FAQs

Space Optimisation

External inputs on the Linn DSM

Space optimisation will work on all Linn DSM external inputs (Analogue/Toslink/SPDIF) when either Fixed or Variable Delay Modes are selected for that input.
If Delay Mode is set as Direct then Space optimisation is 'NOT enabled

Exakt-Link audio

1. . On the Linn DS/DSM outputs, the Exakt Link audio is NOT in sync with the analogue

/Toslink/Spdif outputs. That is the audio from the Exakt-link sockets are approx 45mS delayed from the other audio outputs. This additional timing is for signal processing.

Linn DS Player connections

Linn DS Products	Audio Outputs (L+R)								Communications
	Phono/ RCA1	XLR1	TOSLINK	SPDIF	Head phone	HDMI	EXAKT-LINK	Speaker (W-RMS)	RS232 (Proxy)	RC5 Acc5
Sneaky DS	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	2x20W2	2	1
Majik DS	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	2	0
Majik DS/2							1
Akurate DS (>2010)	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
Akurate DS				1
Akurate DS/2							1		2
Klimax DS	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Klimax DS/2							1		1
Renew DS	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Akurate Renew DS	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0

Note:
¹ All these Analogue outputs are Line level or Volume control with the Konfig - Volume Control option
² Output is either volume controlled or OFF
⁵ For use with Basik3/Basik3-IR Room Control Units

Linn DS Integrated connections

Linn Products	Inputs (L+R)						Outputs (L+R)									Comms
	Phono /RCA	XLR	Toslink8	SPDIF8	3.5mm jack	HDMI	Phono /RCA1	XLR XLR1	ExaKt	Toslink9	SPDIF9	Head phone	HDMI	Analog Record	Speaker (W-RMS)2	RS232 (Proxy)	RC5 Acc5
Kiko	1	0	1	1	1	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	2x 50W3	0	0
Sneaky DSM	1	0	1	1	0	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2x33W or 4x33W7	0	0
Sekrit DS-I	1	0	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2x 70W	1	1
Sekrit DSM	1	0	1	1	0	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2X50W or 4x33W4	0	1
Majik DSI/DSM (Non HDMI)	46	0	3	3	1	0	1	0	0	1	1	1	0	1	2x 90W	1	0
Majik DSM (HDMI)						4							1			0	0
Akurate DSM	26	1	3	3	1	4	1	1	0	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0
Akurate DSM/1									4
Akurate DSM Exakt							0	0				0
Klimax DSM	0	1	2	2	0	3	Either RCA or XLR		0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
Klimax DSM/1				1					2
Klimax DSM Exakt	1			2			0		4

Note:
¹ All these Analogue outputs are Line level or Volume control with the Konfig - Volume Control option
² Output is either volume controlled or OFF
³ Kiko has Aktiv speaker output, this is a separate power amplifier per speaker drive (2off driver units per Kiko speaker) giving a total of 50W per channel
⁴ The Sekrit DSM can be configured as bridge or single ended. This can drive, in stereo with common volume control, either 4off speakers with 33W/4R RMS power each or 2off speakers with 50W/8R RMS each.
⁵ For use with Basik3/Basik3-IR Room Control Units
⁶ One input can be configured for use with Turntable.

Line Level / Moving Magnet [Majik-factory set] / Moving Coil (Akurate-Factory set]) refer to dealer for options

⁷ The Sneaky DSM can be only configured as single ended. This can drive, in stereo with common volume control, either 4off speakers with 33W RMS power each,(for Bi-Amping), or 2off speakers with 33W RMS each.
⁸ Maximum input sample rate 96KHz
⁹ Maximum output sample rate 192KHz (However the official specification for TOSLINK/SPDIF is 96kHz so check your digital receiver can take up to 192K data stream)

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	✓
Jukebox operation	✓
Surround options	Stereo output
HDMI pass-thru	Not applicable (source only product)

