FAQs

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Contents

What is a PIN

Requirement: Davaar64 on Linn DS/DSM and minimum Kazoo 4.13


A PIN is the physical selection of six buttons on the top facia of the following Linn products:

Each PIN can be assigned/programmed by using Linn App, Kazoo to a saved Playlist, local source, Radio preset... to allow a quick and simple selection of your favourite music

The PIN service has been extended to all Linn DS/DSM products via the control software. Such as Linn App, Kazoo PC or MAC, Kazoo - Android devices, Crestron, Control4 & Savant.

More and more media attachment options are being added with software improvements, so watch this space.

(Pressing two PIN buttons at the same time can also be used in the setup of the relevent product. Check the relevant product page for more information)


IR Remote control PIN use

IR Remote control PIN use

The REM 022 IR handset has six direct selection PIN buttons


The Linn IR handsets allow to select a defined PIN on your Linn DS/DSM using the number (1-6) keypad.

Press AND HOLD number 1 for a couple of seconds will select PIN1,
Press AND HOLD number 2 for a couple of seconds will select PIN2, etc

...
If you have any difficulty after creating new PIN's in Kazoo:

  1. Power cycle the Linn DS/DSM and this should fix the issue.
  2. Check the batteries in the REMOTE, when you press any button then the STANDBY light should be on for as long as the button is pressed.


PIN FAQs:

  • We currently support pinning from Kazoo Server (V4.9.8 onwards) , Tidal, Qobuz, TuneIn, CalmRadio, DS radio presets, and Linn DSM external inputs
  • This is only applicable with Linn DS/DSM players with Davaar 64 or higher firmware
  • This currently does NOT support Pins to external pre-amplifier inputs, such as Akurate Kontrol, Kisto etc.
  • PINs use discrete IR codes and are not used with any other Linn Product control.
  • PINS for Radio stations are wrongly created with Kazoo V4.13.21, this has been fixed with next version 4.13.22. If you have created a Radio station PIN and it doesn't work, check you have a later version of Kazoo and re-assign this PIN to the correct radio station.


Surround Sound

Where can I find information on Surround sound

This can depend on the version of firmware installed in your Linn DS/DSM.

Can I use spare channels driving my Tukan speaker for Surround channels?

No, the configuration has two options.

If you want to just use one output on the Exaktbox to drive each loudspeaker (either in Stereo or Surround mode) you will need to assign an Exaktbox for either 6channel Passthrough or 8Channel passthrough loudspeakers

Space Optimisation

How do I access the new Space Optimisation?

Goto Linn_Account_Space_Optimisation


Do I need a Tune-Dem and set up the speakers first

YES, you will have to find the best, most tune full position of the speakers BEFORE using Space Optimisation. Space optimisation will then improve the tune.

How Do I erase a speaker setup from Konfig for Space Optimisation

All you have to do is turn OFF Space Optimisation, the selected speaker will still be shown but will have NO effect on the sound.

Will Space Optimisation work on External inputs (from my LP12?) on the Linn DSM

Space optimisation will work on all Linn DSM external inputs (Analogue/Toslink/SPDIF).
Space Optimisation can be turned OFF on specific external inputs using Konfig > Source > Source name > "Digital Features" = "OFF"

Can I use Space Optimisation on 2 or more pairs of speakers?

Space Optimisation is only designed to work with 1 speaker in each location. That is front left, front right, centre, surround left...
Space will not work if you have two front left speakers, two front right speakers etc.

Does Space Optimisation work on the Headphones socket?

No Space Optimisation is for your Room operation, the headphone socket playback has Space Optimisation disabled

Does Space Optimisation work on the coaxial SPDIF or TOSLINK output sockets?

No Space Optimisation is only available on the Analogue and EXAKT-LINK outputs.

Akurate Katalyst FAQ's

I have an Akurate DS/DSM and Akurate ExaktBox10 what can I upgrade to Katalyst?

If you are not using the Analogue outputs on Akurate DS/DSM then you only need the upgrade for the Exakt products (Akurate ExaktBox6/10, Akudorik, AkuBarik, Dorik stands).


Note: if you are using an Exakt system, updating the Akurate DS/DSM with Katalyst will make no difference to the audio quality from the ExaktBoxes or Exakt speakers.

