Template:FAQ-FULL:Kustom DSM

What are the differences between a Streamer, Zone and Linn DSM?

Streamer:

is the term for a Media source player. In the case of the Kustom DSM this will play streams from the internet, (Tidal, Qobuz, Internet Radio etc), local Ethernet, (local UPnP Media Server, Songcast from another DS etc..) or from local inputs, (HDMI, TOSLINK, SPDIF, Analogue).

This also provides a Songcast stream to other Linn Streamers/DS/DSM/Hubs.

Zone:

takes a line-level input and performed simple Volume, balance and Standby control to the output(s)

Linn DSM:

Has an inbuilt Streamer and inbuilt Zone to provide you music for listening to.

In a Linn Kustom DSM the Streamer output can be configured to supply to multiple Zones. This sharing the same Music to multiple zones that always want to listen to the same, common, Music source.

Does the Kustom DSM support Surround sound?

No. This is a stereo playback product as there are no Exakt outputs

Does the Kustom DSM support Space Optimisation or Space Optimisation2?

No. Space Optimisation processing is performed within the Streamer. Each zone will have its own Space Optimisation profile but as multiple zones are connected to the same Streamer then multiple profiles cannot be actioned.

Can a Zone on one Streamer share audio to a Zone on another Streamer

Yes. The first Zone Streamer can Songcast to the Streamer feeding the second Zone.

Can I switch on individual Zones in a group without affecting the other Zones in the same group?

Yes, from Linn Davaar firmware 80 (Oct 2020), this will allow you to wake up single zones that will then wake up the group streamer. When all Zones are in Standby then this will put the Streamer into Standby. In Konfig you can disable putting the Streamer into Standby when all grouped Zones are off. This is primarily for Control4 operaiton to stop all grouped zones coming on when all are in Standby. This is called "Auto Standby" in Konfig for the Kazoo Server.

I have Konfigured Streams to Zones using Konfig but I cannot see anything in Kazoo

If you make any Stream/Zone assignment in Konfig the Kustom DSM MUST be REBOOTED before these changes are actioned.

Can I configure the HDMI-ARC socket as an HDMI input?

No, the HDMI socket on the Kustom is hardware configured for HDMI.

If you are using a rack HDMI switch, some have HDMI-ARC outputs or seperate TOSLINK/SPDIF to allow direct local feeds to the Kustom DSM.

You can use HDMI extenders that also support ARC, such as the BLUESTREAM HEX100ARC-KIT-V2, Brightlink 16x16..

If you are using a HDMI switch the other option is a Splitter, such as HDeilty 1x2 spltter with ARC

Where can I use the Linn Kustom DSM?

Example 1:

If you are a Business, e.g. a Restaurant, the Kustom DSM can be used to share the Music but have locally controlled volume controls.

You may have say, have a Kustom DSM Z8 with

5off Zones in different areas of the main floor, assigned to Streamer1

1off Zone - Reception , assigned to Streamer1

1off Zone - Kitchen , assigned to Streamer2

1off Zone - Bar with TV, assigned to Streamer3

Streamer4 unused

This will allow different volume levels in the Main floor and reception, the Kitchen to listen to something else, (such as football) and the Bar to listen to the local TV(via Streamer3 HDMI ARC input), or its own Music playlist.

With Songcast, the music from any Streamer can be shared with any other Linn Streamer or Linn DS/DSM/HUN. This give you Music & flexibility for what you want.

Example 2:

In a apartment with Kustom DSM Z4 and Akurate DSM

Open plan area Kitchen, Breakfast bar & Dining area, seperate rooms: Lounge, Study :

Akurate DSM - Lounge, , with TV, Sat, LP12 local sources

Kustom DSM Zone 1 - Study , assigned to Streamer1

Kustom DSM Zone 2 - Dining, , assigned to Streamer2

Kustom DSM Zone 3 - Kitchen & , assigned to Streamer2 with Kitchen TV and iPad dock sources

Kustom DSM Zone 4 - Breakfast bar , assigned to Streamer2

This will allow the Lounge to watch is own TV, listen to its own Music or Music from another Streamer using Songcast

The Dining, Breakfast bar and Kitchen all share the same source: TV, iPad, Internet Radio, Tidal..... or Music from another Streamer using Songcast

The Study listen to Internet Radio, Tidal..... or Music from another Streamer using Songcast

Each Zone & Linn DSM has their own Volume, Mute & Standby control

Top Of Page Index

Common FAQ's

How do I Update, or recover, the software on a Linn DS/DSM

This procedure is not difficult. The first step is finding out which software/firmware you are using to minimise the steps required.

