V voltage control to reduce unnecessary heat generation at lower and moderate listening levels.
Soft-Switching Technology
Switch-mode power supplies operate by rapidly switching their internal power devices on and off.
Linn uses a soft-switching system designed to reduce electrical noise and energy loss during this process.
A resonant circuit allows the voltage across the switching device to fall towards zero before it changes state.
Reducing voltage at the point of switching helps lower unnecessary heat, electrical interference and power loss.
Class-V Voltage Rail Control
Class-V is Linn's name for variable power-supply rail control.
Rather than maintaining the maximum supply voltage continuously, the Utopik power supply adjusts the available rails according to the output demanded by the music.
At lower and moderate listening levels, reduced rail voltages allow the amplifier to operate more efficiently and generate less unnecessary heat.
When a demanding musical peak requires greater power, the supply increases the available voltage.
Class-V is used to improve thermal performance and efficiency. It does not replace the amplifier's Class AB audio output stage.
At Lower Output Levels
- Reduced power-supply rail voltage
- Lower unnecessary power dissipation
- Less internal heat generation
- Improved operating efficiency
During Demanding Passages
- Higher rail voltage becomes available
- Supports rapid musical peaks
- Maintains output into difficult loads
- Works with the 2kW Utopik supply
Fanless Thermal Management
Klimax Solo 800 does not use internal cooling fans.
The amplifier and power-supply circuitry are mounted directly to large, precision-machined heatsinks with a substantial external surface area.
Heat is transferred from the internal electronics into these aluminium structures and released naturally into the surrounding air.
Avoiding internal fans removes fan noise and eliminates moving mechanical components from the cooling system.
The cooling structure is designed to maintain stable internal temperatures even when the amplifier is delivering high output into demanding loudspeaker loads.
The Heatsinks Require Unrestricted Airflow
Fanless operation depends on heat being able to escape through the large external heatsinks.
Do not cover the fins, place another component directly against the amplifier or install Solo 800 inside sealed furniture.
Every amplifier in a stereo or multi-amplified installation requires adequate surrounding space.
Large Machined Aluminium Enclosure
Each Solo 800 measures 350 mm wide, 268 mm high and 412 mm deep.
The substantial aluminium enclosure and heatsink assembly provide a rigid structure for the amplifier, power supply and thermal-management system.
At 27 kg per amplifier, the Solo 800 requires a strong, stable and level equipment support.
The front panel features an illuminated Linn roundel containing 100 cool-toned LEDs, which communicate the operating state of the amplifier.
Klimax Solo 800 is available in Black or Silver anodised finishes.
Black or Silver Finish
The Klimax Solo 800 can be ordered in Black anodised or Silver anodised aluminium.
Both finishes use the same amplifier, power-supply and cooling technologies, so the choice is entirely visual.
Customers ordering a stereo pair should select matching finishes unless the installation has been intentionally designed otherwise.
Finish availability and lead times should be confirmed with your local Audio T store when ordering.
Professional Handling and Installation
Each Solo 800 weighs 27 kg and is supplied with detachable lifting handles to help two people move it safely.
Linn recommends that the amplifier is always lifted by two people using the supplied handling equipment and appropriate manual-handling techniques.
The amplifier should be allowed to acclimatise to the room following delivery before it is connected to mains electricity.
Retaining the original packaging and handles is strongly recommended in case the amplifier needs to be transported or serviced in the future.
Two People Are Required for Safe Lifting
Do not attempt to lift or reposition a Klimax Solo 800 alone.
Its 27 kg weight, deep enclosure and external heatsink fins make safe handling particularly important.
Audio T can arrange delivery and professional positioning as part of a complete installation.
Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Inputs
Solo 800 provides one balanced XLR input and one unbalanced RCA input.
A rear-panel selector determines which input is active. The connections are alternative input types rather than two independently selectable programme sources.
The balanced input has a specified gain of 22.6dB, while the unbalanced RCA input provides 28.6dB of gain.
These differing gain values accommodate the higher nominal voltage normally provided by balanced source equipment.
Balanced XLR Input
- One balanced line-level connection
- 22.6dB amplifier gain
- Suitable for compatible balanced pre-amplifiers
- Useful for longer line-level cable routes
- Requires a correctly wired XLR interconnect
Unbalanced RCA Input
- One unbalanced line-level connection
- 28.6dB amplifier gain
- Compatible with conventional RCA outputs
- Suitable for many existing Hi-Fi systems
- Requires a good-quality RCA interconnect
Select the Correct Input
The rear input selector must match the connection being used.