EXAKT ENGINE

Exakt technology brings natural sound to the listener.
One Exakt Engine is designed for the signal processing for one loudspeaker.
The Engine will:

  1. Take the digital stream is then split up to send to the correct speaker drive unit with that loudspeaker.(Bass, mid, tweeter etc).
  2. Each speaker drive unit feed is then adjusted in gain level to match the speaker drive unit performance and any Space Optimisation adjustments
  3. Finally, each speaker drive unit audio delivers a linear phase performance across all the frequencies to ensure they arrive at your ear perfectly synchronised.

The Klimax Exaktbox & Akurate Exaktbox6 have one Exakt Engine with six audio channels.
The Akurate Exaktbox10 and Majik Exaktbox-I have two Exakt Engines. The Akurate Exaktbox10 has 5 channels per Engine. The Majik Exaktbox-I has 4 channels per Engine.

Exakt audio

On Linn DS/DSM products, you can have audio on both Exakt and analogue audio outputs. However, by default, this is disabled and if you have Exakt speakers/ExaktBox connected the audio is muted from the analogue output.
To have both analogue and Exakt audio at the same time, go into Konfig > DEVICE > ADVANCED to enable Dual Analogue/Exakt Stereo Output.
Note: the only difference is that the Exakt audio is delayed by approx 40mS compared to the Analogue output due to the digital processing.

The only other time that the Exakt audio outputs are disabled is when the Internal volume control is turned OFF

Subwoofer use in a Linn DS/DSM system

Exaktbox Sub

The Exaktbox Sub can only be used with Exakt speakers/Exaktbox(es).
If you only have speakers connected via analogue connections to the Linn DS/DS and try and also use the Exaktbox Sub, Config will only allow you to set up Space Optimisation+ on the Exaktbox Sub. You will not be able to use Space Optimisation on the analogue outputs with an Exaktbox and or Exakt speaker connected.

Non Exakt system

In Space Optimisation > Room Setup, you can add "Additional Subwoofers"
This will allow you to add subwoofers into the Room and position them within the room. You can then Optimise and adjust the Room modes accordingly.


DSD file playback on the Linn DS/DSM

Products that will play stereo DSD audio
  • Linn DS/DSM players with Katalyst DAC's, from firmware Davaar 60, can play Stereo DSD audio files. This is performed by passing the native DSD stream directly to the Katalyst DAC and letting the DAC do the processing and volume control.
  • All ORGANIK DAC's fitted within the Linn DSM can play DSD audio files.
  • New Klimax DSM (2020 variant)
  • Selekt DSM with "Organik", "Standard" and "Katalyst" DAC's
> Only supported on SLOT #1 of the Selekt DSM. Selekt DSM slots 2&3 will not play DSD audio/



Some important points on DSD playback on the Linn DS/DSM:

  • The DSD audio is ONLY available on the Linn DS/DSM analogue outputs.
The DSD audio stream is NOT supported on:

  • Exakt-link to Exakt speakers or Exaktbox. That is, DSD files will NOT play on Exakt speakers or Exaktboxes.
  • Digital outputs. (TOSLINK, SPDIF)
  • Songcast to other Linn DS/DSM players



  • Supports DSD64 (2.8224MHz) and DSD128 (5.6448MHz) sample rates.
    • DSD256 is only supported on Klimax DSM (2020 variant).
These in the following formats:
  • DSF - Sony format that supports ID3 tags
  • DFF - old Philips mastering format (aka DSDIFF)


  • DSD is NOT supported on external inputs such as Toslink or USB



  • No digital signal processing is possible. This means:
    • No balance control is possible to DSD audio file playback.
    • No Space Optimisation is applied to DSD audio file playback
    • Maximum volume is restricted to 80 (unity gain) on DSD audio file playback. However if you have raised to volume to a higher level e.g. 90, this higher volume is applied to any tracks that are NOT DSD audio files.

  • Linn DSM volume control MUST be enabled
    • If the DSM volume control is disabled you will hear "click"s on the loudspeaker when Play/Pause buttons are pressed or a change in bit-rate on change in tracks


Linn Kazoo Server supports the index and serving of DSD files. Non-indexed DFF files that have no metadata can be browsed by file name using the Kazoo Server Removable drives option.
Asset UPnP server and Minimserver support DSD index and serving to the Linn DS/DSM.