From Software version Davaar 104, Konfig has retired from providing software update AFTER this software/Davaar version.

Up to > Davaar 98, then use Konfig to update the Linn DS/DSM to the latest software…

From Davaar99+ then you will need to use the Linn App or IR handset (See point1 below)

KONFIG will ONLY update to Davaar 104.

• If you have updated the Linn DS/DSM using Linn App this will be the latest Davaar version. Ignore this Konfig update.
• When you open Konfig this will only show the update as Davaar 104. This may be an earlier version of Davaar than currently installed on your Linn DS/DSM, (probably by Linn App). We recommend that you double check the current Davaar version installed on your Linn DS/DSM before updating using Konfig

To check what version of Software you are running on your Linn DSM, you can either:

1. Use the IR Handset

On the REM 022 use the SHUFFLE key, Press and HOLD this key for 2 seconds

On the REM 020 use the # key, Press and HOLD for 2 seconds,

On older products: early Majik, Akurate, early Klimax and Kiko:

* If this action states, "Your Software is up-to-date" or "Software update available...." then you are running Davaar99 or higher.

* If there is an update available, you will be able to authorise the Linn DS/DSM by pressing the the joystick UP then joystick RIGHT buttons.

* If this states anything else, then you are on Davaar 97 or lower

On newer products: New Majik, Any Selekt DSM & new Klimax DSM:

This will show "Device" on the front panel display. Hit the RIGHT cursor button and this will show you the product information including the software version. (Check point 2, below, on how to decode this version.)

If there is an update available, you will be able to perform this update by following the instructions on the Linn DS/DSM screen.

2: Use Konfig and select your Linn DS/DSM. The Software version is structured as a Software family(4=Davaar) :

Major Release version, (this is the key number to use) : Minor version of software (Ignore this just now)

4:99.491 relates to 4=Davaar, 99=Major software version, 491=Minor version. Therefore, is Davaar-99

Note: Konfig can still be used for these actions, it must still be used as a stepping stone to the latest Linn DS/DSM software.

3. Open Manage Systems and the Firmware is listed on the product configuration page (top right). The Firmware version is decoded in the same manner as the Konfig setup.

Up to Davaar 97

To update, using Konfig and your current Linn DS/DSM firm is Davaar 97 or lower

1.Start Konfig (after ensuring you have latest version)

a) Go into KONFIG Settings and check that Konfig is set to the same network as your Linn DS/DSM.

2. Click on the UPDATES tab. If there is a software update for your Linn DS/DSM it will be listed after clicking UPDATES. If there is no firmware update available for the Linn DS/DSM then it will not be listed under this tab.

Note: on the Selekt DSM & new Majik DSM they will need to be power cycled and wait appox 30minutes before checking the Konfig UPDATES tab

3.Select the UPDATE button against the Linn DS/DSM you want to update.

a) A message will appear on the Konfig screen stating the major changes that this software update may incur. (This will be dependant on your present version of software loaded into the Linn DS/DSM)

b) If you want to continue with this update then scroll down to the bottom of the message and select UPDATE.

c) For your Privacy we ask if you agree to collecting Anonymous data on usage of the Linn DS. This will aid any fault reporting and also any activity to help Linn enhance the software and product operation.

d) Select I AGREE or more options to change what information Linn Products Ltd can receive.

4. Konfig will download the firmware update and proceed to updating the selected Linn DS/DSM player.
5.Once complete you will see an Update Completed Successfully message and your DS player will be re-started
6. Update complete

If you encounter any problems, please contact your Linn Specialist or Contact Linn.