The XLR and RCA inputs should not both be treated as live sources or connected without a clear system plan.
RCA and XLR Pass-Through Connections
Solo 800 provides one balanced XLR pass-through and one unbalanced RCA pass-through.
Each input and its corresponding output are hard-wired together, allowing the incoming line-level signal to continue to another compatible power amplifier.
This can simplify wiring in bi-amplified, tri-amplified and externally active systems where several amplifiers require the same source-channel signal.
The pass-through sockets provide line-level signals only. They must never be connected directly to a loudspeaker.
Speaker Connections
A pair of substantial speaker terminals provides the amplified output from Solo 800.
The connections can accept compatible 4 mm banana plugs, spade connectors or carefully prepared bare speaker cable.
Correct polarity must be maintained, with the positive amplifier terminal connected to the positive loudspeaker terminal and negative connected to negative.
Linn
K200 speaker cable
may be considered for suitable Linn and non-Linn installations.
Switch Off Before Changing Cables
Disconnect the amplifier from the mains before fitting, removing or rearranging speaker cables.
Loose copper strands or connectors touching the wrong terminal could create a short circuit and damage the amplifier or loudspeaker.
Automatic Signal Sensing
Klimax Solo 800 monitors its selected analogue input for an audio signal.
If no signal is detected for approximately 20 minutes, the amplifier enters a low-power state.
A new signal arriving through the selected RCA or XLR input wakes the amplifier and allows playback to resume.
Persistent hum, noise or another unwanted signal from the connected source may prevent automatic low-power operation.
12V Trigger Control
A 12V trigger input allows a compatible Linn network music player, pre-amplifier or control system to switch Solo 800 into and out of its low-power state.
Applying a compatible 12V signal prepares the amplifier for playback in approximately one second.
Trigger control is particularly useful in a system containing two or more monoblocks because all amplifiers can be controlled together.
The connected trigger device and cabling must use the correct voltage and polarity.
Power Consumption
Linn specifies approximately 100 W of power consumption while Solo 800 is idling.
Low-power consumption is specified between approximately 11 W and 38 W, depending on the operating condition and configuration.
Maximum power consumption can reach 2kW when the amplifier is operating under the most demanding conditions.
A stereo pair or larger multi-amplifier installation should therefore be planned with suitable mains outlets, power distribution and electrical capacity.
Plan the Mains Supply Carefully
Several Solo 800 amplifiers can place substantial demand on the electrical supply during high-output operation.
Do not connect a reference amplifier system through an unsuitable lightweight extension lead or overloaded mains block.
Audio T can advise on sensible power distribution and installation requirements.
Auto-Ranging Mains Supply
Klimax Solo 800 has an auto-ranging mains input compatible with supported 100–120V and 200–240V AC supplies at 50 or 60Hz.
No external voltage selector needs to be changed by the user.
The supplied mains cable and electrical installation must still be suitable for the country, available supply and expected current demand.
Partnering Linn Klimax DSM
The
Linn Klimax DSM Organik
provides Linn's reference network music player, digital-to-analogue converter and pre-amplifier partner.
In a conventional stereo system, the left and right analogue outputs from Klimax DSM connect to separate Solo 800 amplifiers.
Each amplifier then powers its corresponding passive loudspeaker.
Balanced XLR connections provide the natural choice within a complete Klimax system, although the correct input should be selected according to the source and wider installation.
A Volume-Controlled Source Is Required
Klimax Solo 800 does not contain source selection, digital conversion, streaming or a user volume control.
It requires a compatible pre-amplifier or network music player with safely controlled variable analogue outputs.
Do Not Connect Directly to a Fixed-Level Source
A fixed-level output may send the full source signal to the power amplifier without a safe way to control the playback volume.
This could produce dangerously high volume and may damage the connected loudspeaker.
Driving Passive Loudspeakers
A stereo pair of Solo 800 amplifiers can drive a wide range of compatible passive loudspeakers from Linn or another manufacturer.
Its ability to deliver substantial current into 4 O and 2 O loads makes it particularly suitable for demanding high-performance designs.
