Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a complete and unabridged rendition of music, offering a sense of authority and positively influencing the sound
- Presents music as a tightly unified whole, creating a singular event rather than a collection of individual sounds
- Offers beautifully balanced and poised sound across the entire frequency range, from deep bass to detailed highs
- Maintains steady output voltage regardless of changes in load, defying mains input variations, thanks to the Utopik power supply
- The Adaptive Bias Control (ABC) technology establishes and adjusts bias current in real time
Product Considerations
- The high price dictates that all other system components (source, pre-amplification, speakers, supports) need to be of similarly high quality and expense
Takeaway: The Linn Klimax Solo 800 is an uncompromising amplifier that allows one to hear their music in a new light by delivering a complete picture of the sound. It offers exceptional clarity, balance, and control over the music signal.
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Klimax Solo 800
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Manufacturer details
- Number of Channels: One
- Max Output: 800W into 4Ω, 400W into 8Ω, 1.2kW into 2Ω
- Amp Technology: Adaptive Bias Control
- Power Supply: Utopik (2 kW Max)
- Inputs: RCA Phono x1, Balanced XLR x1
- Passthrough: RCA Phono x1, Balanced XLR x1
- Speaker Outputs: Banana/Binding Posts x2
- Output Impedance: 0.01Ω at 1kHz
- THD+N, 4 Ω: 0.0005% | 1kHz | 800 W
- THD+N, 8 Ω: 0.0004% | 1kHz | 400 W
- THD+N, 2 Ω: 0.0006% | 1kHz | 1.2 kW
- Finishes: Silver or Black anodised
- Dimensions: Width 350 mm, Height 268 mm, Depth 412 mm
- Weight: 27 kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Linn emphasizes its in-house engineering expertise rather than relying on off-the-shelf components, showcasing its commitment to innovative design and integrated system performance.
- The brand stands out for its fully integrated systems, offering a complete solution from source to speaker, designed to work harmoniously together for optimal sonic results.
- Linn's products, particularly loudspeakers, can be upgraded with "Exakt" technology, allowing for digital crossovers and individual amplification of each driver, significantly enhancing performance.
- They offer their "Space Optimization" technology to account for and correct room acoustics, demonstrating a commitment to adapting to diverse listening environments.
Select products
119
- Positioning: The entry-level compact bookshelf speaker in Linn's lineup.
- Description: Offers linear performance with premium drive units, making it suitable for small spaces or as part of a versatile system. Features a rear-ported design for enhanced bass performance, and its passive crossover can be bypassed for Exakt operation, providing flexibility for future upgrades.
150
- Positioning: A passive floorstanding speaker in the mid-range of Linn's offerings.
- Description: Designed for refined and sophisticated sound with excellent linear performance. Features a down-ported design for omnidirectional bass, setting it apart from the bookshelf 119, and includes a high-quality passive crossover that can be bypassed for Exakt upgrades.
Series 5
- Positioning: A stylish and customizable speaker series offering a balance of performance and design.
- Description: Integrates Exakt technology and an Isobarik bass system, providing powerful and accurate bass in a compact form. Unlike the 150 and 119, allows for extensive customization with various Fabrik covers and finishes.
360
- Positioning: Linn's flagship loudspeaker, representing the pinnacle of their speaker technology.
- Description: Features ultra-low distortion drive units and groundbreaking dispersion characteristics, delivering a soundstage with unprecedented clarity and realism. Stands out from the Series 5, 150, and 119 with its advanced Adaptive Bias Control and Power DAC technology.
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Used
Linn
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Fully balanced design, handcrafted in the USA
- Employs a sextet of KT170 valves, ECC83, and 6H30, with hand-selected and matched valves
- Features Audio Research's 'Auto-Bias' circuitry and an internal hour meter for monitoring valve usage
- Aesthetically elegant design with unique 'Ghost Meters' which are LED-illuminated and can be dimmed or switched off
- Capable of delivering high power at low frequencies, controlling and driving speakers like a big solid-state amplifier
Product Considerations
- High price point
- Requires a 20A IEC cable (supplied)
- The bass control and sheer bass output of the Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) could not quite be matched by the Reference 330M
- The unit use a variable speed fan, although it was essentially silent during testing, this may still present a point of concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO: The Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) has slightly better bass control and output
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 330M is an intelligently engineered and beautifully styled amplifier that embodies the meaning of 'Reference' in sound quality. Its powerful valve design delivers excellent performance and is sure to be a conversation piece in any high-end audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Since its introduction in 2022, Apex has been hailed as the finest power amplifier ever created. Critics and connoisseurs have universally praised its combination of shattering power and sublime delicacy; its ability to drive any loudspeaker balanced with unimpeachable tonal neutrality. It has always been Gryphon’s mission to achieve the highest possible audio performance in terms of sheer musicality, transparency and realism. With Apex Mono and Apex Stereo, Gryphon Audio Designs has elevated pure Class A power amplification a titanic leap above what was previously considered possible. Gryphon Apex takes us several significant steps closer in the quest for the most natural and convincing musical illusion.
