linn lk85 power amp

Here. review of Linn lk 85 mostly compared to NAIM NAP 00 power amp
through Linn KOLECKTOR pre amp .
Using variety of speakers .
source was blue sound node 20i. streamer

[@1jhnpennington]

Life is better with Kelvin on KZbin.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Yes, it is.

[@carlchong8292]

Can’t agree more.

[@andrewfitzsimons8509]

Yep me too.

[@rolandd5397]

1 vote here

[@jonpatrick66]

For sure!

[@jonpatrick66]

Hi Kelvin. I loved the comment in your video about northern countries, long nights and the need of a good hi-fi system to snuggle up with. I grew up in Texas and ended up moving to northern Michigan years ago. Man what a difference!! Yes the nights are very long this time of the year. Incredibly long! And cold, ha. Goes without saying I reckon. I've enjoyed all your videos and glad to sit down with you in my TV 💯

[@markseymour5558]

I always love your reviews bc they are from a real world perspective, not the over analyzed stuff other channels have

[@peterevans7612]

Hi Kelvin, Good to see your channel back on line again. I enjoy your down to earth views on the equipment. Cheers Peter Sydney Australia

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Thanks so much for this review. I have 3 similar systems: 1 Lk85 / Kolektor / KEF LS50 and 2 Linn LK 140’s / Kolektor’s with Thiel CS2 and B&O RL6000 and absolutely love them all. I also have a 4th Kolektor, awaiting for another 85 or 140 mate, when the right opportunity presents itself. I also own a Linn Genki CDP, which I seldomly enjoy when I am not streaming 99% of the time. Since 1982, I have owned 3 LP12’s but gave up on vinyl 7-8 years ago, given the superior ability of digital to cherry pick tunes info playlists and not purchase music that I do not emotionally connect with. Nonetheless, the tables were wonderful. Like yours, mine are all in mint condition, problem free and I enjoy them every day. I absolutely love their small chassis, bullet proof construction and great sound. These vintage Linn amps are not well respected here in the US as they should be. Nonetheless, I am a proud Linn For Life owner. Cheers! michael

[@gezparks9630]

From one old hi- fi nerd to another ... Thanks Kelvin. Love your spot on heartfelt reviews!

[@stereoreviewx]

Cheers mate

[@canonb3ck]

Thanks Kelvin for making videos again. I could watch you all day. I've learned a lot. Thank you.

[@stephenstevens6573]

I love your authenticity! You speak in terms of the everyman. Use songs that people actually listen to!! Don't stop doing what you do, brother!!

[@D1N02]

I totally agree with you on bass Kelvin. An amplifier should have good bass performance first and then create the best possible mid en high with that. When you build a house you start with the foundation. Same should go for music amplification.

[@terrycullen3262]

2 LK 85s active into Linn Ninka for me, Genki, Wakonda, 20 yrs on, still great.

[@rm-mastering]

Hi K, great video, good to see you're back.

[@26Jorgeb]

Hi Kelvin.Glad to watch your videos again and glad you're ok.Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.

[@paulgarrett4610]

Great to have you back Kelvin, so good to enjoy your real world reviews 😀

[@todddonaldson2822]

Good to see you back mate!

[@chrislovelock8394]

Love to see your channel and content its great to see you doing this again. I am a vintage convert now thanks to your informative videos. I changed my kit this year for vintage Sansui 221 and Monitor Audio MA5's (spent some time restoring them both) and cant believe the difference and enjoyment in the sound and presentation I have re-discovered my music collection from this vintage kit. Keep them coming please always a pleasure to watch and listen to you with your unique style and breadth of knowledge, they always feel like Im sitting in your house just chatting with you. Merry xmas and a happy new year to you.

