Linn History

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Sources:	[ CD12 || Ikemi || Karik || Numerik || Mimik || Discread Mimik/Karik Modification || LP12 ]
Control:	[ AV5103 || Kairn/Kairn-Pro || Kolektor || Wakonda ]
Power amplifiers:	[ Klout || LK140 || LK100 || LK2 ]
Speakers:	[ Ninka || Kaber || Kan || Isobarik ]

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 warrantied as an upgrade."

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
CD Engine upgraded.	July 1999	331
PIC (U3 on main board) software upgraded to eliminate a very intermittent fault that caused the sound to occasionally 'drop out'.	Sept. 1999	379
Interconnect leads upgraded from standard (black) to silver interconnect leads.	Jan 2000	445

Ikemi

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
Mekk transport software changed - upgraded	Oct. 1999	1982
EFM adjustment pot added to allow fine tuning of the laser	Jan. 2001	617218

Karik, Introduced: Jan 1992, discontinued May 1999  Short Karik story: 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 Power-Supply changed to Slimline Power-Supply. Karik V Changes to the transport assembly. Note that "IV" and "V" are terms used by, AFAIK, only one dealer - Stereokompaniet. Stereokompaniet introduced these two notions in order to help people separate the different versions of the Karik, since the last two changes did improve the sound quite a bit. As far as Linn is concerned, a Karik III is the latest possible.

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
Introduction of Kyle board (internal D-A converter). Previous to this serial number, the Karik could only be listened to via an external D-A converter.	May 1992	3000
Fitting of conical spring to laser guide rod as the laser would occasionally fail to engage on the drive cog.	Oct 1992	3238
Static protection of Kyle board	Mar 1993	4200
Change to earthing R121 shorted out as it was discovered that the Karik function could be affected by RF interference. Upgrade available see Karik RF Interference Modification Procedure	Aug 1993	4388
Guide rod spring removed & slipping clutch cog fitted to Mekk improved the reliability of the Mekk.	Sep 1993 approx	5000 approx
Karik-O introduced whereby the Mekk was replaced by the Optomekk. The main difference was that the mechanical switches were replaced by electronic optical switches (Optical switches are more reliable.)	Jun 1993	6000
Software upgrade. Improved the reliability of the drawer action, reduced the chance of the drawer jamming. Upgrade also allows the Karik to be used in a Knekt system. Upgrade available.	Mar 1994	6778
Karik/SPS introduced Brilliant Switch-mode Power Supply (SPS) fitted to the Karik as standard	Jun 1994	8000
Brilliant enhancement kit fitted as standard (including the small Gizmo board) this improved the sound quality of the Karik/SPS	Nov 1994	8745
Karik III introduced main board changed from Thru-hole to Surface mount . Also around this serial number, new control board fitted with new type remote receiver, which requires no sensitivity adjustment	Dec 1994	9000
Modifications to the Line Remote Out drive current. To remedy the problem (found on Karik III only) whereby in multi-room applications, very occasionally the line remote out could not supply sufficient current to drive the other products it is connected to. Upgrade available.	Dec 1994	9619
Brilliant SPS upgraded to Slimline Brilliant SPS. Upgrade available.	Oct 1995	11000
Software upgrade fixed the programming bug whereby if a sequence of tracks was programmed, which included a track ending in 0 (e.g. 10, 20 etc), the Karik would not always follow the programmed sequence). Upgrade also allows Karik to respond to the Repeat function from the remote control handset. Upgrade available.	Aug 1996	12226
Optomekk upgraded to Mekk 4. The main difference is a more reliable laser tray considerable changes were made to the Optomekk to incorporate this.	Nov 1996	13000
Disc readability mod introduced whereby the ability of the Karik to read poor or damaged CD s was improved by upgrading the cable between the laser and the main board. Upgrade available -- see Discread Modification Procedure.	Oct 1997	14200 approx
Optomekk upgraded to replace bungees with a mechanical assembly this removed the bungees (which were prone to compression over time) and decreased noise levels when the jack lifted and lowered.	Apr 1998	15400 approx
Driver IC s (U22 and U23) changed from thru -hole to surface mount type.	Sep 1998	15700 approx

Numerik, introduced 1991, discontinued Sep 1999

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
NUKI (Numerik Upgrade Kit) fitted as standard -- DAC ICs upgraded -- sound improvement mod	May 1993	1300 approx
Brilliant Switch Mode Power Supply fitted as standard. Part no changed to Numerik/SPS	May 1994	3000
Brilliant SMPS enhancement fitted as standard (sound improvement)	Oct 1994	3307
Slimline Brilliant SMPS fitted as standard. Power supply upgrade.	Oct 1995	4000

 

From serial#1354 the Nuki chip upgrade replaced earlier DAC's.
The Numerik D/A converter was upgraded with higher spec. DAC chips from serial number 1398 and with the slimline power supply from serial number 4000.