DSM Features

Function	Kiko	Sneaky DSM	Sekrit DSI	Sekrit DSM	Majik DSI/DSM (non-HDMI)	Majik DSM	Akurate DSM & DSM/1	Klimax DSM & DSM/1	Klimax DSM ExAKt
Local Playlists	✓
Shared Playlists	✓
Songcast share	✓
Internet Radio	✓
Unity Gain on all external inputs	✓
Basik3 RCU operation	X		✓		X
Proxy Linn CD control	X		✓	X
Proxy Linn Preamp control	X
Jukebox operation	✓
Surround options	Stereo output					Stereo or PCM Surround output via HDMI
HDMI pass-thru	✓		No HDMI	✓	No HDMI	✓

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	Head phone	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 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

For a stereo playback system

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 back to the unadjusted level.

Differences between the Sekrit DSM and Sneaky 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 60day free voucher

Note: This trial is only available to new Tidal subscribers.

You can get a free 60day trial voucher from Linn by:

1. Open up Kazoo UI and select the "Settings"
2. Within Settings page select the "Register your Linn Products"
3. After you enter you 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 your selection window. Use this like a UPnP Media and add the Music on 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

Shared Playlist

Install and configure Songbox

Then enable the Plugin within Kinsky
When you save a Playlist make sure that you save it into a Shared location.
To retrieve a Shared Playlist, go to Home within Kinsky and select Shared Playlists, then the SongBox that you have saved your Playlists.

The PC/MAC/WHS (Windows Home Server) running Songbox must be available to access these Shared Playlists

NetAux streaming

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

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

Check Linn forum link
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 a HDMI input.

Does the Linn DS/DSM support DSD

No, check this Linn Forum link for an explanation.

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)

How can I search for my DS with using Kinsky or Konfig

Use Safari web browser and click on the Bookmarks icon. Then select the Bonjour collection. This will show you all of the devices, (including the DS) that are using the Bonjour.
Click on the Bonjour listing and this will show you the web-interface control and Konfig options

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.

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 Managemant (DRM) restrictions and is in one of the supported formats, or transcoded to such a format

How can I access my iTunes library from Kinsky?

Windows
Mac OS X

The other, and better option, is to use Songbox-iTunes

How can I access my iTunes library from IPad/iPhone

You can use a 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 use Skifta and “Double Twist Player”

Media Applications

If you want to use Spotify, the best solution is to have PC/MAC running Spotify and Songcast, then control the Spotify from the Android, iPad etc using Spotify REMOTE

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

Windows
Mac OS X

What are the DS (Playlist) and (UPnP AV) sources on Kinsky Desktop

The Linn DS product can be controlled by standard UPnP AV controllers (such as Cidero, Windows Media Player12) or UPnP controllers that work with Linn extensions.

The Linn extensions  (Playlist), allows the Linn DS to store the playlist in the Linn DS rather than the playlist residing in the UPnP controller, this allows greater flexibility (mulitple UPnP controllers plus the ability to switch off these controllers and still have Music playing).

Using a standard UPnP controller will only allow only one control device to relaibly control the DS. And, it may cause pauses between tracks as the standard UPnP controller tells the DS the next track to play. (This may cause audible delays between gapless tracks with some controllers). If the standard UPnP controller loses ethernet connection at any time, this can cause the DS to stop after playing its exisiting track and NOT continue to the next track. (The UPnP controller may have lost the Linn DS ethernet broadcast that the present track is finished and is left awaiting information on the next track for playing).

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/DSI 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 in a predictable way 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 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.]

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)

1. 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.

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 SqueezeCenter on the same NAS?

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

Additionally you can use SqueezeCenter and Squeezeboxes to control and media-serve your DS players using the SkweezyDs plugin

Does the DS work with an Apple Mac?

Kinsky is supported on both iOS and Mac OS X.

What are the firewall settings required for 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 on 239.255.255.250 (UDP)
• Ports 47832 to 47932 (TCP)
• Ports 49832 to 49932 (TCP)

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 insure 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.