[@stereoreviewx]

I bet you’ve got a lovely top end with Sansui and that Twitter in the Ma5s

[@davidfreeman4625]

A year later, sorry. I'm running a Wakonda pre into a pair of LK85s into Ninkas and couldn't be happier. Been running them for 20 years and will struggle to upgrade at a cost within reason. On the preamps. In this range Linn made the Kolektor, the Wakonda and the Kairn. When I bought it, the Wakonda was noticably better than the Kolektor and the Kairn was way too expensive, hence the choice. The biggest upgrade I have made is to ditch the provided Linn Black interconnects and use Kimber. I found the Linn Black's to be terrible, YMMD. Thanks for the review.

[@matereo]

Thanks Kelvin! Best vintage gear reviews on the tube, and it has to be pointed out again :) I wish i who collect some good vintage hifi lived closer because i could have sent and borrow you gear then. Looking forward to your LP12 review. Im gonna put Swedish Linn Sondek review anekdote in the comments when you do :)

[@ajitrughoo641]

welcome back!! Stereo review X is the only vintage Hifi review i watch!! fantastic review as ever

[@PaulDoldenDetails]

This channel should have at least 50k subscribers kelvin you describe sound like no one else never change Sir 😃😃

[@24bellers20]

Love my active linn system. 3 lk 100s, karik,numeriks , Kairn and Keildhs from the late 80s. Owned from new, still going strong.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

You need to try the naim with a naim pre amp it makes a big difference, the linn is made for that linn pre amp

[@baxlox]

Another Great review. We understand you have so many other things to do, but these videos are such a great tonic for just about anyone interested in gaining further knowledge about their Hi Fi . Sure many of us have heard all the elements of music reproduction that you talk about, but listening to you helps us all take apart the music and re assemble it according to our own systems. whilst for many this may lead to further experimentation with the purchase of some different Hi Fi items and hopefully an enhanced sound. For others your way of helping us dig into the soul core elements of our music, will just further vilify our reasoning to not change a thing, just,simply kick back relax and enjoy our music with the new listening ,verbal hearing aids ! ,you have kindly given us. I do hope this may make sense to someone other than myself 😳

[@stereoreviewx]

Oh thanks makes perfect sense and brilliantly written. I would say

[@DavidslvPT]

Good to see you back! Can't wait to see more videos soon :)

[@josephfuller7008]

Another top shelf review. No one else holds a candle☺️

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Great Kelvin is back, nice to hear a proper review about proper stuff that normal people can afford

[@Zeitdehner]

Season's greetings from Brussels. So lovely to see you around here again, thanks

[@stereoreviewx]

Merry Christmas from London

[@AllboroLCD]

Good to see you back at it sir!

[@michaelmasztal7871]

Hey, Kelvin!! Great to see you back!

[@jerrygerza7565]

The "Low End Fun" giving you "The Horn"?! 😍 Could get a bit frustrating on a desert island! 🤣Great review Kelvin! 👍

[@stereoreviewx]

You’re thinking ahead

[@andygee8716]

Hi Kelvin. So glad you enjoyed Victor Wooten: A Show of Hands. As I said before, it is a reference recording of the instrument. Now try Yves Carbonne: Seven Waves; another beautifully recorded album by virtuoso bassist, Frenchman, Yves Carbonne. I think you'll love it just as much. Good luck, mate.👍👍

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for your tips Andy

[@peterlarkin762]

Nice one Kelvin. Been interested in the Linn sound for a while since it's been praised by many. I thought Linn had a dry thin sound, thanks for the clearing that up. Also your 100% right about playing normal music tracks... I love all music really, including spacious well recorded less cluttered music and yes it does make gear sound better. I find once music gets a bit complicated with standard production, then you can tell what gear is capable of. ..and from my limited experience, the fairer-sex greatly appreciate a generous low end much more so than analytical details.

[@jerrypartington3650]

In a nutshell the linn plays tunes better, the Naim sounds more detailed but doesn't engage you emotionally as much, and that's really what music as opposed to hifi is all about!

[@cobar5342]

I really like both Linn and Naim products and have had gear from each. They are both well made and sound very good and are both rather pricey!

