Linn Exstatik & New Radikal

[Wenge1]

Thanks for the photos. The processor looks almost as bit as the 4 core AMD one I have in the PC talk about total redesign.

I agree with CJ, the motor mounting looks far better as well. All in all a great improvement and we haven't even heard what you think of the sound yet.

EDIT as you posted just as I was about to post this, we have now.

Oh bugger, if only we hadn't just done the kitchen I could get one now

Yes you have - oh dear ..............

[Coyote Jim]

.
Strap yourselves in and turn your boredom deflectors up to 11 .........

Before I give you my impressions on its musical abilities , here are a couple of things about the operation of the Klimax Radikal 2.

1) It seems to take a bit longer before it achieves a stable speed.

2) The red LED in the start button now appears much brighter whilst the Radikal 2 is coming up to speed. It then dims a lot when the correct speed is obtained. In other words, the difference in brightness between the two conditions is much more obvious than it was before.


Carry on up the Charts - The Beautiful South

Song For Whoever - It is now easier to distinguish the two male vocals when they are singing the same lines at the same time. There is a greater depth and resonance to all vocals. The intonation and syllables within words are so clear. All of this is achieved without taking away from the emotion being conveyed - indeed it adds to it and enhances it. Each individual instrument is easier to follow. The whole track is more enjoyable.


Blue Album - The Beatles

Ballard of John and Yoko - John is further back in the depth of the mix with all the instruments that bit more forward of him. It's a great effect that is more obvious than it was before and it's very enjoyable to be honest.

Ob La Di Ob La Da - So much detail going on in the background of this track both instrumental and vocal - It's all clearer, more obvious and more coherent.

Come To Together - the 'shoopy' sound effect on this track sounds fantastic and its well forward of the vocals. Apologies for the 'shoopy' adjective that I have made up. I can't think of another way to describe it.

Even Ringo sounds good on Octopuses Garden - no really, he does.

The harmonies on Let it Be seem that bit more beautiful when complementing McCartney's lead vocal.


I'm Your Man - 'King' Leonard Cohen

First We Take Manhattan - The initial bass notes are clearer and have more authority. Cohen's vocals have a greater presence and the intonations in the individual words are so much more obvious. His emotional energy and his confidence in his ability to deliver the atmosphere he wants just comes dripping through. The female vocals seem that bit purer. The sound stage is larger and its definitely that bit deeper. I'm hearing some details on this track that I was not aware of before. That's a surprise to be honest as I really know this track inside out.

Tower of Song - The hang dog expression in his vocals is that bit more real - his sighing is more obvious. I almost thought that he's just about to down tools and walk off because he sounded so fed up. I just loved that effect - It was there before but Len just seems to have upped his vocal game with the Klimax Radikal 2.


The Razors Edge - AC/DC

Thunderstuck - An epic track that now has more energy and depth to the whole performance. Johnson's vocals are clearer and easier to understand. This track has so much clever detail in its composition and all those details are much easier to differentiate. The lead and rhythm guitars are very distinct, as is the large drum situated behind Phil Rudd's usual drum stack. All this revealing of extra detail is done in such a way that it adds to, and does not distract from, the track as a whole. It's a high octane performance that has just had some nitro thrown into the mix.

Indeed the whole album has a higher level of energy, it's more involving and just more enjoyable - so much so that I was moving about in my listening chair a bit more than is probably advisable for a 61 year old.


Cosmic Thing - B52's

Cosmic Thing - It's a lot more snappy and precise and the boogie factor is up - It just sounds more rhythmical. Bass line is clear as day. Lovely.

Love Shack -It just sounds FAB - my descriptive abilities have now deserted me but who cares - I don't.

All the above applies to the whole album.


Some of you will now be pleased to read that I have run out of ways to convey how much I like, no , love the Radikal 2. Of course these are just my views and others may formulate a different view when they take a listen to it. I think it is a great upgrade and I feel very privileged to be in a position to have such a fine piece of musical making kit in these difficult and challenging times.
.