Mimik, introduced 1993, discontinued Dec 2002

Mimik II started from S/N 4000 and was introduced in 1998. The main difference is the usage of surface mount (SMD) electronics in the MimikII, and the usage of through hole components in the MimikI.

Discread Mimik/Karik Modification

For all the people out there suffering problems with a Mimik or Karik Linn do have an update kit for the Mimik and Karik called "Discread" that involves changing a wiring harness and a surface mount component. This kit may be obtained from the local importer/distributor or possibly your local retailer. This kit improves tracking capability and optimizes the performance of the transport to a higher degree than previously attained. Please contact your local retailer as a first option.

LP12, introduced 1973

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
Main bearing liner changed, sub-chassis strengthened, motor control and mains switch changed.	1974	[ 2,000]
Top plate modified (Linn claim Nirvana kit available this year)	1978	[23,000]
Lid and hinges changed.	1979	[27,000]
Nirvana mechanical components. This consisted of 1 new spring kit (3 springs and 6 grommets), 3 large locknuts, 6 small locknuts, 5 black chassis bolts, 2 motor mounting screws, domes, and nuts allowing it to be positioned with better accuracy. 1 motor thrust bearing kit (endcap, spring, ball bearing). 1 new drive belt. The springs changed from zinc coloured to black.	1981 February.	[31,826]
Valhalla crystal driven electronic power supply made standard.	1982 May	[38,794]
Enlarged plinth corner bracing.	1984	[53,000]
Sub-chassis strengthening bar epoxy glued instead of spot welded.	1984 June.	[54,101]
Cap head screws on bearing housing.	1985 August.	[60,383]
Diode modification to Valhalla.	1985 September	[61,090]
Strengthening blocks on corners of plinth.	1985 December.	[n/a]
Suspension springs improved.	1986
New clear lid.	1986 May.	[n/a]
New Formica and MDF armboard.	1987 March	[69,161]
New bearing housing.	1987 March	[n/a]
New springs.	1987 April	[69,591]
Bearing improved with better lining material and tighter tolerances. Change to black oil. Suspension springs improved. Arm board composition improved.	1987	[70,000]
New MDF armboard.		[79,160]
Motor thrust pad changed. Valhalla surge guard modification. PCB mains lead (UK).	1989	[79,700]
Harder suspension grommets fitted.	1989	[81,000]
Lingo power supply available as add-on.	1990	[n/a]
Valhalla with 45.	1991	[87,047]
motor thrust pad cap added to Lingo models.		[87,047]
motor thrust pad cap added to Valhalla models.		[87,206]
Introduction of LP12 Basik, Trampolin available.		[87,672]
Solid base board replaces hardboard.		[87,672]
Improved top plate fixing.	1992	[88,950]
Linn LP12 Basik introduced.
Cirkus upgrade fitted as standard.	1993	[90,582]

AV5103, introduced June 1996

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
AV5103 upgraded : Main Processor IC (Zoran IC) Upgraded from A2 to A3 spec -- allows the Limbik software upgrade to function correctly. DSP (digital signal processing) section of the circuitry incorporated onto a 'piggy-back' board instead of the main board -- allowing easier future upgrade.	Apr 1997	1450 approx
Limbik Software Installed as standard. Upgrade Available.	Sep 1998	1672
Silver AV5103 introduced in addition to the standard Black finish	Dec 1999	N/A
DTS decoding capability included as standard. Upgrade available for units > s/n 1450	Jan 2000	3000
Software Upgraded and Display Upgraded. Software Upgrade allows AV5103 to support the INLINE video switcher, which adds up to 6 additional video sources and allows new VFD display to function. See www.inlineinc.com for details of Inline switcher. Display upgraded from LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) to VFD type (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) which is much brighter, is coloured blue and is more aesthetically pleasing.	Jun 2000	3276
Software Upgraded Main changes: Inline Video Switcher can now be controlled via RS232 Improved controllability of Inline Video Switcher	Mar 2001	622550
Software Upgraded	June 2001	N/A

Kairn/Kairn-Pro, introduced Mar 1991

Change Log	Date	Serial (Kairn)	Serial (Kairn-Pro)
Back panel changed - clearance around PH1 & PH2 inputs increased to prevent earth loop	May 1991	1100
Software changed additional user functions 7- 9 added.	Mar 1992	2384
Control board upgraded. Allows Kairn to be used in Knekt system without any hardware modifications.	Apr 1992	2490 approx
Kairn-Pro introduced	Aug 1992	N/A	N/A
Brilliant Switch Mode Power Supply fitted as standard. Part nos changed to Kairn/SPS and Kairn-Pro/SPS.	Dec 1993	5000	5000
Brilliant SMPS enhancement fitted as standard (sound improvement)	Oct 1994	5545	5309
Software changed additional user functions 10-12 added. Also, this version of software allowed Kairn/Kairn-pro to be used in a Knekt system	Nov 1994	5653	5309
Slimline Brilliant SMPS fitted as standard. Power supply upgrade.	Oct 1995	7000	6000

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."