[@bunston1000]

Running a pair of Linn LK 100’s at the moment. These are bi-amped into an ancient pair of Mission M35’s, Nobsound four valve preamp and a WiiM Pro Plus streamer. The sounds from this system are astounding, probably one of the best I have head in a long time. Did run four Krell fbc 300’s a few years ago, along with other amplification from Audio Lab and Moon to name a few. I use pretty much the same music as tests. Dave Brubecks `Take Five’ and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon give a fairly good audio work-out.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I really lusted after that Linn combo. Very cool. I agree that great hifi for me would be revealed by how well it would do in a busier mix- of course, according to my biases. But I think great hifi would reveal the mix without being analytical or mechanical.

[@kurthill7030]

Linn are warmer 👍 great review 👍

[@classeirehall845]

Kelvin you are so right. Here in Sweden it is both dark and cold. So listening to good music with a good system is warming. Claes

[@richarddevlin5613]

Only just subscribed to the channel so going through old vids ….enjoying them

[@joeyjustin6895]

HI MY BUD. You Tube Didn't Tell Me. But I Checked And Hers Your next review. SO GOOD TO SEE YOU. Take Good Care And Stay Warm

[@robertgough5804]

Nice one Kelvin more products please. Missed your inputs

[@BritProgJazz]

Ha! Great video as always Kelvin. I used to own an LK85. Nice amp. Perhaps a little bit grainy in the top end, and as you say, highs rolled off slightly. But a great sound nonetheless. They shine best when run in pairs tbh.

[@nigelh3253]

I am amazed at the price of this Linn amp. I could say 'how cheap it is', but that's not the right way of putting it. Value for money - certainly is one way of putting it. Do any components need replacing over the time to keep it at a high spec? Thanks for another great review, Kelvin!

[@SuperHyperExtra]

I had a Pekin/Genki (upgraded to Ikemi)/Kolektor/LK85/ combo for a couple of year. I even won an all-in-one Classik. I finally found that they sounded very ordinary for what they costed me (to my ears). I sold the lot... I’m now VERY happy with much cheaper and as good-sounding equipment...

[@stereoreviewx]

Fair comment, I would say the Middle ground of Hi Fi on the route to the high-end. Let’s say is such a Barron place

[@RedRiverMud]

Great review. I love hearing about Linn and Naim.

[@FIZZYYAM]

Morning Kelvin, good to see you, do you have any tape decks?

[@stereoreviewx]

I don’t, but I have a friend who has some high end tape decks. Is it Nicky Mishi dragon?

[@FIZZYYAM]

The dragon yeah, that is high end! I watched some videos on tape decks and now of course I want one for the nostalgia.

[@andygee8716]

Linn and Naim equipment tend to be very oriented to their own kind. Naim power amps especially, are engineered to work with Naim pre-amps and there's a whole upgrade culture within the company that incites a certain "brand loyalty" within their customer base. Linn have evolved from serious hifi, (remember their Isobarik loudspeakers, which in their meanest incarnation took 6 Naim NAP 250 power amps to drive them, so low was their efficiency at around 82dB! Naim almost had a pact with Linn to power these things) into beautiful, expensive mid/high end lifestyle audio products: the thinking man's Bang and Olufsen, if you will. Very House and Garden magazine material.

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks Andy, interesting stuff and truly my thoughts. Listening to the Lynn did go to Bang And Olufsen, I mean SoundWise you know good Bang And Olufsen I mean ?

[@positivelife3034]

I like my system, its nothing fancy but it sounds lovely. Rega p3 deck, Roksan kandy mk3 amp and concept 20 speakers.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yeah if it’s not broke Dont fix it as they say

[@Iamloveingawareness]

Hi Kelvin, May I recommend the track "Wake up and Live" by Bob Marley & the Wailers for testing your hi-fi. The song is very complex, particularly in respect to it's speed and pace. It has a STRANGE effect on hi-fi, in which the groove of the song can appear to slow down or drag when the equipment is reaching it's limits. It's a very strange phenomenon and a great test for your kit. There's so much interplay on the stabbing rhythms, lots of lead and backing vocals plus splashing percussions everywhere. When the sax and horn solo's hit on top of everything, I feel your speakers and amplifier have never had so much strain. It's my 'go-to' track,- you'll see yourself, it really does slow down or stay grooving. A great test.