Can't wait until you play something decent Jazzy.

[Dan Steel]

.
Strap yourselves in and turn your boredom deflectors up to 11 .........

Before I give you my impressions on its musical abilities , here are a couple of things about the operation of the Klimax Radikal 2.

1) It seems to take a bit longer before it achieves a stable speed.

2) The red LED in the start button now appears much brighter whilst the Radikal 2 is coming up to speed. It then dims a lot when the correct speed is obtained. In other words, the difference in brightness between the two conditions is much more obvious than it was before.


Carry on up the Charts - The Beautiful South

Song For Whoever - It is now easier to distinguish the two male vocals when they are singing the same lines at the same time. There is a greater depth and resonance to all vocals. The intonation and syllables within words are so clear. All of this is achieved without taking away from the emotion being conveyed - indeed it adds to it and enhances it. Each individual instrument is easier to follow. The whole track is more enjoyable.


Blue Album - The Beatles

Ballard of John and Yoko - John is further back in the depth of the mix with all the instruments that bit more forward of him. It's a great effect that is more obvious than it was before and it's very enjoyable to be honest.

Ob La Di Ob La Da - So much detail going on in the background of this track both instrumental and vocal - It's all clearer, more obvious and more coherent.

Come To Together - the 'shoopy' sound effect on this track sounds fantastic and its well forward of the vocals. Apologies for the 'shoopy' adjective that I have made up. I can't think of another way to describe it.

Even Ringo sounds good on Octopuses Garden - no really, he does.

The harmonies on Let it Be seem that bit more beautiful when complementing McCartney's lead vocal.


I'm Your Man - 'King' Leonard Cohen

First We Take Manhattan - The initial bass notes are clearer and have more authority. Cohen's vocals have a greater presence and the intonations in the individual words are so much more obvious. His emotional energy and his confidence in his ability to deliver the atmosphere he wants just comes dripping through. The female vocals seem that bit purer. The sound stage is larger and its definitely that bit deeper. I'm hearing some details on this track that I was not aware of before. That's a surprise to be honest as I really know this track inside out.

Tower of Song - The hang dog expression in his vocals is that bit more real - his sighing is more obvious. I almost thought that he's just about to down tools and walk off because he sounded so fed up. I just loved that effect - It was there before but Len just seems to have upped his vocal game with the Klimax Radikal 2.


The Razors Edge - AC/DC

Thunderstuck - An epic track that now has more energy and depth to the whole performance. Johnson's vocals are clearer and easier to understand. This track has so much clever detail in its composition and all those details are much easier to differentiate. The lead and rhythm guitars are very distinct, as is the large drum situated behind Phil Rudd's usual drum stack. All this revealing of extra detail is done in such a way that it adds to, and does not distract from, the track as a whole. It's a high octane performance that has just had some nitro thrown into the mix.

Indeed the whole album has a higher level of energy, it's more involving and just more enjoyable - so much so that I was moving about in my listening chair a bit more than is probably advisable for a 61 year old.


Cosmic Thing - B52's

Cosmic Thing - It's a lot more snappy and precise and the boogie factor is up - It just sounds more rhythmical. Bass line is clear as day. Lovely.

Love Shack -It just sounds FAB - my descriptive abilities have now deserted me but who cares - I don't.

All the above applies to the whole album.


Some of you will now be pleased to read that I have run out of ways to convey how much I like, no , love the Radikal 2. Of course these are just my views and others may formulate a different view when they take a listen to it. I think it is a great upgrade and I feel very privileged to be in a position to have such a fine piece of musical making kit in these difficult and challenging times.
.

Fine write up Adam it good when you relate to the album tracks you are listening to. Sounds like a winner

[Wenge1]

.
Strap yourselves in and turn your boredom deflectors up to 11 .........