From Davaar 99 onwards

To UPDATE, using Linn App, and your current Linn DS/DSM is Davaar 99 or higher

Linn Ds/DSM software updates using Linn App 1.Click on the icon and if there are any updates for your Linn DS/DSM you will see: 2.Press the > and this will open the product list. As an update is available, STOP ANY MUSIC PLAYING ON YOUR LINN DS/DSM BEFORE pressing the UPDATE button Tap the Update All to initiate the update of all Linn DS/DSM products shown in the list. Please be patient as this can typically take between 5–40 minutes to update depending on the complexity of the update. :

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To RECOVER, using Linn App, and your current Linn DS/DSM is Davaar 99 or higher

This is only valid for Linn DS/DSM that have already been loaded with Davaar 99, or higher, firmware (from approx April 2023). Otherwise, use the Konfig procedure.

If, for any reason, the update process has failed, (for example, you have left this UPDATE running for 2 hours and the Linn DS appears to be stuck), we would suggest doing the following:

1. Power OFF the Linn DS/DSM

2. Power ON the Linn DS/DSM and press the FALLBACK recessed button on the back of the Linn DS/DSM.

(This sometime has the FB label beside a recessed button near the Linn DS/DSM Ethernet socket.)

This should bring a lightening flash symbol on the Linn DS/DSM display.

3 Now open Linn App, click on the icon, and you should now see the System Recovery option

4:Press the > and this will open the product list of products awaiting a RECOVERY.

if no product is listed, then either the Linn App is on the wrong network or the Linn DS/DSM is NOT running Davaar99 or higher firmware. Use Konfig software to recover this Linn DS/DSM.

5: Press the RECOVER button to start the recovery process of this Linn DS/DSM

The button should now state "Recovering" and this may take several minutes to complete.

6.After a few minutes go back to the HOME page, (ignore the recovering button message as this may not have refreshed itself)

Your Linn DS/DSM has been recovered and reset back to factory default setting. I.e. It will be called "Main Room"

Note: Kustom DSM's will not show as a room(s), but are available to be added to your Linn Account in the next step...

7. Within the Linn App, go into the Settings

a) Click on the Linn Account.

b) click on the Add/Remove products.

c) Scroll down the list of products and search for "Main Room" or Kustom DSM. Double check that the serial number listed matches your Linn DS/DSM serial number and hit the + to add it to your Linn account.

8. Proceed to Manage_Systems to rename and set up your Linn DS/DSM

To update, using an IR handset, and your current Linn DS/DSM is Davaar 99 or higher

Use the IR Handset

On older products, early Majik, Akurate, early Klimax and Kiko,

On the REM 022 use the SHUFFLE key, Press and HOLD this key for 2 seconds

On the REM 020 use the # key, Press and HOLD for 2 seconds,

With older products, early Majik, Akurate, early Klimax and Kiko, If there is a software update it will tell you to press the IR handset UP arrow followed by the RIGHT arrow. The update will now start.

On newer products: New Majik, Any Selekt DSM & new Klimax DSM:

On the IR Handset, or Dial, press the UP joystick key. This will open the setup menu

On the IR Handser, or Dial, press the DOWN joystick key a few times and press the RIGHT joystick key. If there are any software updates on this page it will then give you instructions on how to update the product.

Music formats

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 (Apple Lossless) upto 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.)
• DSD - limited to some products in a certain configuration. Check DSD Support for more informaiton

Linn recommends FLAC.

Formats NOT supported

• MQA: Check HERE for more information

• 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 are an extensive set of players, tools, transcoders (to convert between other formats and FLAC), tag editors, and other programs for FLAC.

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Can the Linn DS/DSM play DSD music?

Products that will play stereo DSD audio:

• Linn DS/DSM players with Katalyst DACs, running firmware from Davaar 60, can play stereo DSD audio files.
  
• All ORGANIK DACs within the Linn DSM can play DSD audio files.
  
• Klimax DSM (2020 variant)
• ANYSelekt DSM variant with Organik, Katalyst or Standard DACs
  

> 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:

• DSD audio is ONLY available on the analogue outputs
  

DSD audio 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) and Selekt Edition.