[@stereoreviewx]

Okay, definitely got my curiosity definitely gonna play that cheers K

[@briancampbell7712]

thanks my friend...great review...you always keep it real!😁

[@mgsee]

Doesn't using the matching Linn pre-amp favour the Linn power-amp overall? I have come to understand the importance of synergy for the sound quality of any system.

[@stereoreviewx]

Well I would say yes or no generally speaking, sometimes you don’t want too much of the same thing

[@davidgolf7562]

How does this Linn compare to an older gem of a unit like the Quad 306 you rate?

[@oliverjosshvac2101]

Awesome mate. The old rivals in a comparison. Had a LK 85 but also a Klout which was another beast. I always found - like you - that Linn sounds laid back. Good for long listening.What do you say about their imaging capabilities?

[@briancampbell7712]

kelvin or anyone else...is the linn klout the best sounding linn amp...?

[@kobush18]

Great review as usual (there is no substitute to Kelvin)

[@Roof_Pizza]

Gotta be double the power to pique my interest in a stand alone amp, 2 ohm stable would also be nice. Kudos for the 2 pair of speaker posts, a must imo.

[@andrewpetley7008]

have you ever looked at active speakers? or meridian vintage stuff? I havea pair of meridian amps and pre-amp which I like and also at one time Meridian M2 speakers (weird midrange honk/lift!) back with spendor sp1 speakers now whichare a deep joy

[@allanredford6070]

highly coloured sound is term you searched for. Linn and Naim voice their components to sound radically non.neutral,mostly sold through hifi dealers, when installed in comparator switching system in shop, they demonstrate the difference from the more neutral sounding brands. helps justify the huge pricing premium. same gambit was used by B&O on their colour tvs'(greenish color cast/bias), Leica's digital camera colour science. - different is sold as better. in hifi, vintage Sansui, which you love and kenwood solid state amps are far superior for most amp/speaker combinations. Linnies and Naimites love all this BS marketing and resale prices hold up well, to be fair. only good thing, as you will want to flog them to get better sound. Naim's P.R.A.T idea often produces wholly cooured,odd performances ,unless speakers are odd in a way that compensates. save money get good vintage, Kelvin knows his onions, imo. nice to see you back. Sansui high-end turntables bury the sondek, too. the LP12 is the wprlds most overated hifi component. incredibly often used as a 'world standard'. coloured sound,stillwaiting for a mega $ upgrade to the outer.platter, which rings like a gong, screws up upper bass.a 30k Klimax will give you all that.upgrade path is a big earner for Linn. Naim, too . bigger off-unit power supplies, which should have been incorporated into amps in the first place.

[@steverowe6174]

Hi Kevin top job what ur doing😊 I am new to vintage Hi Fi and need help, I have recently bought a Sony ps1350 turntable with moving magnet. Can u tell me what’s the best vintage amp I can get I want to spend £150-£300. Thanks again for the work u do

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

Just a fyi, I had a friend that was an accomplished Gitarrist about 20 years ago,and he had a complete LINN system with speakers,sounded great 👍…but out of my budget then…and now 🙂 ,he moved away since, I don’t know what he has now

[@michaelvincent8306]

Used to own a linn system went to valves never went back to transistor amps

[@Megaasparo]

Hey Kelvin. I have a Nad 3020 with Rogers p-22 speakers. I think they're fantastic. the 20 watts of the Nad is loud enough. Still, I wonder if the Linn lk85 would be a good update?

[@jeffn1384]

There's a Linn link to The Blue Nile also.

[@tonyhaz6664]

Recently setup my amp and preamp, Is my amp rare as can't find any for sale or anyone who uses one, it's a Rotel RB-985 MK2. Can't even find out when it come out

[@garethparr9482]

Another great review 👍

[@kennekam]

It might help to say which speakers you use

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

Hi Kelvin I have a line on a vintage first gen Hitachi HMA 7500 amp. I’m curious what your thoughts on those are?

