Bits'n'pieces of info regarding various Linn product histories

Regarding this data please consider it as a " it's nice to know", especially when deciding between two versions of the same product, i.e. "is the newer one really worth that much more money?", but don't necessarily turn down a good offer on a piece of Linn gear just because there happens to be a later version of that product available. Early examples of Linn products are far from useless; in many cases the differences can even be considered academic.

Note: I'm not responsible for this information, I'm just collating it. It was done because I think the information provided is really useful when considering used Linn gear. 

Note2: I have no information apart from what is entered here. I promise.

Note3: See note 2.

Quicklinks

CD12 There is an upgrade/modification which includes a hardware and software update to correct some early bugs, and a new cd engine. This allowed quicker track access, and improves the CD12 sonically. The latest CD12 have a new DAC, this eliminates the jitter setting on the user options. Someone commented on the above: "I do not think the engine changes are worth worrying about, the software change is straight forwards, but imagine the chip change is a new circuit board, and probably not warranties as an upgrade."

Ikemi

• the Mekk transport software changed in Oct 1999 (#1892) and
• an EFM adjustment pot was added to allow fine tuning of the laser and was added in Jan 2001 (#617218).

Karik, Introduced: Jan 1992, discontinued May 1999

• Introduction of Kyle board (internal D-A convertor): May 92 s/no.3000
• Mekk replaced by Optomekk: Jun 93 s/no.6000
• Brilliant Switch-mode power supply fitted to Karik: Jun 94 s/no.8000
• Karik III introduced - main board changed from 'Thru-hole' to 'Surface mount': Dec 94 s/no.9000
• Slimline Brilliant power supply fitted: Oct 95 s/no.11,000
• Optomekk upgraded to Mekk 4: Nov 96 s/no.13,000.

• Karik 1 No D/A on board. Numerik Mandatory
• Karik II D/A on board. Brilliant was introduced in -94. The latest (grey) front finish introduced in ~94/95
• Karik III Entire PC Board changed to Surface Mount. D/A included in main board, not a separate as Karik II
• Karik IV Brilliant changed to Slimline
• Karik V Changes to the transport assembly."

Numerik, introduced 1991, discontinued Sep 1999

Mimik, introduced 1993

Mimik/Karik spare availability

Information * laser trays & lasers
The laser tray is the small platform that supports and guides the laser & drives the disc. It contains the disc motor (which spins the disc), the sled motor (which drives the laser), the guide rods (which hold & guide the laser) and associated wiring and mechanical parts. The lasers can be replaced on the laser tray; hence the two parts are mentioned as separate entities in this instance. The motors on the tray have been known to fail on occasion.

Karik / Mimik models & parts affected:

• Kariks < s/n: 12999 Lasers & laser trays unavailable Linn part no: MCP 584
• Kariks > s/n: 13000 Laser trays unavailable. Lasers available Linn part no: MCP 812
• Mimiks (all ser/nos) Laser trays unavailable. Lasers available Linn part no: MCP 812

Discread Mimik/Karik Modification

LP12, introduced 1973 Analogue Addicts mailing list LP12 FAQ

5103, introduced June 1996

Kairn/Kairn-Pro, introduced Mar 1991, -Pro discontinued 2002

Kolektor

v2, Released (22/2/2000)

• Fixed unmuting bug on power up, will now honour the mute state on power down.
• CD commands OPEN and STOP will no longer automatically switch sources.
• New software version format added (see below).
• New RS232 commands :-
  • $VERSION HARDWARE ?$ - reports the version of main board fitted,
  • response for old hardware $VERSION HARDWARE PCAS124L3$,
  • response for new hardware $VERSION HARDWARE PCAS124L4$.
  • $VERSION SOFTWARE ?$ - reports the version of software loaded,
  • response for prototype version $VERSION SOFTWARE P0550103$
  • and response for release version $VERSION SOFTWARE S0550103$.
  • $CHECKSUM ?$ - reports software checksum.
  • $COUNTER POWER ?$ - reports total number of days, hours, minutes and seconds the unit has been powered up, typical response $COUNTER
  • POWER 3:17:35:42$.

V1 - Released 11/11/1999

• Volume levels are retained from one input to another when using Source select button
• Volume range changed from 0-60 to 0-100 (overall volume range remains unchanged i.e. lowest and highest volumes are same as before)
• Mute delay at power up to minimise audible noise during power-up sequence "Early Kolektors used a conventional moulded transformer placed on the preamps small main pcb (not a toroid). They also had 60 steps on their volume, but this can be software upgraded to 100 steps. Later Kolektors have 100 steps on the volume and a switched power supply, again mounted on the main pcb. This is not a Brilliant, but a simplified version with less components. Linn calls this new p.s. "universal", because it accepts input voltages between 90 and 244 (or something) VAC."

Wakonda

Two models; an older one with 'circular' brilliant, and a newer one with slimline brilliant. For a period of time, many reported that the Kolektor had a better linestage than the Wakonda, but recent comparison seem to result in the opposite conclusions, so perhaps a recent upgrade of the Wakonda, sonically important, has taken place.