The loudspeaker's impedance curve, sensitivity and power handling should still be checked before installation.
The final result also depends on the pre-amplifier, source, room, loudspeaker position and quality of the system setup.
Partnering Linn 360 PWAB
Klimax Solo 800 is a reference external amplification option for the
Linn 360 Passive with Aktiv Bass
.
The 360 PWAB uses external amplification for its tweeter, midrange and upper-bass array, while its lower-bass drivers are powered internally.
A complete system may therefore require several external amplifier channels, depending on whether the speaker is operated through its passive crossover or converted to an external Exakt configuration.
Amplifier assignment, active-bass configuration, cabling and Space Optimisation should be professionally planned.
External Exakt and Multi-Amplified Systems
Solo 800 can be used as an amplifier channel within a compatible external Linn Exakt system.
In this type of installation, a suitable Linn Exaktbox performs the digital crossover processing and provides separate analogue outputs for the individual loudspeaker sections.
Each Solo 800 receives one of these analogue signals and drives the corresponding speaker connection or drive unit.
The Solo 800's RCA and XLR pass-through connections can also help distribute signals where several amplifier channels require the same input.
Every Amplifier Must Be Correctly Assigned
Connecting a high-power amplifier to the wrong loudspeaker section or drive unit may cause serious damage.
The Exakt profile, amplifier channel, cable label and speaker connection must all correspond with the intended system configuration.
Professional Linn installation is essential for this type of system.
Solo 800 or Solo 500?
Linn currently offers two Klimax Solo monoblock amplifiers.
Klimax Solo 500
The
Linn Klimax Solo 500
is the more compact option.
- 250 W into 8 O
- 500 W into 4 O
- Adaptive Bias Control
- Hybrid passive and active cooling
- Compact 88.5 mm-high enclosure
- Well suited to multi-amplifier installations
Klimax Solo 800
- 400 W into 8 O
- 800 W into 4 O
- 1.2 kW into 2 O
- Adaptive Bias Control
- Completely fanless cooling
- Linn's ultimate reference monoblock
Solo 800 provides the greater power and low-impedance capability, while Solo 500 offers much of Linn's current amplifier technology in a considerably smaller enclosure.
Loudspeaker requirements, available space, the number of amplifier channels and overall system balance should determine the final choice.
Positioning and Ventilation
Solo 800 should be placed on a rigid, stable and level equipment support capable of safely carrying its 27 kg weight.
The large external heatsink fins must have unrestricted access to surrounding air.
Avoid placing the amplifier inside a sealed cupboard, directly beside a radiator or immediately against another heat-producing component.
The rear connections should remain accessible without forcing the interconnects, mains lead or speaker cable against the enclosure.
Recommended
- Strong and level equipment support
- Clear space around the heatsink fins
- Unrestricted natural airflow
- Access for two-person handling
- Room behind the amplifier for cables
Avoid
- Sealed cabinets without ventilation
- Soft surfaces that restrict airflow
- Placing equipment directly against the heatsinks
- Installing beside radiators or heaters
- Supports that are not rated for the weight
Front Status Roundel
The front of Solo 800 features a jewel-like Linn roundel containing 100 cool-toned LEDs.
The light communicates the current operating condition, including initial power-up, normal operation, low-power mode and a detected fault.
The brightness can be adjusted using a rear-panel control to suit the installation and ambient lighting.
Service Connections
Exakt and USB connections located beneath the removable rear service cover are reserved for software updates, setup and service communication.
They are not normal audio inputs, Exakt audio connections or USB playback sockets.
The incoming audio signal must be connected through the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA input.
Do Not Use the Service Ports for Audio
The covered Exakt and USB connections are intended for authorised configuration and service procedures only.
Professional System Installation
Linn recommends professional retailer installation for Klimax Solo 800.
A complete installation may involve safe handling, equipment-support planning, ventilation, input selection, trigger configuration, mains distribution and loudspeaker compatibility.
Systems using several amplifiers also require careful channel assignment, matched settings and clear labelling of every interconnect and loudspeaker cable.
Audio T can plan and install the complete system rather than treating each monoblock as an isolated component.