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 HDMI, 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 DS/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.

Can I change the audio quality of the Tunein Radio

NO, the Linn DS/DSM.HUB only plays the Radio stream provided by Tunein.

I can no longer get Linn radio stream, Linn Jazz, Linn Classical, Linn Radio, station

From June 2022 TuneIn have removed these Linn Radio streams from their supported list.

These stations are now available using the radio. click <HERE> for more information on how to change your LInn DS/DSM radio to

Does the Linn DS/DSM players play BBC Radio via TuneIn?

Yes, the Linn DS/DSM/HUB will continue to use TuneIn to access and play the BBC radio stations.

From the 30th September 2019 BBC radio made changes to what can access their Radio stations via TuneIn. This is mainly for devices that can support using the BBC Sounds App. The Linn DS products do not support the Sounds App can will continue to have BBC Radio playback rights using Tunein.

Check the BBC Sounds >HELP< section for more information.

How do I add BBC Radio stations to my Presets?

1. Select the TuneIn button in Kazoo /Linn App and find the BBC, or any other Radio station you wish to add in selection tree
2. Press the three dots on the right hand side of the station and enable/disable the Favourite, (TuneIn > Favourite in Linn App).
3. Complete

I cannot get any foreign Radio stations, I can only get UK stations

Due to a legal case between TuneIn and Sony Music, Warner Music. on licences. UK radio stations have licences for UK wecasting. However, non-UK based radio stations were not licensed to webcast music within the UK,

This is a TuneIn issue we are waiting for them to resolve. The alternative is to configure the Linn DS/DSM with airable internet radio

Does the Linn DS/DSM players play MQA?

No, check this link "MQA is bad for Music" for more information

Can the DS player play multi-channel files?

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

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

Upgrading software

How do I upload new software into the Linn DS/DSM

1. First of all you need a PC or MAC and install the KONFIG app.
   
2. After you have installed KONFIG go to the ADVANCED tab. If your Linn DS/DSM requires an update it will be listed here.
3. If an update is available for that Linn DS/DSM then press the UPDATE' button

More detailed instructions are listed HERE

Physical Input/Outputs

How do I add Music to play on Linn DS

If your Music is on a CD then this must be RIPPED from the CD first.

This can be using a PC or MAC with CD-ROM drive or from a Network attached Storage device/NAS with inbuilt ripper.

If you are using a PC or MAC you can use software listed HERE

The "Ripped" Music can be held on the PC/MAC of on a Network attached Storage device/NAS. The NAS is the better option as this is a low power device that can be left on all of the time.

The PC/MAC/NAS requires UPnP Media Server software to share the Music for the Linn DS/DSM to play.

Will downloaded music play on the DS players?

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

Can I Airplay from my Android device?

The newer products with Bluetooth allow Android devices to play on a Bluetooth device, that is, the Linn DSM.

▼ Bluetooth   Klimax DSM /3 (2020 Variant)   Majik DSM /4 (2020 Variant)   Selekt DSM /0   Selekt DSM /0 Classic Hub   Selekt DSM /1 Classic Hub   Selekt DSM /1 Edition Hub   Series 3

Otherwise 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 use Skifta and “Double Twist Player”

Media Applications

After Updating to Davaar55 I can only get audio from my Exakt outputs and not the Analogue Out

Check Konfig > Device > "Dual Analogue/Exakt Stereo Output" has been enabled.

If you have declared your Exakt speakers as 'Front Left'/'Front Right' and the analogue outputs to be 'Front Left'/'Front Right' (Stereo). ensure that this option in Konfig is enabled. The audio in the Exakt outputs will be out of sync by approx 45mS compared to the analogue outputs.

Are the Digital outputs (Toslink/SPDIF) volume controlled?

This depends on the Digital Output mode. On some products, the SPDIF Input can be changed to an output and configured for Post EQ

The Digital outputs will always produce the front Left & Right of the audio source that is playing on the Analogue or Exakt outputs.

Can I add digital loudspeakers to the Linn DS/DSM?