DS Features

Linn DS features

Function Sneaky DS Majik DS Akurate DS(>2010) Akurate DS Klimax DS Renew DS Akurate Renew DS
Local Playlists
Shared Playlists
Songcast share
Internet Radio
Unity Gain on all external inputs Not applicable (source only product)
Basik3 RCU operation X
Proxy Linn CD control
Proxy Linn Preamp control
Surround options Stereo output
Tidal
Qobuz
Calm Radio
Spotify
Roon
HDMI pass-thru Not applicable (source only product)



DSM Features

Linn DSI/DSM features

Function Kiko Sneaky DSM Sekrit DSI Sekrit DSM Majik DSI/ DSM (non-HDMI) Majik DSM/1 Majik DSM/2 Majik DSM/3 Akurate DSM Akurate DSM/1, & Exakt Akurate DSM/2, /3, & Exakt/1 Klimax DSM Klimax DSM/1 & Exakt Klimax DSM/2 & Exakt/2
Local Playlists
Songcast share
Internet Radio
Tidal
Qobuz
Calm Radio
Spotify
Roon
Unity Gain on all external inputs
HDMI 1.4 No HDMI 1.4 No HDMI 1.4 2.0 1.4 2.0 1.4 2.0
Exakt X X X
Surround options Stereo output Stereo or PCM Surround output via HDMI Stereo output Stereo or PCM Surround output via HDMI Stereo output Stereo or PCM Surround output via HDMI
Basik3 RCU operation X X
Proxy Linn CD control X X
Proxy Linn Preamp control X



DS/DSM versions

Linn DS/DSI/DSM major changes

Product/Change EXAKT KATALYST ORGANIK HDMI 1.4 HDMI 2.0 HDMI ARC
Kiko - - - - -
Sneaky Music DS - - - - - -
Sneaky DSM - - - - -
Sekrit DS - - - - - -
Sekrit DS-I - - - - - -
Sekrit DSM - - - - -
Majik DS-I - - - - -
Majik DS /2 - - - - -
Majik DSM /2 /3 - - /1 /2 /3 /4
Selekt DSM Optional Optional Optional - Optional
Akurate DS /2 /3 - - - -
Akurate DSM /1 /2 /3 /3 - /2 /3
Akurate Exakt DSM - - /1
Akurate System Hub - -
Klimax DS /2 /3 - - - -
Klimax DSM /1 /2 /3 /2 /3
Klimax Exakt DSM - - /1
Klimax System Hub - -

Key:

 ; All versions
- ; Not implemented in any versions
/1; Only /1
/2; Only /2
/3; Only /3
/4; Only /4






Linn Preamp audio connections

Kinsky supported Pre-amplifiers

Linn Products Audio Inputs Audio Outputs Comms
Phono/ RCA XLR Toslink SPDIF 3.5mm jack Phono/ RCA XLR Toslink SPDIF Headphone Analog Record Speaker (W-RMS) RS232 (Proxy) Ethernet RC5 Acc
Majik-I 6 1 0 0 0 1 Stereo 0 0 0 1 1 2x 100W 1 0 0
Majik Kontrol 6 1 0 0 0 0 Stereo 0 0 0 1 1 - 1 0 1
Akurate Kontrol(>2010) 6 1+2 0 3 3 0 Surr- ound 0 1 1 0 1 - 1 0 1
Akurate Kontrol(2011>) 4 1 2 0 0 1 Stereo Stereo 0 0 1 1 - 0 1 0
Akurate Kontrol/KN Earth Isolation 4 1 2 0 0 1 XLR or RCA4 0 0 1 1 - 0 1 0
Klimax Kontrol 3 1 0 0 0 Stereo Stereo 0 0 0 0 - 1 0 1
Kinos 7 2 0 4 3 0 Surr- ound 0 2 1 1 1 - 1 1 1
Kisto 10 2 1 7 6 0 Surr- ound Surr- ound 3 2 1 2 - 1 1 1
Unidisk SC 4 3 0 2 2 0 Surr- ound 0 1 1 0 1 3 - 1 0 1
Classik Music (>2008) 2 0 1 1 0 Stereo 0 1 0 1 1 2x 75W 1 0 1
Classik Movie (>2006) 3 3 0 1 1 0 Surr- ound 0 1 0 1 23 5x 75W 1 0 1
Knekt RoomAmp2 3 0 0 0 0 Stereo 0 0 0 1 1 4x 20W 1 0 1