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS KELVIN,WE APPRECIATE HI-FI IN NORTHERN USA ,FOR THE SAME REASON 🤗😊

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

And we have been taking advantage already this year HAVE A GREAT DAY 🤗💚💚💚

[@beslemeto]

Try to review the Avi S2000MM mooblocks please!

[@MrRichymil]

Hi Kelvin I like Linn speakers and interconnect, also have a Linn tonearm. Always wanted to see some videos about the LK85 so thanks. When will you do some comparisons with Cyrus amps and things? Of course is a bit difficult as you need the PSX power supply to get the full picture of Cyrus stuff.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yeah everything I can get, I’m gonna review it

[@MrRichymil]

@@stereoreviewx Thanks, should I be able to run a LK85 using a Cyrus 3 as a pre amp? It has a pre out and I'm currently using a Smart power Plus for the treble.

[@MrRichymil]

@@stereoreviewx Hi Kelvin I've just managed to get a LK85 off eBay. Don't tell the wife. Should I be able to run it using a Cyrus 3 as a pre amp? I'm currently running a smart power plus power amp off the Cyrus 3.

[@vinyl-maniac6400]

Hey, Kelvin. If possible you should try the mission lx2 MK1 bookshelf speakers, I've had a lot of speakers but I've always gone back to my lx2s, some of the best bookshelf speakers I've heard.

[@stereoreviewx]

Okay interesting, I think a couple of people sent this

[@joeyjustin6895]

YES. THE LOW FROM 250HZ. TO 25 HZ. HAS TO BE SOOO GOOD. I HAVE AN OLD CLASS A 2 STAGE PRE AMP THAT REALLY PUTS FORWARD THE BASS GUITAR AND EVERYTHING FROM 250 TO 25HZ. AND IT SOUNDS SOOOO GOOOD I JUST MELT AWAY. COMPLETELY MELT. Sorry For The All Caps. I Always Write In Caps Cause These phones print too small. SO GOOD TO SEE YOU. MERTY CHRISTMAS

[@stereoreviewx]

Merry Christmas to you, Joey

[@hoobsgroove]

Have you thought about trying horizontal bi amping.. it might work quite well with those two, the NAIM for the top frequency Linn for the lower frequency, Especially with a valve preamp. If you're looking for some bass check out the iron horse by the sound defects especially the track the fuzz, ain't alright, and peace. That was a band that went under the radar 1968

[@sosonic12000]

Does anyone have knowledge on the b and w nautilus 803 speakers guys? Will be running 2 Rotel 1091 500 watt mono block amps… Any advice will be much appreciated..

[@snuffpappy]

Kelvin, if you are able or interested, pick up a Douk Audio St-01 amplifier. Sells for under $190 canadian. Its got some reviews online but most are missing the big picture. This is a little tube / Class D amp that gets looked at as a "cute" desktop amp but the sonics are superior to my AMC and NAD amps. Timbre, soundstage, imaging, dynamics... ALL superior. Hope you get to check one out. Its sneaking by a lot of audiophiles due to its price and appearance. But its a beast. (the wattage is over rated.. more like 25 per channel. drives my Monitor Audios just fine.

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for the tip. If I can get hold of one, I will definitely check it out.

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

I've got a system comprising the Aiyima T9 which I think is likely almost the same amp with slightly different cosmetics, powering a pair of old Mission 753's. The sound blows me away every time I listen to it.

[@deanokay666]

Hello. A question unrelated to your latest video. But, can I use a low powered amp to drive higher rated speakers? Specifically, the Sansui 551 at 16watts per channel into the new Mission 770 speakers rated 25w-200watts? Many thanks.

[@stereoreviewx]

For sure and I bet it’s just fine if not grest

[@deanokay666]

@@stereoreviewx thank you Steve.

