FAQs

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:

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

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.

• Check Surround Sound Variations for a summary or what can be done.
  
• Check the Surround Sound page for more details of configuration options/usage etc.

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 to Tune-Dem and setup 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 a 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, AkuBariks, 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 5channels per Engine. The Majik Exaktbox-I has 4channels 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 setup 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 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.

Linn DS Player connections

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
Sekrit 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							210
Akurate DS (>2010)	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
Akurate DS				1
Akurate DS/2							210		2
Akurate DS/3
Klimax DS	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Klimax DS/2							210		1
Klimax DS/3
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
¹⁰ Exakt-link audio delayed by approx 45mS compared to analogue/SPDIF/TOSLINK outputs. When the volume control is turned off in Konfig, the Exakt-link sockets are disabled

Linn DS/DSI/DSM Integrated connections

Linn DSI/DSM connections

Linn Products	Inputs (L+R)						Outputs (L+R)									Comms
	Phono /RCA	XLR	Toslink8	SPDIF8	3.5 mm jack	HDMI	Phono /RCA1	XLR XLR1	Exakt12	Toslink9	SPDIF9	Head phone	HDMI	Analog Record	Speaker (W-RMS)2	RS232 (Proxy)	RC5 Acc5
Kiko	1	0	1	1	1	3off HMDI 1.3	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	2x 50W3	0	0
Sneaky DSM	1	0	1	1	0	3off HMDI 1.3	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	3off HMDI 1.3	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)						4off HDMI 1.4							1			0	0
Majik DSM/2							111		2
Majik DSM/3						4off HDMI 2.0							1 + ARC
Selekt DSM	2xLine 1xMC 1xMM	0	2	2/1 13	0	0	?14	?14	2	0	0/113	0	ARC ONLY	0	?14	0	0
Akurate DSM	26	1	3	3	1	4off HDMI 1.4	1	1	0	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0
Akurate DSM/1									4
Akurate DSM/2						4off HDMI 2.0							1 + ARC
Akurate DSM/3
Akurate Exakt DSM						4off HDMI 1.4	0					0	1
Akurate Exakt DSM/1						4off HDMI 2.0							1 + ARC
Akurate System HUB
Klimax DSM	0	1	2	2	0	3off HDMI 1.4	Either RCA or XLR		0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
Klimax DSM/1				1					2
Klimax DSM/2				1/013		3off HDMI 2.0					1/013		1 + ARC
Klimax Exakt DSM	1			2		3off HDMI 1.4	0		4		0		1
Klimax Exakt DSM/1						3off HDMI 1.4							1 + ARC
Klimax System HUB

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 (Stereo PCM)
⁹ Maximum output sample rate 192KHz (Stereo PCM)(However the official specification for TOSLINK/SPDIF is 96kHz so check your digital receiver can take up to 192K data stream)
¹¹ PRE-OUT can be make POWER Amplfier input for use as additional amplifier for ExaktBoxes. Konfigurable in Konfig
¹² Exakt-Link

• Exakt-Link output are delayed by approx 45mS compared to Analogue/Toslink/SPDIF outputs.
• When the volume control is disabled, the Exakt-link sockets are disabled
  
• Exakt-Link can also be used as an input with products such as the Urika II
  

¹³ Can be configured in Konfig application to change the Default SPDIF Input a SPDIF output
¹⁴ This can change depending on the Module(s) installed in the Selekt 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	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

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

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 90day free voucher

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

You can get a free 90day 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

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 a 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_/4_(2020_Variant)|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 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 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

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 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

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.