Linn Akurate DSM

[DavidHB]

(10-10-2013 15:56)uk75 Wrote:  There is no real need for the Linn Konfig program. All settings for the AKDSM are available on its on-device configuration page, which is accessed via the Linn's IP address (you may want to make sure the Linn, as your Synology, always gets the same IP via the Router, to make things easier).

This is bound to be a matter of personal choice, but it may be relevant that the 'Getting Started' manual for the Akurate DSM does not mention accessing the configuration options directly via the IP address. Would most users prefer to install a small piece of software or deal with router settings? My guess would be the former. AFAIK, the settings page and Konfig are functionally identical.

That said, I can access the DSM settings from my tablet via the IP address; there is no version of Konfig for Android (or, I think, iOS).

Quote:As for controlling, I'm afraid to say that Kinsky for Android is not up to par with the iOS version (sadly). Also, Minim has no Android app as of yet, which really is a pity because it features the search function you otherwise miss on minim (for the time being).

I don't use iOS, so can't comment on the comparison. But, as I have said, Kinsky for Android works pretty well for me, so this may be another of those opinion things.

Quote:With regard to inputs - the AkDSM only features 1 (one) unbalanced RCA analogue input. If you need a second one, you can ask your dealer to revert the Phono MM/MC input to a usual line input. This is a three minute affair. But of course it's a waste, given that the AkDSM has quite a nice Phono stage

The Phono stage is indeed nice (it has given my old Linn Basik a new lease of life). But that is only relevant if you have a record deck; if you don't, you might as well have the additional line input.

I did think rather hard about the small number of RCA analogue inputs before buying my AkDSM. In the light of experience, I think that most people will not find this a great limitation. The internet radio facilities on the AkDSM make an FM tuner unnecessary. Tape is part of technological history, and most CD players worth connecting to the Linn have digital outputs. I have a DAB tuner digitally connected to the AkDSM, but, when all the radio stations I listen to are in my Tune In radio favourites, it will probably get little or no use. The connectivity growth area just now seems to be HDMI, which is well provided for.

The one missing piece of connectivity on the AkDSM that did disappoint me is a non volume controlled line output (the Majik DSM does have one). I'd like to have used my Naim headphone amplifier in the system, but cannot do so. However, the built-in headphone amplifier in the AkDSM is pretty good, so I'm not feeling the loss as much as I expected.

David