Linn Forums

Sondek · 2008-06-11, 09:26

Yesterday, my new Sneaky DS was finally delivered. Given the low price of the Sneaky, I would have been happy if the Sneaky just matched the Akurate CD which I had used before, but which had been barely in use since I've got the Akiva.

It took me about 2 hours to install the Sneaky and download all necessary software on my laptop (I haven't set-up the NAS, yet). I'm not a computer buff so I was happy that the set-up could be done quite easily.

I ripped three CDs (Sol Gabetta - Vivaldi, Carmignola - Four Seasons, Nino Rota - Music for film) and was anxious how it would sound.

Right after the first notes I was blown away by the Sneaky! This was FAR better than I remembered the same music from the Akurate CD. All the digital vexations which even the best CD players (like CD12 or Akurate CD) can't get rid of (harshness, digital sound etc.) are gone! The Sneaky is also much more musical and tuneful than all CD players I have heard.

I would have expected some deficiencies in the sound area (too little punch or something like that), but the Sneaky sounds just perfect!

All in all, the Sneaky is a real stunner! It makes CDs listenable even if you are used to an LP12. The DS technology is indeed groundbreaking! Well done, Linn!

Cremona · (This post was last modified: 2008-06-11 13:12 by Cremona.)

You are right its really magical sounding its so deeply musical and smooth, linn has really outdone them self with this one espicialy when you think of its price.
Ironicly some may pase this over becaue linn is very concervativ about have the promote it , i cant help think have many people bourgt the slimdevices Trnasporter because slimdevices promoted it as the best player in the world with the akm MIRACLE dac bla bla, the irony is that it really sound that good.
I have no clue what linn has inside the sneaky but what come out of it is musical blizz .

vicdiaz · 2008-06-11, 12:12

Cremona Wrote:I have no clue what linn has inside the sneaky but what come out of it is musical blizz .

The best musicians!!!

Wink

Warren · 2008-06-11, 17:25

sondek Wrote:the Sneaky ... FAR better [than CD, it has none of] the digital vexations which even the best CD players (like CD12 or Akurate CD) can't get rid of (harshness, digital sound etc.) are gone! The Sneaky is also much more musical and tuneful than all CD players I have heard.

Have you heard a CD12? Side by side?

In my experience there are two types of CD player: the CD12 and all other CD players. I wouldn't call the CD12 harsh or digital sounding, and I've had it up against an Akurate and Klimax DS. I'm not saying the Sneaky isn't better than a CD12, I would just be surprised if it was.

Sondek · 2008-06-11, 17:38

Warren Wrote:Have you heard a CD12? Side by side?

Not side by side. But the CD12 - as good as it may be - is still a CD player. DS players are different - they don't sound like CD players, but much more like real music. I guess the CD12 does some things better than the Sneaky, but all in all, I'm certain I would prefer the Sneaky. If you want a unit which is better in all respects, get an ADS oder KDS.

Music Lover · 2008-06-11, 20:59

Warren Wrote:I've had it up against an Akurate and Klimax DS.

And your thoughts?

Warren · 2008-06-12, 11:36

The Klimax was more enjoyable, enchanting, awe-inspring, engaging to listen to. Also voices/instruments were focussed in time and space.

Music Lover · 2008-06-12, 13:29

And the CD12 vs Akurate DS?

Music at Home · (This post was last modified: 2008-06-13 21:03 by Music at Home.)

sondek Wrote:All in all, the Sneaky is a real stunner! It makes CDs listenable even if you are used to an LP12. The DS technology is indeed groundbreaking! Well done, Linn!

Have you had the chance to try variable output from the Sneaky directly into your power-amps yet? Better or worse than using a fixed output via the klimax kontrol?

m@h

Cremona · 2008-06-14, 08:05

Music at Home Wrote:
sondek Wrote:All in all, the Sneaky is a real stunner! It makes CDs listenable even if you are used to an LP12. The DS technology is indeed groundbreaking! Well done, Linn!
Have you had the chance to try variable output from the Sneaky directly into your power-amps yet? Better or worse than using a fixed output via the klimax kontrol?

m@h

Im listning