Note:

1 One input can be configured for use with a Turntable.

  • Line Level or
  • Moving Magnet [Majik-I/ Majik Kontrol / Akurate Kontrol >2010- Input 6 factory set] or
  • Moving Coil [Akurate Kontrol 2011> - Input 4 Factory set]
refer to dealer for options

2 Sockets can be set for Analogue Surround Input
3 Audio connections via SCART
4 This can only be configured for XLR or RCA use, not both (Gain differences)



Exakt DSM configurations

Linn Speakers (Pair)

Speaker changes

Klimax Exakt Tunebox Qty

Power Amplifier Qty

XLR cable to Speaker Qty

Notes

Klimax 350 Exakt None Exakt Tunebox not required
Klimax 350A 350 EXT UPG Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade
Klimax 350 option1 350 EXT UPG Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade
Klimax 350 option2 Convert to externally Aktiv and change internal circuit board 2 8 2
Artikulate 350A 350 EXT UPG Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade
Artikulate 350 option1 350 EXT UPG Exakt Tunebox not required with upgrade
Artikulate 350 option2 Convert to externally Aktiv and change internal circuit board 2 8 2
Komri Aktiv none 2 8 2
Komri Passive Internal Xover change to Aktiv 2 8 2



How do I turn OFF speakers in Space optimisation?

In Konfig, Space Optimisation and hit the "TURN OFF", this will disable ALL Optimisation for that speaker and return the Music to the unadjusted level.


Differences between the Sekrit DSM and Sneaky DSM

HARDWARE

HDMI
The Sekrit DSM/Sneaky DSM are only available with HDMI 1.4 connections.
This product does NOT support ARC (Audio Return Channel)
Difference between Sneaky DSM & Sekrit DSM

Sekrit DSM has

  1. A chassis (case) that can be mounted in a 19” (RAKK-SNKMDS) with power switch & Fallback on the front of the case
  2. Indicator leds to give the operational/connection status of the Sekrit DSM
  3. Can be used with BASIK-3 or BASIK-3-IR RCU
  4. The option to screw an IR emitter over DSM IR receiver. This is intended for IR repeater control interface whilst the Sekrit DSM is hidden.
  5. Full range Power Amplifier with the (Configured in Konfig)
a. Single ended option of 4x33W. For driving two pairs of in-wall/in-ceiling speakers with common volume control.
b. Bridged mode of 2x50W. For driving one pair of speakers. (This requires wiring the Nuetrik plug for bridged mode)

Sneaky DSM has

  1. A chassis (case) for table top positioning with side power switch. Fallback button on rear connector panel
  2. Front panel power indicator that flashes when IR command is being received or in boot mode awaiting a DHCP address.
  3. Full range Power Amplifier with the (Configured in Konfig)
a. Single ended option of 2x33W. For driving one pair of speakers in single amp mode.
b. Single ended option of 4x33W. For driving one pair of speakers in Bi-AMP mode.

Tidal internet streaming

This will work with Linn DS/DSM products running Davaar23 firmware. This can be updated using the Konfig software. To create and add Tidal tracks to a Linn DS/DSM playlist, you require Kazoo UI version 4.3.653 or higher.

Tidal is supported in countries listed HERE on the Tidal website

The Tidal is broadcast from the Internet straight to the Linn DS/DSM. This means that the control point does not need to be powered on.

Tidal 90 day free voucher

Note: This trial is only available to new Tidal subscribers.
You can get a free 90-day trial voucher from Linn by:
  1. Open up Kazoo UI and select the "Settings"
  2. Within the Settings page, select the "Register your Linn Products"
  3. After you enter your details, you will receive (in your email) a voucher
  4. Go to www.tidalhifi.com in your browser
  5. Below the "Try Now" click on the "Do you have a voucher?" text. Enter your voucher number, "Continue" with the screen instructions.
  6. When you have a Password, enter your Email and password into the Kazoo Tidal request window. This will open the selection window. Use this like a UPnP Media and add the Music to the Playlist in the same manner.