This depends on the Digital Output mode. On some products, the SPDIF Input can be changed to an output and configured for Post EQ

General Q's

Can I stop the kids from playing with the front panel buttons?

Yes on of the Majik & Akurate DS/DSM/HUB. If you go into Konfig > Display settings you can define "Front Panel buttons" to be OFF. This will stop the front panel buttons from doing anything. You can still control the Linn DS/DSM by IR handset and the Kazoo App.

(Just remember if you have disabled the front panel buttons and think that the Linn DS/DSM is broken!)

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.

Also make that that you have selected the PLAYLIST input and NOT the UPnPAV input

Linn PINS

What is a PIN, check HERE for more detailed information.

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.

Deezer on the Linn DS/DSM

This can now be used on Linn products using firmware Davaar82 (July 2021) or later firmware.

To create and add Deezer tracks to a Linn DS/DSM playlist you require the Linn App

This function is NOT available on the Kazoo or Kinsky Apps

The Deezer is broadcast from the Internet straight to the Linn DS/DSM and you use the Linn App to select and play the Music on the Linn DS/DSM.

Check for Deezer FAQ's with Linn DS/DSM

Linn Songcast

Songcast is the method of transport for streaming STEREO audio data between a Songcast sender, (Linn DS/DSM, Songcast App), and Songcast receivers, (other Linn DS/DSM players listening to that sender DS - multiroom operation.)

The Songcast stream contains the raw unprocessed music stream, the metadata information for the Music playing and timing information.

• The raw music data is the same data as received by the sending Linn DS. This maintains the same music stream is processed by ALL Linn DS players, (sender and receivers).
  
  • As this Songcast music stream is untouched this leaves the receiving Linn DS/DSM to do its own volume control.
  • Volume, Space Optimisation and Exakt processing, if used, are all performed as a final process to minimise any digital processing.

• The timing information is used to ensure that the Linn DS/DSM players are in sync with the music sender.
  

There is a ! on the front panel of my Linn DS/DSM

There is a speaker setup issue on the Linn DS/DSM Surround Sound Rules

The front panel of the DS is showing a flashing dot or lightening flash and I cannot see the Linn DS with Kazoo or Konfig

This is the Linn DS either in "startup" mode or in "Waiting for Software" mode.

"Startup": The flashing dot is the startup mode trying to connect to you ethernet network. This mode will typically occur when you first apply power to the Linn DS/DSM. This will typically take 30seconds and go into standard use mode.

"Waiting for Software": The lightening flash is the Linn DS/DSM waiting or getting a software update.

If you have any problems getting the Linn DS on an Ethernet network, (dot continuously flashing), try the following options:- Option1

• Power off the EVERYTHING connected to the Ethernet system, (PC, Printers, DS, Routers/DHCP servers).
• Leave everything powered off for at least 10seconds.
• Switch everything back on.
• Retry the system

You will find that some of the devices in the system get confused and cause system confusion. The power cycling will do a reset of the system and recover most issues.

Option2

• Use fresh Ethernet cables, (replace existing cables).
• If the Linn Ds is more than 3M (10ft) from the DHCP/Server. Move the Linn DS right beside the Router/DHCP server and patch using a short Ethernet cable (1M), the Linn DS to the DHCP server/Router
• Retry the system

Option3

• Build a totally separate system with only a DHCP/Server and Linn DS.
• Retry the system

Some networks only have a limited number of DHCP address’s. if you have already connected some PC’s to this system, your Router/DHCP server can remember these devices, (even though no longer connected) and will not allocated these previously assigned IP addresses to newly connected products. So the case of unplugging one device to free up an IP address for the DS to use will NOT work with most Routers/DHCP servers if there are no free DHCP IP addresses available.

This will give a better idea as to what is causing the problem. (98% of the time, this is due to a local network issue).

If you always get the flashing dot then the lightening flash symbol then the Linn DS/DSM needs to be programmed. Check the Konfig Manual > Updates section or contact your Linn Retailer to get assistance.

FAQ on ALL products link

Click HERE for FAQ on ALL products