Product Strengths
- Delivers lots of current due to a new 2000VA toroidal transformer
- The Apex Stereo's ease of presentation was immediately obvious—it fully engaged the reviewer
- The amp exuded supreme self-confidence
- The amp simultaneously speeds things up and slows things down
- Superior speaker grip, improving organization, timing, and musical flow
Product Considerations
- Initial start-up can be alarming due to flashing error lights
- The size and weight (445 lbs) can make installation challenging
- It's gigantic and heavy, requiring special equipment and tools to handle its production
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Boulder 2060: The Apex revealed more tonally saturated sounds
- Vs Boulder 2060: Apex cast a larger soundstage, and within those huge spaces, images were generally larger and more three-dimensional
- Vs Boulder 2060: Apex exposed more detail in the music
Takeaway: The Gryphon Apex Stereo is a powerful amplifier that brings music to life with a balanced and full sound at any volume. Its ability to reveal the resonant nature of instruments transforms listening sessions into immersive experiences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The company's inaugural creation, the Momentum Mono Amplifier, served as the foundation for its product line. The Momentum M400 MxV Mono Amplifier, the latest iteration, enhances the iconic design to new heights. Incorporating techniques and topologies from the Relentless Mono Amplifier, the Momentum M400 MxV models represent the pinnacle of Momentum circuitry evolution. The new model name, MxV, signifies Mass times Velocity—the fundamental equation for Momentum, a recognition that resonates particularly with individuals having a physics background. Explore the cutting-edge Momentum M400 MxV for an unparalleled audio experience.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exquisite aesthetics with a sleek design and a power meter that glows green
- Delivers a smooth and satisfying sound
- The sound is described as 'louder' and more powerful
- Said to be able to drive any speaker to its maximum output
- Upgrades are retrofittable to earlier Momentum models
- Balanced input only
Product Considerations
- Runs warm
- The scale on the power meter is essentially uncalibrated
- Requires a return to the factory for MxV upgrades on earlier Momentum Models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Momentum M400 MxV incorporates technology from the Relentless line and gets very close to the Relentless sound regarding space and depth
- The Momentum M400 MxV is smaller and lighter than the Karan Acoustics POWERa mono
- The Momentum M400 MxV is smaller and lighter than the D'Agostino Progression M550 Mono amplifier
Takeaway: The Momentum M400 MxV monoblock is a beautifully designed and powerful amplifier that delivers a smooth and satisfying listening experience. It incorporates technology from the flagship Relentless model, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Possessing formidable power, unrivalled technology and a herculean appearance this amplifier delivers electrifying signals to your loudspeakers, transforming your music into a thrilling experience.
craftsmanshipLow frequencies are faithfully reproduced without a whiff of constraint. Spellbinding vocals have astonishing reality and territory around them.
Monopolizing your leisure time, the addictive clarity and power of each musical note, riveting you into a state of blissful abandonment.
Highly skilled craftspeople take enormous pride in hand building each amplifier, scrupulously checking and testing every parameter, so your enjoyment is forever untroubled.
Power on tapUnprecedented power is yours to unleash, delivering an astonishing musical performance. Concealed within the crafted exterior lurks a gargantuan 2300VA mains transformer delivering mountainous levels of current to feed your musical hunger.
Accomplishing the largest crescendos turns into child's play with 272,000uF of electrical brawn just itching to be discharged.
Reassuringly cool, even under your most sustained inclination to blast away the cobwebs, it is gratifying so much power is on tap.
