Linn Forums

klimaxer · 2011-10-02, 01:03

(2011-10-01 18:09)eobrousseau Wrote: I find the Sneaky as a great product to enter the Linn family. I started with a Sneaky+Komponent 110. It lacked richness, so I added an old Majik-I. The Majik-I added bass, dept, and a Preamp. Then I went to a Majik DSI and gained so much in everything...
The Sneaky is an awesome source, but I find it requires a good amp and good speakers.
Go for it.
Eventually, you'll want to upgrade. I started with a Sneaky, and right now i'm listening to a Renew DS on Klimax 350A!!! But I still find the Sneaky as a source is awesome value. It's the amp I'm not found of if you really care about music.

Totally agree.

Colville · (This post was last modified: 2011-10-02 10:08 by Colville.)

Before I went down the DS route I got speaking to a Linn engineer. Basically he explained that cd had reached it's peak.
Also when the disc is spinning it is not stable so there is a certain amount of error.
Cd's I have copied for the DS player sound much better than they did through my CD player which is probably down to the fact it is not a disc spinning.
Get yourself a streamer you will love it and no doubt about it it's the future.
Make sure you go along to a Linn dealer and ask for a demo. He will play you a studio 24bit master recording and I guarantee you will have heard nothing like it and will be totally blown away.

Klingsor · 2011-10-02, 12:49

(2011-10-02 10:06)Colville Wrote: Before I went down the DS route I got speaking to a Linn engineer. Basically he explained that cd had reached it's peak.
Also when the disc is spinning it is not stable so there is a certain amount of error.
Cd's I have copied for the DS player sound much better than they did through my CD player which is probably down to the fact it is not a disc spinning.

I could not agree more. In fact the humble Sneaky DS gives even the legendary Linn CD12 a hard time. Not everyone might agree, but please just open your ears. Tongue

Regarding the stability of pitch and correct pace and rhythm, the CD12 does not stand a chance against the Sneaky DS. And this is just because of the better clock architecture and absence of a spinning CD drive.

cryptonit · 2011-10-04, 14:26

Which 24bit master recordings would you propose for disbelievers?

CJ1045 · 2011-10-05, 09:25

I agree with Chimar that the Sektri-DSi is a superb alternate. It has much more power than the Sneaky, has the Dynamik power supply and has both analogue and digital inputs for external devices. Perfect hub for a second system for those with cash and a superb primary system for those that have less.

CJ

JemHayward · 2012-04-11, 10:36

I know this is a very old thread now, but I have been running my sneaky into an Audiolab MDAC for a few months now, and the results are stunning. Although I have not done a direct comparison the level of detail retrieval is way beyond anything I have heard before, including things like the Naim HDX and even the KDS1. I use the sneakys internal dac and power amps to feed my kitchen system, and I have a superb system for really very little money. (ok, my power amp and speakers add up to over £20k, but the sneaky MDAC front end is under a tenth of that!)

Loke · 2012-04-14, 15:23

I'm using the Sneaky only as digital, feeding my digital Lyngdorf amplifier. I cannot yet see a reason to upgrade to a Majik or Akurate, as this combo, paired with B&W 804S still surpasses everything else I had for the last 20 years. The Sneaky is really a bargain, and has a immense value for money. I'm now listening to the new 2011 Pink Floyd remasters on this rig, and it sounds like the LP's I used to have, just a tad (or more) improved in sound quality.

sunbeamgls · 2012-04-14, 15:42

I can't comment on the Sneaky's amp, but I think my first proper streaming solution - Squeezebox Touch and late model CA DACMagic -sounded better as a source than the Sneaky, only £450 new and probably around £300 secondhand.

I know this won't be popular in these parts, but that's the way I hear it. The Majik DS is, of course, in a different league to the Sneaky and the Touch/DACMagic.

Loke · (This post was last modified: 2012-04-14 15:54 by Loke.)

I cannot speak for "not popular", I just appreciate your input. Guess it depends on what you pair the Sneaky with (seen pure digital). The day I see several individuals telling me the Majik or Akurate is better in a rig compared to mine, I will for shure check it up.

jazzmike · 2012-05-08, 23:13

(2012-04-14 15:51)Loke Wrote: I cannot speak for "not popular", I just appreciate your input. Guess it depends on what you pair the Sneaky with (seen pure digital). The day I see several individuals telling me the Majik or Akurate is better in a rig compared to mine, I will for shure check it up.

I Loke!
I have a similar setup (the sneaky ds and lyngdorf tdai). What was your experience regarding interconnects?
Does the system respond to interconnect change?

Thanks.