Linn Exstatik & New Radikal

[evil_C]

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?

Yes, I’m sorry James, I really felt it was bigger than the Karousel upgrade. So you will have to go for it!

Peter was uncertain how long it would take, but could be as long as a couple of months. But these days it could be any time!

[evil_C]

[…] mine is on order

Good for you, Jim

[Coyote Jim]

[…] mine is on order

Good for you, Jim

I thought so.

[Wenge1]

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.

Another convert then Clive - Nice write up mate. Its a great up grade (no matter how it actually works). I'm sure you will enjoy it all the more once your deck has it fitted - I know I have ......

[Red Chris]

The Radikal 2 is marvellous - I think that it is bigger than the Karousel, but the Karousel needed to be first. Now Linn just need a better arm

[Wenge1]

The Radikal 2 is marvellous - I think that it is bigger than the Karousel, but the Karousel needed to be first. Now Linn just need a better arm

Definitly agree with the first TWO ..........

[evil_C]

T minus 23 hours.

[Wenge1]

T minus 23 hours.

Wow - Something for you to really look forward to Clive ......

[evil_C]

R2 day is here! Hopefully on its way down the Fosse Way as I type!

[Coyote Jim]

R2 day is here! Hopefully on its way down the Fosse Way as I type!

Not that I'm impatient but.

[evil_C]

It’s here, it’s been installed and Peter is on his way back up the Fosse Way! It’s certainly everything I was expecting and more. When I heard the demo at Cymbiosis it was with an Akurate Radikal, but I’m now hearing it in my Klimax enclosure, which adds its element too. I said before that it’s a bigger upgrade than Karousel, but I now believe it’s massively more. I have no idea how it does it, but it is most certainly worthwhile and probably another Linn bargain for what it does. So far I’ve only listened to one album as we’ve been taking boxes up to the loft and bringing others down.

I should say that I’m also enjoying a couple of other changes which Peter did at the same time, so it’s likely that they’re bringing their own contribution to the overall sound. I upgraded the Chord Sarum Super Aray interconnect to Sarum T (Coyote Jim should stop reading here!) and swapped from RCA to DIN at the amp end. I’ve also joined the Kudos Klan!

Thanks to Peter for coming here to do the installation.

[Coyote Jim]

It’s here, it’s been installed and Peter is on his way back up the Fosse Way! It’s certainly everything I was expecting and more. When I heard the demo at Cymbiosis it was with an Akurate Radikal, but I’m now hearing it in my Klimax enclosure, which adds its element too. I said before that it’s a bigger upgrade than Karousel, but I now believe it’s massively more. I have no idea how it does it, but it is most certainly worthwhile and probably another Linn bargain for what it does. So far I’ve only listened to one album as we’ve been taking boxes up to the loft and bringing others down.

I should say that I’m also enjoying a couple of other changes which Peter did at the same time, so it’s likely that they’re bringing their own contribution to the overall sound. I upgraded the Chord Sarum Super Aray interconnect to Sarum T (Coyote Jim should stop reading here!) and swapped from RCA to DIN at the amp end. I’ve also joined the Kudos Klan!

Thanks to Peter for coming here to do the installation.

Fab stuff Clive I'm really pleased it's delivering.
Kudos Klub
This needs pictures.
Get yourself settled and enjoy before more beans I know what it's like when the whirlwind arrives.

[Mr Onion]

Kudos? Good man

Glad you have a worthwhile trip to Peters, albeit an expensive one

Relax and enjoy (in that order)

[Wenge1]

It’s here, it’s been installed and Peter is on his way back up the Fosse Way! It’s certainly everything I was expecting and more. When I heard the demo at Cymbiosis it was with an Akurate Radikal, but I’m now hearing it in my Klimax enclosure, which adds its element too. I said before that it’s a bigger upgrade than Karousel, but I now believe it’s massively more. I have no idea how it does it, but it is most certainly worthwhile and probably another Linn bargain for what it does. So far I’ve only listened to one album as we’ve been taking boxes up to the loft and bringing others down.

I should say that I’m also enjoying a couple of other changes which Peter did at the same time, so it’s likely that they’re bringing their own contribution to the overall sound. I upgraded the Chord Sarum Super Aray interconnect to Sarum T (Coyote Jim should stop reading here!) and swapped from RCA to DIN at the amp end. I’ve also joined the Kudos Klan!

Thanks to Peter for coming here to do the installation.

.
Very pleased for you Clive. The K Rad 2 upgrade is a fab one and one that I have not regretted in anyway shape or form as I'm sure you won't as you settle in and enjoy your upgrade(s). Kudos Klan as well - at the same time or was that before or indeed maybe you have ordered and await arrival. I wonder what is occurring .........

[evil_C]

The main reason for Peter’s visit was to deliver a pair of loudspeakers. I was lucky that my Radikal upgrade kit had arrived in time to do that at the same time. I had thought that I’d never change the NBLs, but when I was at Cymbiosis listening to the Radikal 2, I realised that even the Radikal 1 turntable seemed to deliver a better sound than I was getting at home and the words sort of came out without too much thought: “Peter, do you fancy selling your demo pair of 808s?”

[Mr Onion]

You lucky *expletive deleted*

I wish we had the space, and the cash

[Wenge1]

The main reason for Peter’s visit was to deliver a pair of loudspeakers. I was lucky that my Radikal upgrade kit had arrived in time to do that at the same time. I had thought that I’d never change the NBLs, but when I was at Cymbiosis listening to the Radikal 2, I realised that even the Radikal 1 turntable seemed to deliver a better sound than I was getting at home and the words sort of came out without too much thought: “Peter, do you fancy selling your demo pair of 808s?”

Nice one Clive - Always worth asking (That's how I got my Atlas!). The 808's at Peters have always sounded wonderful every time I have heard them on my last few visits. I'm sure they will be shining at yours for many years to come ..........

[Coyote Jim]

Congrats Clive.
Sometimes a good think out of the box is in order after a long time as we get very used to what we have but a change can bring much more joy.
That's certainly a big step up well done.
I'm keen for the Radikal update too.

[Mr Onion]

... and did Peter have to bring a crane with him?

[evil_C]

... and did Peter have to bring a crane with him?

He brought muscles - I’ve just had a hernia op, so wasn’t able to help as much as I should have. I felt a bit guilty watching Peter doing it all.

[Dan Steel]

... and did Peter have to bring a crane with him?

He brought muscles - I’ve just had a hernia op, so wasn’t able to help as much as I should have. I felt a bit guilty watching Peter doing it all.

Hope your recovering well Clive

[evil_C]

... and did Peter have to bring a crane with him?

He brought muscles - I’ve just had a hernia op, so wasn’t able to help as much as I should have. I felt a bit guilty watching Peter doing it all.

Hope your recovering well Clive

Thanks, Jim. It’s 17 days on now, but I’m not allowed to do any heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.

[Mr Onion]

Thanks, Jim. It’s 17 days on now, but I’m not allowed to do any heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.

That rules out 200gm pressings then Hope you get back to 'normal' soon

[Wenge1]

He brought muscles - I’ve just had a hernia op, so wasn’t able to help as much as I should have. I felt a bit guilty watching Peter doing it all.

.
Wishing you well in your recovery - the new additions to your system will no doubt help smooth the recovery process ,,,,,

[Pediatrik]

Holy smoke Clive! A pair of 707:s are my long term goal and then you just walk in and impulse buy a pair of 808:s. Respect! No wonder the Krad 2 upgrade brought a massive improvement…