[@davidmee7239]

Great review Kelvin. Never tried any Linn amplifiers. I recently bought a pair of Linn Index MK1 speakers for my son and they were the worse speakers I've ever had. No top end and very muddy bottom end. They use the Kef B200 bass/mid so thought it might be worth pursuing. I dug out an old crossover from a pair of JPW Mini Monitors and the same tweeters and just put those in. Didn't measure them to see if they were suitable. 80% better sound than what they were. The crossover on those Linn's looked very sophisticated so I thought the crossover from the JPW wouldn't be any good. I was wrong, made a big difference. I think you might have a stalker/spammer saying to use Telegram. ( I don't even know what that is ).

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes please ignore that spam now the kef b200 was used an awful lot. And most times it’s a good sounding thing so I don’t know what’s gone wrong there. You can certainly mess up the coil on bass drivers so they don’t really work properly if you drive in crazy hard

[@davidmee7239]

@@stereoreviewx I thought if you could get your hands on a pair then do a review but I wouldn't want you wasting money. I only paid £35 for them. Being Linn I thought they'd be brilliant.😄 Apparently the Mark 2 Index sounds a lot better.

[@symonjames2657]

From time to time I watch a lot of amp and speaker reviews on youtube and I've learnt the first thing to do right from the start is look up what the item sells for. So many times I've sat through the whole review with all the fancy descriptions and usual catch phrases with the idea of buying the item becoming a reasonable consideration only to find out at the end the item is selling for $10k and the reviewer making out the whole time that its not a consideration - why would 10k matter for an amp total dickheads- I love your reviews as the products you review are affordable and there usually vintage which just sound better, all things being equal. Thanks Kelvin

[@draxnivar7548]

Maybe review of some nice speakers next?

[@linnboss857]

My opinion is Linn makes a great turntable, but Naim make better amplifiers

[@richardpaine5923]

3 hours on the sofa?

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

Well when I hear Diana Krell and /or Dire Straits in a room during a hifi show I,ll rush out like a spear.

[@stereoreviewx]

Agreed

[@1sostatic]

Have had to fix the Linn products -- I have to tell you how cheap it all under the hood.

[@obscurazone]

Details would be far more useful than simply saying Linn use cheap components. What specifically?

[@Gary_M]

Small speakers need more power, not the other way around.

[@darekk.184]

What speakers works mainly at yours?

[@stereoreviewx]

Original LS35A. Get used most though right now I have vintage ma4 Which are big and I’m loving the base

[@johnshaw359]

Both brands are a little bit up themselves.

[@stereoreviewx]

No argument

[@festersuncle6298]

I love HiFi, but I can think of better things to snuggle up with. Appreciate the review.

[@stereoreviewx]

What are you some kind of pervert 😜

[@padgepadgham3238]

Now I do know the sound of Linn. Linn electronics sound awful to my ears.

[@mrtreevis]

You are uniquely qualified to answer this for me. I have a NAD 3130 which i use as a phono stage. I have just invested in new old stock Lk140 x2 and Activ cards for my speakers. I also have the opportunity to buy a Linn Kolektor. In your mind is the MM stage on the Linn better than the NAD? All the best. Hope your not dead.

[@nuznikas]

And techmoan too

[@mgsee]

A good low end would indeed be useful when enjoying a romantic night on the sofa with your girlfriend... 😁

[@ДмитрийЛюбимов-ч5к]

Балабол

[@djwindhoek]

Another great review. You've got a lot of fans on pinkfishmedia hifi forum so please do come on over and say hi :)

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes I’ve heard of pink fish will check it out. Thanks

[@alponmars]

Thanks for another nice review. I got the scam message too. You have an account in Telegram, you should know. 😅

[@stereoreviewx]

Okay thanks I barely know what telegram is but I better investigate

[@stevegreenwood7837]

Hi Kelvin ......Got this the other day ........... Congratulations you have been selected among my winner you just won dm to claim your prize 🎉🎁🎁on telegram only its a scam yes l know just thought you should know.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes please ignore that nonsense. I really don’t know how to stop this happening.