Before I give you my impressions on its musical abilities , here are a couple of things about the operation of the Klimax Radikal 2.

1) It seems to take a bit longer before it achieves a stable speed.

2) The red LED in the start button now appears much brighter whilst the Radikal 2 is coming up to speed. It then dims a lot when the correct speed is obtained. In other words, the difference in brightness between the two conditions is much more obvious than it was before.


Carry on up the Charts - The Beautiful South

Song For Whoever - It is now easier to distinguish the two male vocals when they are singing the same lines at the same time. There is a greater depth and resonance to all vocals. The intonation and syllables within words are so clear. All of this is achieved without taking away from the emotion being conveyed - indeed it adds to it and enhances it. Each individual instrument is easier to follow. The whole track is more enjoyable.


Blue Album - The Beatles

Ballard of John and Yoko - John is further back in the depth of the mix with all the instruments that bit more forward of him. It's a great effect that is more obvious than it was before and it's very enjoyable to be honest.

Ob La Di Ob La Da - So much detail going on in the background of this track both instrumental and vocal - It's all clearer, more obvious and more coherent.

Come To Together - the 'shoopy' sound effect on this track sounds fantastic and its well forward of the vocals. Apologies for the 'shoopy' adjective that I have made up. I can't think of another way to describe it.

Even Ringo sounds good on Octopuses Garden - no really, he does.

The harmonies on Let it Be seem that bit more beautiful when complementing McCartney's lead vocal.


I'm Your Man - 'King' Leonard Cohen

First We Take Manhattan - The initial bass notes are clearer and have more authority. Cohen's vocals have a greater presence and the intonations in the individual words are so much more obvious. His emotional energy and his confidence in his ability to deliver the atmosphere he wants just comes dripping through. The female vocals seem that bit purer. The sound stage is larger and its definitely that bit deeper. I'm hearing some details on this track that I was not aware of before. That's a surprise to be honest as I really know this track inside out.

Tower of Song - The hang dog expression in his vocals is that bit more real - his sighing is more obvious. I almost thought that he's just about to down tools and walk off because he sounded so fed up. I just loved that effect - It was there before but Len just seems to have upped his vocal game with the Klimax Radikal 2.


The Razors Edge - AC/DC

Thunderstuck - An epic track that now has more energy and depth to the whole performance. Johnson's vocals are clearer and easier to understand. This track has so much clever detail in its composition and all those details are much easier to differentiate. The lead and rhythm guitars are very distinct, as is the large drum situated behind Phil Rudd's usual drum stack. All this revealing of extra detail is done in such a way that it adds to, and does not distract from, the track as a whole. It's a high octane performance that has just had some nitro thrown into the mix.

Indeed the whole album has a higher level of energy, it's more involving and just more enjoyable - so much so that I was moving about in my listening chair a bit more than is probably advisable for a 61 year old.


Cosmic Thing - B52's

Cosmic Thing - It's a lot more snappy and precise and the boogie factor is up - It just sounds more rhythmical. Bass line is clear as day. Lovely.

Love Shack -It just sounds FAB - my descriptive abilities have now deserted me but who cares - I don't.

All the above applies to the whole album.


Some of you will now be pleased to read that I have run out of ways to convey how much I like, no , love the Radikal 2. Of course these are just my views and others may formulate a different view when they take a listen to it. I think it is a great upgrade and I feel very privileged to be in a position to have such a fine piece of musical making kit in these difficult and challenging times.
.

Can't wait until you play something decent Jazzy.

I know what you mean mate - shame I can only fit one piece of vinyl on the turntable at once ............

Fair to say though that all of the above and more will apply to just about anything I reckon. I shall be finding that out over the next few years .........

[evil_C]

.
Radikal upgrade kit waiting to be installed. The serial number of each upgrade kit is 'matched/tied' to the serial number of the Radikal into which it is installed. The latter is provided to Linn by the dealer so there is a record that shows which upgrade kit is in which Radikal.