Key Features
- Linn's ultimate reference monoblock power amplifier
- One amplifier channel per enclosure
- Two Solo 800 amplifiers required for conventional stereo
- Class AB transistor amplifier design
- Pure Class A operation at lower output levels
- Class-V variable power-supply rail control
- 400 W output into 8 O
- 800 W output into 4 O
- 1.2 kW output into 2 O
- Linn Adaptive Bias Control
- Sixteen individually monitored output transistors
- Real-time bias measurement and adjustment
- Digital closed-loop bias control
- 0.0004% THD+N at 400 W into 8 O
- 0.0005% THD+N at 800 W into 4 O
- 0.0006% THD+N at 1.2 kW into 2 O
- 0.01 O output impedance at 1kHz
- 2kW Linn Utopik switch-mode power supply
- Precision-regulated power-supply rails
- Soft-switching power-supply operation
- Completely fanless thermal management
- Large precision-machined aluminium heatsinks
- One balanced XLR input
- One unbalanced RCA input
- Rear-panel input selector
- 22.6dB balanced input gain
- 28.6dB unbalanced input gain
- Balanced XLR pass-through
- Unbalanced RCA pass-through
- Binding-post, banana and spade speaker compatibility
- Automatic music-sensing low-power mode
- 12V trigger control
- Auto-ranging mains supply
- Illuminated front Linn roundel with 100 LEDs
- Machined aluminium enclosure
- Suitable for passive and externally active systems
- Available in Black or Silver anodised finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Klimax Solo 800 sold individually?
Yes. Each Solo 800 contains one amplifier channel and is sold as an individual monoblock. A conventional stereo system requires two.
How much power does the Solo 800 produce?
Linn specifies 400 W into 8 O, 800 W into 4 O and 1.2 kW into 2 O.
Is Solo 800 an integrated amplifier?
No. It is a power amplifier and does not include source selection, streaming, digital conversion or volume control. A compatible pre-amplifier or volume-controlled source is required.
Does Solo 800 use cooling fans?
No. Its amplifier and power-supply circuitry are coupled directly to large external heatsinks for completely fanless cooling.
What is Adaptive Bias Control?
It is Linn's system for measuring and continually correcting the operating current of each output transistor according to temperature, musical demand and component behaviour.
Does it have balanced and unbalanced inputs?
Yes. It includes one balanced XLR input and one unbalanced RCA input. A rear-panel switch selects the active connection.
Can XLR and RCA be used simultaneously?
No. They are alternative inputs selected by the rear switch rather than two independently selectable sources.
What are the pass-through connections for?
They allow the incoming XLR or RCA line-level signal to continue to another amplifier in a multi-amplified system.
Can Solo 800 enter low-power mode automatically?
Yes. It can enter a low-power state after approximately 20 minutes without an audio signal and wake again when a new signal is detected.
Does it support a 12V trigger?
Yes. A compatible pre-amplifier or control system can use the 12V trigger input to bring Solo 800 into and out of low-power mode.
Can Solo 800 drive any loudspeaker?
It is designed to handle extremely demanding loads, but its power may exceed the safe limits of some speakers. Compatibility and suitable volume limits should be confirmed before installation.
Can it be used in an external Linn Exakt system?
Yes. Solo 800 can provide amplification for a properly configured external Exakt system, with one amplifier assigned to each required loudspeaker section.
How heavy is the Linn Klimax Solo 800?
Each amplifier weighs 27 kg and should be lifted by two people using the supplied detachable handling equipment.
What finishes are available?
Klimax Solo 800 is available in Black anodised or Silver anodised aluminium.
Can Audio T install the Klimax Solo 800?
Yes. Audio T can arrange delivery, safe positioning, source and loudspeaker matching, cabling, trigger configuration and complete stereo or multi-amplified system installation.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert Linn system planning and product advice
- Demonstrations through participating Linn stores
- Help comparing Klimax Solo 800 and Solo 500
- Advice on the number of monoblocks required
- Pre-amplifier and network music player matching
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connection advice
- Loudspeaker impedance and power-handling checks
- Passive and externally active system planning
- External Linn Exakt configuration
- Interconnect and speaker-cable recommendations
- 12V trigger and low-power configuration
- Ventilation and equipment-support planning
- Mains and power-distribution advice
- Professional two-person delivery and positioning
- Home demonstrations may be available where suitable
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Linn system and upgrade support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the correct Klimax Solo 800 configuration for your loudspeakers and listening room.