Organik for Akubarik

[vincent]

How are things going for you guys who have had the upgrade?

After two weeks listening, I continue to be impressed by the improvement in SQ with all sources. In my system (very similar to yours @The Snug) I still prefer vinyl over digital - though perhaps the gap is smaller, and the 'analogue-like' improvement more marked with streaming, if that makes any sense.

Benchmark vinyl recordings/pressings in my collection sound better with Organik by a significant margin. To name just a few: Malia and Boris Blank, 'Convergence;' Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, 'Raising Sand'; Norah Jones, 'The Fall'; Agnes Obel, 'Myopia',' Citizen of Glass'; John Martin, 'One World'; Leonard Cohen, 'Old Ideas''; Grant Green, 'Born to be Blue'; Thelonious Monk, 'Monk's Dream'. Such material (already very good with Katalyst) is rendered in a more refined, natural and musically engaging manner, with greater depth and realism.

Another welcome improvement is the way in which musical information is resolved in 'busy' records that until now have seemed rather compressed. Dynamic range is handled much better with Organik (for example Led Zeppelin, 'Led Zeppelin II'; The Christians, 'Colour'; Nils Lofgren, 'I Came to Dance'; Mercury Rev, 'Delta Suite Revisited').

I think this A/B review of Katalyst/Organik by The Absolute Sound sums up the difference very well. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articl ... rk-player/

Good luck!

[The Snug]

Much appreciated Vincent.

[Mark57]

Just got my organiked electronics back and installed. First impression: wow Almost sounds 3D, every instrument in tune and playing harmoniously. Sadly only time for a brief listen until the weekend.

[The Snug]

Good news - Enjoy!

[vincent]

Just got my organiked electronics back and installed. First impression: wow Almost sounds 3D, every instrument in tune and playing harmoniously. Sadly only time for a brief listen until the weekend.

How's it going Mark? For me Organik has been a much bigger step forward than Utopik (in the DSM). I'm still noticing and enjoying the improvement four weeks on. Any thoughts on the vinyl vs digital source question?

[Mark57]

As always I Iike both records and streaming from the NAS. I think they are both better with the Organik. I’m not much use at descriptions I’m afraid. But every instrument can be heard and they are all playing harmoniously together, and sound real. It’s just great. As it should be for the price, of course.

[The Snug]

My dealer is picking up my electronics packs tomorrow to send to Linn for the Organik upgrade. We are heading away for three weeks, so the timing is good.

[vincent]

My dealer is picking up my electronics packs tomorrow to send to Linn for the Organik upgrade. We are heading away for three weeks, so the timing is good.

Lots to look forward to

[The Snug]

When my dealer was peering inside the electonics pack to see what might be changed, they came to the conclusion that the DACs must be on the same board as the amplifiers, so it is likely that the upgrade sees a complete board replacement including a brand new set of amp modules in the pack. If this is the case, I can see why Linn are offering the 5 year warranty on the electonics - all of the electronics.

[The Twins]

Just over 4 weeks since Linn got our Akubarik Modules for upgrade to Organik. Pleased to say that they have been returned to our dealer Loud & Clear in Glasgow and they are coming tomoroow afternoon to reinstall them. So a good weekend ahead and we are sure that from the reports of those who already have this upgrade, that we have wonderfull days of music listening ahead. That should be a great diversion from all the Election hype.
We'll report back next week.

[vincent]

When my dealer was peering inside the electonics pack to see what might be changed, they came to the conclusion that the DACs must be on the same board as the amplifiers, so it is likely that the upgrade sees a complete board replacement including a brand new set of amp modules in the pack.

Still scratching my head as to what exactly has been replaced along with Organik. Are the 'amplifiers' part of/attached to the DAC? Not sure if the pics I posted previously are any help (no idea what I'm looking at here). Re: Organik for Akubarik

A couple of screenshots (taken from Ripcaster video) of Katalyst and Organik boards in old (pizza box) Klimax DSM during upgrade. Again not sure what we can tell from this? First Katalyst, second Organik (which appears to have simpler layout)

[GeraldS]

In the exakt Akubarik the DAC and the amplifier are on the same board, so if you change one you must change both.

[timster]

When my dealer was peering inside the electonics pack to see what might be changed, they came to the conclusion that the DACs must be on the same board as the amplifiers, so it is likely that the upgrade sees a complete board replacement including a brand new set of amp modules in the pack.

Still scratching my head as to what exactly has been replaced along with Organik. Are the 'amplifiers' part of/attached to the DAC? Not sure if the pics I posted previously are any help (no idea what I'm looking at here). Re: Organik for Akubarik

A couple of screenshots (taken from Ripcaster video) of Katalyst and Organik boards in old (pizza box) Klimax DSM during upgrade. Again not sure what we can tell from this? First Katalyst, second Organik (which appears to have simpler layout)

The LL 1527s are gone. They are audio transformers for line level inputs. Why would Katalyst need them but not Organik?