.
Bottom of my Radikal about to be removed.

Is that a new Radikal? I don’t see the power switch.

[Wenge1]

.
Radikal upgrade kit waiting to be installed. The serial number of each upgrade kit is 'matched/tied' to the serial number of the Radikal into which it is installed. The latter is provided to Linn by the dealer so there is a record that shows which upgrade kit is in which Radikal.


.
Bottom of my Radikal about to be removed.

Is that a new Radikal? I don’t see the power switch.

No power switch - obtained before that ...........

[evil_C]

So does your Radikal stay powered on all the time? In other words, do you have to remove the mains plug in order to turn it off?

[Wenge1]

So does your Radikal stay powered on all the time? In other words, do you have to remove the mains plug in order to turn it off?

Yes. I'm not sure what this has to do with the thread though?

[evil_C]

So does your Radikal stay powered on all the time? In other words, do you have to remove the mains plug in order to turn it off?

Yes. I'm not sure what this has to do with the thread though?

Well it’s a tread about your modified Radikal and I thought that the switch had been moved as part of the mod. I then wondered about leaving it powered on all the time, but I suppose that makes sense if you’re playing vinyl more than other sources. In my case the Radikal is the only box I do turn off.

[Wenge1]

So does your Radikal stay powered on all the time? In other words, do you have to remove the mains plug in order to turn it off?

Yes. I'm not sure what this has to do with the thread though?

Well it’s a tread about your modified Radikal and I thought that the switch had been moved as part of the mod. I then wondered about leaving it powered on all the time, but I suppose that makes sense if you’re playing vinyl more than other sources. In my case the Radikal is the only box I do turn off.

I see now - it never occurred to me that you might have thought that a switch had been moved. Yes the only time it is switched off at the wall is when I am away for 24 hrs or more. Since the Urika goes into standby and the deck is not switched on unless I'm playing it I don't know how much power the Radikal pulls when the deck is not switched on. Never thought about it really.

[LD100]

Thank you for the detailed photographs and excellent write up.

If my 43 year old wee 60 Hz AC motor ever gives up the ghost, I know the path I must follow.
Enjoy your new record collection.

[Wenge1]

Thank you for the detailed photographs and excellent write up.

If my 43 year old wee 60 Hz AC motor ever gives up the ghost, I know the path I must follow.
Enjoy your new record collection.

Cheers ...........

[Wenge1]

.
Strap yourselves in and turn your boredom deflectors up to 11 .........

Before I give you my impressions on its musical abilities , here are a couple of things about the operation of the Klimax Radikal 2.

1) It seems to take a bit longer before it achieves a stable speed.

2) The red LED in the start button now appears much brighter whilst the Radikal 2 is coming up to speed. It then dims a lot when the correct speed is obtained. In other words, the difference in brightness between the two conditions is much more obvious than it was before.


Carry on up the Charts - The Beautiful South

Song For Whoever - It is now easier to distinguish the two male vocals when they are singing the same lines at the same time. There is a greater depth and resonance to all vocals. The intonation and syllables within words are so clear. All of this is achieved without taking away from the emotion being conveyed - indeed it adds to it and enhances it. Each individual instrument is easier to follow. The whole track is more enjoyable.


Blue Album - The Beatles

Ballard of John and Yoko - John is further back in the depth of the mix with all the instruments that bit more forward of him. It's a great effect that is more obvious than it was before and it's very enjoyable to be honest.

Ob La Di Ob La Da - So much detail going on in the background of this track both instrumental and vocal - It's all clearer, more obvious and more coherent.

Come To Together - the 'shoopy' sound effect on this track sounds fantastic and its well forward of the vocals. Apologies for the 'shoopy' adjective that I have made up. I can't think of another way to describe it.

Even Ringo sounds good on Octopuses Garden - no really, he does.

The harmonies on Let it Be seem that bit more beautiful when complementing McCartney's lead vocal.