"According to Linn Inc. in Jacksonville, the Wakonda received the Brilliant slimline PSU as standard at serial number 2500."

Majik

Linn Helpline said in December 2002: "there has been no sonic improvements made to them since its launch"

Klout, introduced Jun 1992

"Klouts, as with many long standing Linn products, have undergone several changes - none have been as earth shattering as say putting a brilliant power supply in a Kairn but have improved the sound of the amp. Notably, serial number 2700 there was a shim mod that improved sound qualtiy, serial number 4700 (approx) shake proof washers were added to improve grounding and serial number 5179 they added a capacitor on the transformer connector on the main board which further improved sound qualtiy. The new ones do sound better but the old ones are still great. As far as the crossovers, from serial numbers 200 -1165 there is a tad bit of mucking around to convert them to aktiv but under 200 serial number and over 1165 it is a very basic procedure - quite a similar connection as the LK140."

LK140, introduced mar 1998

LK100

LK2, LK275, LK280 - introduced Oct 1985, discontinued Dec 1992

Ninka, introduced October 2000 Linn Helpline said in December 2001: "there has been no sonic improvements made to them since its launch", but the tweeter has been changed atleast once, from one with a plastic face plate to one with a metal face plate. The one in metal is reported to sound better.

Katan, introduced October 2000(?) Just like the Ninka the Katan has undergone a tweeter change resulting in a reported performance improvement. Also, the passive filter has changed atleast once.

Keilidh, discontinued Even though I don't have a revision history at hand, I thought I'd add what I know: the tweeter changed from a type with a metallic mesh cover to the type with three bars. The ceramic plinth (their "feet") that was available separately changed at some point too. The change to the feet probably applies to Kabers aswell. There are four different active filters available: two versions of the mono filters ("original" and "new"), and two stereo filters ("REV1" and "REV2"). Certain combinations don't mate well.

Kaber, discontinued in 1999 Someone referred to a pair of Kabers as "latest kaber version [...] post 97". From Linn helpline: "The last upgrade to the Kaber went through at serial number 14022 - Kabers after that serial number are latest specification. The main significant sonic improvements to the Kabers were drive unit upgrades - treble and mid units were upgraded at different times and in 1994 (s/n 12067) the crossover was upgraded."

Kan, version IV looks like the Katan but is not bi-wire-able. Change When Serial Cabinet: Damped with KuStone and drive units are mounted with discrete gaskets instead of mastic. This was the final incarnation of the Kan. Sep 1991 48489 MajorRevision: Kan II introduced: this involved a change to a biwirable crossover (with 4 sockets) and a move in the tweeter positioning (mounted 7mm more forward than before on an substantially improved front baffle). Jan 1989   Bass Unit: Change to new long throw low frequency driver Kef B110B. May 1985   Connections: Changed from binding posts to the new style 4mm sockets. Feb 1985   Tweeters: Change to Hiquphone tweeters, which gave a flatter response. Having the Linn logo printed on the front plate, along with "LINN PRODUCTS" identifies these. The plate also has 2 concentric circles printed on it. May 1984 24077 Cabinets: Changed to Medite cabinet and began doping the B110 with some sticky black mastic for damping purposes. 1982   Introduction: Scanspeak tweeter. Original unmodified KEF B110 bass drivers. Cabinet essentially made of chipboard. The speaker used 4mm binding posts. Pre 1982

Isobarik Change When Serial Speaker: Major Upgrade: Addition of KU-STONE ceramic absorber, units and back now sealed with gaskets instead of silicone, improved cabinet bracing (Upgrade not retrofittable Dec. 1991 8293/4 Crossover: New 4 ohm external fitted in stand. Facility for tri-wiring. DMS no longer made as PMS can be used with either passive (4 ohm) or Aktiv crossover. 1988 6701/2 Treble Unit: Cosmetic improvement. Fitted with countersunk screws Sept.1987 6201/2 Cabinet: Crossover now in bottom of speaker - accessible from underneath. Facility for converting easily to tri-wiring or to active. 1987 5575/6 Midrange Units: Improved rubber surround to harder rubber Apr.1986 4953/4 Cabinet: Construction improved (internal sealing and damping) Dec. 1985 4825/6 Crossover/Treble Units: Improved PCB with wider tracks and better layout. Treble units also changed to give a smoother response. Linn logo incorporated on front plate. May 1984 3939/40 Bass/Midrange Units: Sound-deadening material painted on bass and midrange units. Mar.1983 3000/1 Cabinet: Changed from chipboard to MDF and veneered on both sides. Jan. 1982 2859/60 Treble Unit: Fitted with t-nuts. Oct. 1981 2741/2 Wiring: Changed internally to common earth at cannon socket. Mar. 1980 11,035/6 Treble Unit: Scanspeak treble unit replaced with Hiquphon unit. Recognised by two concentric rings on unit. Feb. 1980 10,925/6 Midrange Unit: Vented. Nov. 1979 10,800/1 Damping: Midrange enclosure and cabinet damping changed. Sep. 1978 10283/4 Cabinet: Current cabinet style adopted. Sep. 1976

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