Music on the Playlist can be Tidal Music mixed with local UPnP Media server music. That is, the Music can be local music and Tidal music in your Playlist

Does the Linn DS support Tidal HD?

We are waiting for TidalTM to release a software API module to allow access to the Tidal HD stream. Once this is released, this HD streaming option will be added to Linn DS products.

NetAux streaming

The DS NetAux input uses UDP for streaming audio based on the RTSP network control protocol

Spotify Connect streaming

Documentation for using Spotify Connect with a DS can be found here: SpotifyConnect.

Linn DSM products with HDMI Audio pass-thro and surround processing

Release Davaar 4.2.3 (14th Oct 2011) The Linn DSM products HDMI output will:-
1. Pass-throu the HDMI audio when the Linn DSM is in Standby.
2. Pass-throu the HDMI audio when the Linn DSM is listening to an Analogue or Digital Audio input.
3. BLOCK the HDMI audio to the TV if the the DSM is listening to an HDMI input.

From Davaar50 (Sept 2016) the 'stripped' surround audio is no longer fed out of the Linn DSM - HDMI OUT to a surround processor. This is now processed with Exakt speakers, check Surround speaker setup.
The HDMI pass-throu and HDMI block still occur as above.

Can I control the Linn DS/DSM using Alexa

1. With the Selekt DSM, Series 3 and Majik DSM (2020 variant) you can add these products as Bluetooth speakers for the Alexa or Google Home.
This will allow you to select your Music that is available on the Alexa/Google Home and play this, with Volume control, on the Selekt DSM, Series 3 and Majik DSM (2020 variant) products.

2. The alternative is only available in the UK, LINN SMART HOME

Check here for more information.

Can I turn off the Volume control in the DSI or DSM to make them source only

Yes in Konfig Volume options give you the full line level volume out. However this will disable the internal power amplifier for obvious reasons (No volume control)

Note: If you turn off the volume control this will also DISABLE any Exakt speaker or Exaktboxes that are connected to this Linn DSM.

What is a DS player?

A DS player is an open digital music player from Linn. It is a source product, like a CD player, but rather than retrieving music from a CD, it retrieves music from a standard Ethernet network. See Introduction to DS concepts.


Can the DS player play multi-channel files?

No, the Klimax DS, Akurate DS, Majik DS, Majik DSi, Sneaky Music DS and Sekrit DSi are stereo only.

Klimax DSM, Akurate DSM & Majik DSM can play multi-channel audio from their HDMI inputs if they are using Davaar55 or later software.


What Linn PreAmplifiers can the DS products control?

Bute, Cara and Davaar software can control:-

  • Klimax Kontrol
  • Akurate Kontrol
  • Majik Kontrol
  • Majik-I
  • Kinos
  • Kisto
  • Unidisk SC
  • Classik Movie (from 2006 manufacture)
  • Classik Music (from 2008 manufacture)

Some of these products may need their software updated to allow the DS products to control them.

Earlier Linn pre-amplifiers cannot be controlled by the DS products.

An Exotik+DA which has been updated to run Akurate Kontrol firmware can be controlled in the same way as an Akurate Kontrol. An Exotik (non-DA) may respond to on/off commands but not volume or source if identified as a Klimax Kontrol, but this is not an officially supported feature.


What makes the DS players open?

They have open standard interfaces as follows:

  • Standard Ethernet input, and standard audio outputs
  • Support the open UPnP AV 1.0 specification for control
  • Support for open file formats (e.g. FLAC)
  • It is possible, and actively encouraged by Linn, for individuals and third parties to write applications that utilise the DS.


How does music get onto a standard Ethernet network in the first place?

From a network attached hard drive. This may be within a standard PC or Mac, or can be a dedicated device called a NAS, which stands for Network Attached Storage. For data security and data availability, a low-power dedicated NAS is recommended.


How do I get my music onto a NAS?

See Ripping


Will downloaded music play on the DS players?

Yes, so long as it is not protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions and is in one of the supported formats, or transcoded to such a format


How can I access my iTunes library from iPad/iPhone

You can use an iPad/iPhone app called REMOTE. This will allow you to remotely control the iTunes running on your home computer. Using the iTunes, you can use Airplay to broadcast to the Linn DS using the NetAux input.