I'm Your Man - 'King' Leonard Cohen

First We Take Manhattan - The initial bass notes are clearer and have more authority. Cohen's vocals have a greater presence and the intonations in the individual words are so much more obvious. His emotional energy and his confidence in his ability to deliver the atmosphere he wants just comes dripping through. The female vocals seem that bit purer. The sound stage is larger and its definitely that bit deeper. I'm hearing some details on this track that I was not aware of before. That's a surprise to be honest as I really know this track inside out.

Tower of Song - The hang dog expression in his vocals is that bit more real - his sighing is more obvious. I almost thought that he's just about to down tools and walk off because he sounded so fed up. I just loved that effect - It was there before but Len just seems to have upped his vocal game with the Klimax Radikal 2.


The Razors Edge - AC/DC

Thunderstuck - An epic track that now has more energy and depth to the whole performance. Johnson's vocals are clearer and easier to understand. This track has so much clever detail in its composition and all those details are much easier to differentiate. The lead and rhythm guitars are very distinct, as is the large drum situated behind Phil Rudd's usual drum stack. All this revealing of extra detail is done in such a way that it adds to, and does not distract from, the track as a whole. It's a high octane performance that has just had some nitro thrown into the mix.

Indeed the whole album has a higher level of energy, it's more involving and just more enjoyable - so much so that I was moving about in my listening chair a bit more than is probably advisable for a 61 year old.


Cosmic Thing - B52's

Cosmic Thing - It's a lot more snappy and precise and the boogie factor is up - It just sounds more rhythmical. Bass line is clear as day. Lovely.

Love Shack -It just sounds FAB - my descriptive abilities have now deserted me but who cares - I don't.

All the above applies to the whole album.


Some of you will now be pleased to read that I have run out of ways to convey how much I like, no , love the Radikal 2. Of course these are just my views and others may formulate a different view when they take a listen to it. I think it is a great upgrade and I feel very privileged to be in a position to have such a fine piece of musical making kit in these difficult and challenging times.
.

Fine write up Adam it good when you relate to the album tracks you are listening to. Sounds like a winner

Cheers Jim ...........

[Wenge1]

Thanks for the photos. The processor looks almost as bit as the 4 core AMD one I have in the PC talk about total redesign.

I agree with CJ, the motor mounting looks far better as well. All in all a great improvement and we haven't even heard what you think of the sound yet.

EDIT as you posted just as I was about to post this, we have now.

Oh bugger, if only we hadn't just done the kitchen I could get one now

Thanks James ......

[FangfossFlyer]

Wenge1,

Great write up, got me itching to have a dem but when you say:

“By the way I also had the opportunity to directly compare my deck to the Naim Solstice but I can't imagine that anybody on here would be interested on my views on that”

All I can say is that you must be joking as there is at least one of us..... me!

Richard

p.s. Maybe not in this thread but the one for the Solstice.

[Wenge1]

.
Apologies Kabineers, I forgot to add something in my post on the fitting of the upgrade kit to my Klimax Radikal.

The cable that comes from the motor and into the back of the Radikal is replaced and the connector appears to me to be of higher grade.

The taco board on the Lp12 is also replaced and is different to the board it replaces.

[evil_C]

I have a demo booked on Friday at Cymbiosis to hear the Radikal 1 vs. Radikal 2. I’ve read this thread again from the top and I’m getting quite excited! It seems it’s no longer possible to take the turntable and Radikal just in case as Adam did, since Linn is now requiring serial numbers etc. before manufacturing the parts. So that’ll require another journey if I choose to go ahead with it.

[FangfossFlyer]

Looking forward to your comments after your visit.

Richard

[Coyote Jim]

I reckon it's worth it just to get the motor fitted secureley

[sktn77a]

It seems it’s no longer possible to take the turntable and Radikal just in case as Adam did, since Linn is now requiring serial numbers etc. before manufacturing the parts.

