I asked a similar question and got great advice from @linnfomaniac83 I ended up with a Wakonda Pre and LK85 Power. The Kairn Pre and LK100/140 were on the radar and I just plumped for the first combo to appear. I was told to steer clear of the LK1/LK2 and ruled out the Intek.The older used Linn amps and preamps in America are pretty reasonably priced. If one were to buy an older Linn amp and preamp, which are good and which should be avoided?
Sorry, but Hafler, Bryston, Adcom and Parasound are no match for a Linn Klout. Not even close in my experience. Maybe better than LK85/LK100, as I have not heard them.
The Majik and the Wakonda have the same preamp section… until you listen to them next to each other, the Wakonda sounds better, no doubt, I have three Majiks and two Wakondas here, the Wakonda sounds better as a preamp. Majik is no slouch though and is a great integrated!I had a Kairn, very good and a sensible array of features. MM and MC phono (the Kairn Pro looks identical but lacks the phono stage), also balance control and a mono switch, both things I find essential in a preamp.
The Wakonda is the preamp section of the Majik-I integrated of the same era. Also good, and quite a bit cheaper than a Kairn. These come as either MM, MC, or line level. The Kolektor has approximately 700 inputs but is otherwise not nearly as good. MM phono stage only, no mono switch.
The main problem with all of these is they don't have nice knobs, which makes them unloveable, but they're undoubtedly much more sophisticated designs than most UK small manufacturer electronics of the period.
I strenuously and respectfully disagree.They are way better than Linn.
I’m afraid I agree regarding early Linn electronics. Frankly they were woeful compared to Naim at the time.
I remember taking my 72/hicap/250 round to a friends who had bought an all Linn system including a LP12/Ekos/Troika, Isobariks and Kairn/LK280. Suffice to say he was gutted.
I strenuously and respectfully disagree.
Well, if ever you get a pair of Naim NAP 135 for free just ship them to me then, I’ll pay postage !Looking at your list of equipment I would expect nothing less. Linn and Naim are my least liked brands and I would have nothing made by either even if it was free (other than a few Linn arms and carts which were not actually made by Linn).
Well, if ever you get a pair of Naim NAP 135 for free just ship them to me then, I’ll pay postage !