"There's actually three versions, with an additonal release between the mentioned two".

Wakonda

Two models; an older one with 'circular' brilliant and grey powerbutton, and a newer one with slimline brilliant and black powerbutton.

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

Klout, introduced Jun 1992, discontinued Sept 2002

"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 quality, 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 quality. 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."

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
Aktiv connector replaced with new type. Aktiv link now soldered in place (previous to this it was a mechanical link)	Nov 1992	530
Shake-proof washers added to screws that hold transformer in place to improve earth continuity. This improved the sound quality.	Dec 1992	592
Added cut-out under rear foot to allow easier access to right hand channel Aktiv link.	Apr 1993	1165
Aktiv link added to board (previously Aktiv link had been soldered, as an addition, onto the socket)	Mar 1993	1201
Piggy-back board (PCAS 161) upgraded to improve stability of protection circuitry.	Nov 1993	1800
Main board (PCAS 160) upgraded to improve Aktiv card compatibility
Shim mod (Mica washers) fitted as standard between power transistors on main board and coupling block. Sound improvement mod.	Nov 1994	2700 approx.
Chokes (ferrite rings) fitted to transformer output leads to solve a problem found in a small percentage of Klouts whereby a short mechanical buzz is heard when unit switched on.	Mar 1996	3796
Extrusion finish changed to textured paint cosmetic change only	Jun 1997	4586
Shake-proof washers added to screws that hold base-plate on to extrusion to improve earth continuity and prevent screws loosening in transit. This improved the sound quality.	Jun 1997	4700 approx
Speaker sockets changed to safety compliant type.	Mar 1998	5000
Capacitor added to Transformer connector on main board to improve the Klout's immunity to electromagnetic emissions. This improved the sound quality.	Jul 1998	5179

LK140, introduced mar 1998

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
Monolithic (power amplifier) IC's changed. This was mainly due to supply problems with original type but this also gave us the opportunity to change over to a slightly more robust part.	Feb 2000	6154

LK100

LK100 Sn <3000 needs re-soldering to disconnect the aktiv wire harness which connects directly to the main board and some resistor reinsertion into the board. Sn >3000 (approx), the aktiv cards are hooked up similarly to the LK140 connection and the wire harnesses are simply removed and the links resoldered.

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

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
Silicone pads removed from heat sink to improve heat transfer	Apr 1986	202505
LK2-75 Introduced upgraded boards from 60 watt to 75 watts per channel	Apr 1987	203900
Power supply reservoir capacitors upgraded from 6800uF to 10000uF.Power supply capacitors changed from 4700uF to 10,000uF	Mar 1988	203900
LK280 introduced upgraded boards from 75 watt to 80 watts per channel (changed boards from PCAS 003s to PCAS 020s)	Jul 1988	205272
Cannon sockets screwed onto board instead of soldered U bracket	Dec 1989	208610
Paintwork changed from smooth finish to hard textured finish	Jun 1989	208700
Spark power supply introduced. LK280/Spark introduced (no transformer) as an option and LK280 upgrade kit for spark made available.	May 1990	N/A

Ninka, introduced October 2000 Linn Helpline said in December 2001: "there has been no sonic improvements made to them since its launch".

Kaber "latest kaber version [...] post"

Change Log	Date	Serial >=
Bass Unit: Improved sound quality - unit changed from SPKR 007/1 to SPKR 007/2	Sept. 1989	2967/8
Crossover: Changed treble response - resistor value changed from 2.7 ohm to 3.3 ohm	Feb. 1991	6245/6
Cabinet: Design change - baffle attached with glue and screws	N/A	N/A
Major upgrade including new treble unit, mid range unit and crossovers. Cabinet damping improved. Mid range inserts changed from M4 to M5	June 1991	6813/4
Treble Unit change from SPKR 015/1 to SPKR 015/2	Oct. 1994	12067/8`
Mid-range unit upgraded from SPKR 007/4 to /5	Dec. 1995	13389/90
Treble unit upgraded to SPKR 015/3 - mesh grille replaced with 3 protection bars to minimise diffraction. Change is purely mechanical, although sound quality was improved significantly.	Dec. 1996	N/A
Stands were upgraded from metal to polymer version and also on the later Kabers the front baffle was veneered.	N/A	N/A

Kan

Change Log	Date	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 (DMS & PMS)

Change Log	Date	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. 9; 9; 9; 9;	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