Whaaaaaaaat??? How on earth are they going to do this for international orders and when volume picks up???
Sounds like a recipe for disaster!

[evil_C]

It seems it’s no longer possible to take the turntable and Radikal just in case as Adam did, since Linn is now requiring serial numbers etc. before manufacturing the parts.

Whaaaaaaaat??? How on earth are they going to do this for international orders and when volume picks up???
Sounds like a recipe for disaster!

Having just read your post I’ve gone back to Peter’s email to be absolutely clear. This is what he said: “if you want an upgrade kit then I would need to order this kit specific for your Klimax Radikal’s serial number so consequently it wouldn’t be possible to fit one on the day when you had the initial demonstration”.

[Coyote Jim]

It seems it’s no longer possible to take the turntable and Radikal just in case as Adam did, since Linn is now requiring serial numbers etc. before manufacturing the parts.

Whaaaaaaaat??? How on earth are they going to do this for international orders and when volume picks up???
Sounds like a recipe for disaster!

Having just read your post I’ve gone back to Peter’s email to be absolutely clear. This is what he said: “if you want an upgrade kit then I would need to order this kit specific for your Klimax Radikal’s serial number so consequently it wouldn’t be possible to fit one on the day when you had the initial demonstration”.

That's Krystal Opps Kandidly Klear.
When I contacted Peter about this a while ago it was stated he would have to order the upgrade kit with my original serial number so they could have it made with the same number to continue warranty etc.
The old sets replaced are returned to Linn for recycling.

[evil_C]

It seemed strange arriving at Cymbiosis yesterday without my turntable/tone arm/power supply. Even Phil was a bit surprised, but I reminded him that I was there purely for a demo of the new Radikal power supply and to discuss a few other options. Wayne made me a coffee as I was shown into the demo room. Peter came in and explained that he was very busy and would probably have to leave me to do the demo myself, so he explained that there were two identical Klimax level LP12s (with Kandid cartridges) each powered by an Akurate power supply. However, the one on the left was Radikal 1 and that on the right, Radikal 2. The rest of the system was Naim NAC552, SNAXO362 (not sure which PS), 3xNAP250, Kudos T808.

Peter put Norah Jones’s first album on the Radikal 1 turntable and left the room. I have to say it sounded superb. I was convinced that there really couldn’t be much improvement beyond this; I’d be really pleased if my system sounded as good at home. Peter returned when I’d listened to three tracks and started the album again, so that I reacquainted myself with it before moving the album and turntable mat to the Radikal 2 equipped turntable.

The difference was immediately apparent. After around a dozen bars or so I’d already realised that I wasn’t going to be able to leave without placing an order. The music was lifted clear out of the speakers into the space in front of me. The signal to noise ratio was improved and I’d say [some of you might find this controversial!] that the improvement was better than that experienced with the Karousel. Music filled the room making the speakers almost disappear. Although I’ve spoken about hi-fi attributes, musically it sounded all so natural and almost tangible. Although it might have been nice to have explored the effect with other music styles, I really couldn’t see the point. The Radikal 2 is so clearly better than its predecessor.

I do wonder how such improvement can be down to more accurate speed control. Maybe the improved motor mounts contribute? I suspect the improvement in the power supply to the Urika must also be a significant factor.

I’m also going to have the interconnect upgraded so a short demo was arranged to that too.

Although Peter had explained that he was going to have to leave me alone for much of the demo, he actually stayed with me for most of the afternoon chatting about business growth and supply chain issues etc. I found it all very interesting. Two and a half hours later I left after a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for the three hour drive home.

[Mr Onion]

Oh Damn, that means I will HAVE to get one

Thanks for the write up, Like you, I always wonder how LINN can keep on improving things when its sounding so flippin' good already. Any idea when you will be getting yours?

[Coyote Jim]

Nice write up Clive.
Great to have my suspicions endorsed mine is on order but may take a wee while to materialise
Like everything lately the demand has outstripped supply.