[The Twins]

As promised an update now that we have had a chance to listen to our upgraded Akubariks. Sad to say on first listening we were completely underwhelmed especially having read the great reviews above.

Keeping the previous settings the music seemed rather flat compared to before. The sound stage was better with a nice spread of instruments and vocal posotioning but the sound definately lacked the "punch" factor that we had before. There was no sit up and take notice feeling.

We decided to switch off the Space Optimisation and that made things much better. Now much more punch to the sound and we now feel the Organik upgrade has made quite an improvement all round. But what of Space Optimisation then? We think that SO should be in operation but the setting now isn't working and resetting it up isn't all that easy. All known factors are correct such as measurements, room settings, tempretures, humidity etc., but the main unknown is where to set the "optimise for" slider.

We have been told that the Linn recomendation is 20 - 80 which is where we had it set giving us good sound before the upgrade. But that is not working for us now since the upgrade. Where should it be set for best results as this variable has so many possibilities and each change has then to make up a new SO file.

Our dealer has asked to come down to our home to check that out. We are looking forward to Goerge from Loud & Clear coming here to have his knowledge to set things up for us so that we get the best from this Organik upgrade.

Any comments on all this are welcome.

[Coyote Jim]

SO
Has always sucked the life out.
I remember at Linn HQ listening to a Selekt level LP12 system with 140s and it sounded flat and thin then they switched off SO and everyone clapped.

[DiggyGun]

@The Twins

When I got my Linn Selekt DSM: Edition Hub last December, changing from the Linn Klimax DS/2 Katalyst, the dealer installed it.

They also re-configured the SO as Linn had made some changes to it.

Initially, after installing it, he played some tracks with SO off to test that all was OK and it sounded good.

After sorting out the SO and then applying it, it went from good to excellent. It was a huge difference, so much so that Mrs DG said, “What happened”.

Your dealer will be able to check it out for you, plus you can try different versions to find the one that suits you.

[vincent]

As promised an update now that we have had a chance to listen to our upgraded Akubariks. Sad to say on first listening we were completely underwhelmed especially having read the great reviews above.

Keeping the previous settings the music seemed rather flat compared to before. The sound stage was better with a nice spread of instruments and vocal posotioning but the sound definately lacked the "punch" factor that we had before. There was no sit up and take notice feeling.

We decided to switch off the Space Optimisation and that made things much better. Now much more punch to the sound and we now feel the Organik upgrade has made quite an improvement all round. But what of Space Optimisation then? We think that SO should be in operation but the setting now isn't working and resetting it up isn't all that easy. All known factors are correct such as measurements, room settings, tempretures, humidity etc., but the main unknown is where to set the "optimise for" slider.

We have been told that the Linn recomendation is 20 - 80 which is where we had it set giving us good sound before the upgrade. But that is not working for us now since the upgrade. Where should it be set for best results as this variable has so many possibilities and each change has then to make up a new SO file.

Our dealer has asked to come down to our home to check that out. We are looking forward to Goerge from Loud & Clear coming here to have his knowledge to set things up for us so that we get the best from this Organik upgrade.

Any comments on all this are welcome.

Hmmm ... first thoughts are that something is not right with the installation, so I would definitely get this looked at/listened to by L&C. Meanwhile It might be worth checking everything is OK in Linn Account (speaker assignment etc), and re-booting the system.

I've never been able to get SO2 to sound as good in the bass frequencies as an SO1 profile imported from Konfig, which I am continuing to use now just as pre-Organik. But this is beside the point: Organik should deliver better sound than Katalyst with the same SO settings.

[The Snug]

Since I upgraded my KSH with Utopik I have found that I have no need of SO when streaming and when playing vinyl I add a touch of bass boost to flesh out the lower registers. I anticipate this continuing to be the case with the Organik upgrade. In my system the addition of Utopik has been remarkable.

[vincent]

... when playing vinyl I add a touch of bass boost to flesh out the lower registers.

Do you add bass boost via an SO profile, or by adjusting the bass shelf in Linn Account (Music System > Advanced > Custom Filters)? The latter might be an option for @The Twins.

In my system the addition of Utopik has been remarkable.

Looking forward to hearing about your experience with Organik, which in my system, to my ears and in my listening environment, has been a bigger upgrade than Utopik.

[The Snug]

Hi Vincent,
I adjust the bass shelf in Linn Account - custom filters. As you say, an option for the twins.

[Scooter]

As promised an update now that we have had a chance to listen to our upgraded Akubariks. Sad to say on first listening we were completely underwhelmed especially having read the great reviews above.

Keeping the previous settings the music seemed rather flat compared to before. The sound stage was better with a nice spread of instruments and vocal posotioning but the sound definately lacked the "punch" factor that we had before. There was no sit up and take notice feeling.

We decided to switch off the Space Optimisation and that made things much better. Now much more punch to the sound and we now feel the Organik upgrade has made quite an improvement all round. But what of Space Optimisation then? We think that SO should be in operation but the setting now isn't working and resetting it up isn't all that easy. All known factors are correct such as measurements, room settings, tempretures, humidity etc., but the main unknown is where to set the "optimise for" slider.