Product Strengths
- Build quality is among the best, with all pieces fashioned from solid aluminum
- The system delivers an effortless and truly reference-level sound
- Produces deep and powerful bass that energizes the room with ease
- Offers stunning analogue playback with incredible soundstaging, holographic image, depth, and width
- Delivers music with startling clarity across all genres
Product Considerations
- The Reference Preamplifier lacks a remote, focusing on a purist design
- The Reference Three speakers are very heavy—weighing 100kg net
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Avid Hifi Reference system performed similarly well with Fanfare for the Common Man, producing impressive bass and dynamics, compared to the YG Acoustics system with Boulder
Takeaway: The AVID HiFi Reference system is a top-tier system delivering exceptional sound quality and effortless power. It is designed to provide an extremely enjoyable and immersive music experience, making it a worthwhile investment for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Transparent and uncolored
- Exceptional casework and styling
- Ample power without muscularity becoming the product's defining attribute
- Utterly effortless and transparent magnification of the electrical impulse
- Allows a listener to devote their psychic energy to making an emotional connection to music
- Only has balanced inputs
Product Considerations
- Only has balanced inputs
Takeaway: The Ferios monoblock power amplifiers are some of the best electronics available, combining immediacy, transparency, and tonal beauty. Its ability to effortlessly resolve complex arrangements makes it a worthwhile choice for serious audiophiles.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very clean and noise-free output signal provides a stable soundstage with a very black background at any sound level
- Exceptional bass control and depth delivers a powerful and tight bass response that underpins the overall musical experience
- Offers flexibility with mono, stereo, and bi-amping operating modes, allowing for system upgrades and configuration changes
- Dynamic and fast, reacting instantaneously to the signal it receives and delivering power and subtlety where needed
- Continues the company's aesthetic with the massive perspex front panel covering
Product Considerations
- Speaker binding posts may not be compatible with all types of speaker cable terminations, specifically thicker spades
- The control for the illuminated 'E' on the front is located underneath the amp and may be difficult to access
- May be more 'laid-back', which some may interpret as lacking ultimate transparency or strict neutrality
- Provides only for XLR balanced inputs, though Electrocompaniet can provide appropriate high-quality adaptors for RCA connectors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Brings another level of control and depth to everything, compared to Totaldac Amp 1
- The memorable blackness of bass pinged recognition, compared to Kinki Studio EX-B7 monos
Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet AW 800 M is a powerful and versatile amplifier known for its exceptional bass control, clean output, and dynamic performance. It is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience with flexibility for system configuration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredibly resolving, with plenty of detail
- Perfectly controlled, 'wide' sound in terms of dynamics and panorama
- A quieter background brings forward a level of detail
- A clearly structured form, with symmetrical divisions and repetitions
- Inspired by the Relentless Epic amplifier series
Product Considerations
- Speaker jacks accept only spades and bare wires, and connecting spades from the top bends the cable significantly
- Components on the rear panel are placed close to each other and not particularly convenient to use
Takeaway: The Momentum S250 MxV amplifier delivers an immersive and detailed listening experience, making it great for those who enjoy actively listening to music. It brings out the best in loudspeakers, offering tremendous dynamics and a wide soundstage.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Visually oriented towards the flagship 159 amplifier
- Combines power and elegance with distinctive cooling fins
- Impressive sovereignty in music reproduction, outstanding spatial resolution, and musical warmth
- Solid build quality and finish
- Effortless control of any loudspeaker due to high damping factor over the entire frequency range
Product Considerations
- One review mentioned one of the amps began to buzz, which could be transformer-related
- RCA-to-XLR adapters may be needed for some preamps, since the 218 uses XLR inputs
- Absence of protruding support feet may make it difficult to lift without risk of crushing fingers
- The size and mass make it a 'sit on the floor' device
Takeaway: The Burmester 218 is a luxurious and well-engineered amplifier with a sound that's easy to enjoy and delivers the spirit and emotion of the music. It's a good choice for listeners who want a combination of detailed sound and easy listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Can operate in peak sonic Class A bias, or in more efficient Class AB mode
- Zero global feedback circuit from Airtech (SeGeSTA configuration)
- All stages are fully balanced, with dual mono configuration and discrete component circuits
- Exceptional solidity, characterized by the heavy heatsinks made of solid aluminum
- Volume control offers remote adjustability, signal purity and longevity, reduced interference, channel balance, and minimal signal path interference
Product Considerations
- The ABsolute's dimensions exceed the industry standard, which requires sufficient clearance for the warm air
- In class A, the product needs a lot of air around it to correctly dissipate the heat
Takeaway: The ABsolute offers both Class A and Class AB amplification, letting one choose between sonic purity and high power. It's made with great parts, so if you want an amplifier to keep for a long time, this could be a great option.
Video review
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