Can I Airplay from my Android device

Without ROOTING the android device, there is no way to stream to the Linn DS (Airplay AOA Service). All other apps take the media file and stream it via UPnP.

Streaming local files can be done using Skifta and “Double Twist Player”

Media Applications

How can I access my Music Folder on my computer from Kinsky Desktop?

Windows
Mac OS X



Can the NAS be used for other purposes?

Yes. The NAS can be accessed and used by any ethernet connected device.


Should the NAS be backed up?

You should back up all your data. RAID, which is built into many NAS devices, protects against the failure of a single drive ONLY. A full backup should be created using a USB attached external drive or similar, and kept synchronised with the NAS.


Does the NAS have to be in the same room as the DS player?

No, as long as both the NAS and the DS player are connected to the same Ethernet network, the DS player will retrieve music from the NAS.


What should I do if my CD collection is too big to fit on one NAS?

Add more or larger drives to the NAS, or use multiple NAS devices and split collection across them.


Can I create a DS player multi-room system?

Yes. You can have several DS players running from one NAS, with concurrent, independent access to the stored music.

With Linn DS/DSM products with using Davaar software, this allows simultaneous playback of the same Music in many rooms


Should I use wired or wireless Ethernet?

Wired. There is no guaranteed quality of service over wireless networks. When streaming music, the information must arrive at the DS player predictably to avoid audio drop-out.


How should I control a DS player?

There are a variety of options available, dependent on personal hardware and software preferences, for controlling a DS. Linn recommends using Linn software.


Can other UPnP controllers operate the DS players?

Yes, so long as they conform to the UPnP AV specification, although with a reduced feature set.


What audio formats do the DS players support?

DS products support

  • FLAC Up to 192k 24bit
  • WAV
  • AIFF
  • AIFC
  • MP3
  • AAC
  • WMA (lossy)
  • OGG VORBIS
  • OGG FLAC
  • ALAC up to 192K 24bit [If these ALAC files were generated by an early version of dBpowerAmp the Linn DS will not recognise these. Transcode these files to ALAC using the latest version of dBPowerAmp to fix this.]


Linn recommends FLAC.

DRM protected files cannot be played on the DS products


Why does Linn recommend FLAC?

  1. FLAC is a free, open format. It is non-proprietary, which means your music collection is safeguarded for the future, can be played through any open digital music player, and is not tied to a particular manufacturer or product. The specification is published for all to see. In contrast, SACD has failed to achieve significant success because it requires proprietary music content and disc players with proprietary hardware inside.
  2. FLAC allows even better than CD quality encoding and decoding. Linn Records provides studio master quality downloads in FLAC, at the same quality as SACD.
  3. FLAC supports metadata, or tags, so that useful information about a piece of music can be stored with the music; for example, album, artist, genre, cover art, sleeve notes, etc. User interfaces can make good use of these tags. Two examples of applications that support tag editing are: Mp3tag (Windows) and Tag (Mac)
  4. Because it is open and free, there is an extensive set of players, tools, transcoders (to convert between other formats and FLAC), tag editors, and other programs for FLAC.
  5. FLAC is support in Stereo playback


Do I have to use a NAS, or can I use my existing PC/Mac hard drive?

You can install a UPnP Media Server on your existing PC/Mac and use your existing PC/Mac hard drive if you wish.


Can I run a UPnP server as Squeeze Center on the same NAS?

Yes, you can, and they can both access the same audio files.

Additionally, you can use Squeeze Center and Squeeze boxes to control and media-serve your DS players using the SkweezyDs plugin


What are the firewall settings required for Kazoo/Kinsky/Konfig operation?

For firewalls which support 'exceptions-by-program' (such as Windows Firewall on XP and Vista), add the executable to the exceptions list. However where the firewall requires setting of absolute port addresses for exceptions the following ranges are required

  • Port 1900 (UDP)
  • Port 2869 (TCP)
  • Ports 49152 – 65535 (TCP & UDP)



How do I achieve gapless playback for live albums?

To guarantee gapless playback, you will need to rip your music tracks into a lossless format (i.e. FLAC). You must also ensure that you are using ripping software that does not add gaps between tracks when ripping (i.e. dBPowerAmp). Most ripping software will offer the option to turn this feature off.