We have been told that the Linn recomendation is 20 - 80 which is where we had it set giving us good sound before the upgrade. But that is not working for us now since the upgrade. Where should it be set for best results as this variable has so many possibilities and each change has then to make up a new SO file.

Our dealer has asked to come down to our home to check that out. We are looking forward to Goerge from Loud & Clear coming here to have his knowledge to set things up for us so that we get the best from this Organik upgrade.

Any comments on all this are welcome.

I was a bit shocked to read this. When I changed to Katalyst I organised it for whilst we were away in holiday. So the system wasn’t listened to for over a fortnight. So to hear any difference was hard and I was basically relying from memory of the previous sound. So I found that experience underwhelming. This time my dealer gave me his spines so I wasn’t without any music whilst the upgrade was being done. When they arrived back my dealer came and did the change there and then. Once installed he then played with SO, well not so much played with it but went through a range of tracks he uses to see if there was any need for tweeks, there wasn’t. I was then left to play my music and the change for myself was a definite sit up and listen moment I think also aided by Utopik. I’m still loving hearing it when I put it on week’s later.

[akamatsu]

As promised an update now that we have had a chance to listen to our upgraded Akubariks. Sad to say on first listening we were completely underwhelmed especially having read the great reviews above.

Keeping the previous settings the music seemed rather flat compared to before. The sound stage was better with a nice spread of instruments and vocal posotioning but the sound definately lacked the "punch" factor that we had before. There was no sit up and take notice feeling.

We decided to switch off the Space Optimisation and that made things much better. Now much more punch to the sound and we now feel the Organik upgrade has made quite an improvement all round. But what of Space Optimisation then? We think that SO should be in operation but the setting now isn't working and resetting it up isn't all that easy. All known factors are correct such as measurements, room settings, tempretures, humidity etc., but the main unknown is where to set the "optimise for" slider.

We have been told that the Linn recomendation is 20 - 80 which is where we had it set giving us good sound before the upgrade. But that is not working for us now since the upgrade. Where should it be set for best results as this variable has so many possibilities and each change has then to make up a new SO file.

Our dealer has asked to come down to our home to check that out. We are looking forward to Goerge from Loud & Clear coming here to have his knowledge to set things up for us so that we get the best from this Organik upgrade.

Any comments on all this are welcome.

Hmmm ... first thoughts are that something is not right with the installation, so I would definitely get this looked at/listened to by L&C. Meanwhile It might be worth checking everything is OK in Linn Account (speaker assignment etc), and re-booting the system.

I've never been able to get SO2 to sound as good in the bass frequencies as an SO1 profile imported from Konfig, which I am continuing to use now just as pre-Organik. But this is beside the point: Organik should deliver better sound than Katalyst with the same SO settings.

Agreed about your last sentence. Without changing anything else, Katalyst to Organik should just resolve better. The change shouldn't affect anything that would impact any SO inputs; room dimensions, environmental conditions, and speaker ideal location. Hopefully folks aren't still thinking that SO works like a graphic equalizer.

[The Twins]

Thank you all very much for the comments relating to our Akubarik Organic upgrade post.

We've taken note of all the comments and find them interesting and useful. Things have improved over the past week and we are happier now, although we are looking forward to the visit from our dealer who will be able to make sure that all is working as it should and setup the Sound Optimisation.

We have been trying that out for ourselves and do now realise that without it the sound is a little too much "in your face (ears!)". We've tried the 15 - 85 setting as suggested and that did improve things. The bass seems good with this setting, with the middle and highs much smoother sounding. Placement of instruments and vocals are fine too. Maybe still not quite the wow factor we expected but at least getting there soon with dealer intervention.

[entdgc]

We've tried the 15 - 85 setting as suggested and that did improve things. The bass seems good with this setting, with the middle and highs much smoother sounding. Placement of instruments and vocals are fine too.

Remember, in very simple terms that the lower the first number the less bass you will have but the tighter the bass will be and vice-versa if the first number is higher - more bass but 'woolier/boomier'. (before people start shooting bullets I did say 'very simple terms' ). I would be very surprised if the setting you end up with is very far away from the 20/80 Linn suggest - I use 25/75. It would also be worth looking at Custom Filters to adjust bass/treble balance as suggested earlier in the thread.

[The Twins]

Remember, in very simple terms that the lower the first number the less bass you will have but the tighter the bass will be and vice-versa if the first number is higher - more bass but 'woolier/boomier'. (before people start shooting bullets I did say 'very simple terms' ). I would be very surprised if the setting you end up with is very far away from the 20/80 Linn suggest - I use 25/75. It would also be worth looking at Custom Filters to adjust bass/treble balance as suggested earlier in the thread.
[/quote]

Thanks for that explanation. Useful info. Leaving things as they are at the moment and await our dealer visit. Leave him to deal with custom filters etc..