Linn Owners

Klimax System Hub, 2018 Variant, Upgrade to NGKSH

Paulssurround

Space Explorer
Wammer
Oct 11, 2018
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148
Vancouver
AKA
Paul
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Well I finally did it!!! I have upgraded from a 2018 variant Klimax System Hub to a NGKSH.

The new NG Klimax System Hub just arrived yesterday and I have been putting it through it’s paces, playing stereo music, 5.1 surround music and television programs. I still have to try out BluRay movies and music concerts

Is it worthwhile upgrading from a 2018 variant Klimax System Hub to a NGKSH? I can say is that I was not prepared for the wholesale improvements on every level that the NGKSH brings to my system.

I already knew how good the NGKSH is, as I had a NGKDSM A/V in my Linn system and 3 other Linn people’s systems last year, but I felt the cost of the upgrade was more than I wanted to pay at the time, and my system was already sounding so good.

This was a tough call for me, because my 2018 variant KSH is less than a year old, and it was sounding superb. I had no intention to do the upgrade to a NGKSH, but on a whim contacted my Linn dealer to run some numbers. After a number of texts back and forth and a phone call, I pulled out the credit card and put down a deposit.

The new NGKSH arrived yesterday, and right out of the box I could tell that this was already an significant upgrade compared to the 2018 variant.

It took me almost 2 hours to disconnect the cables on the 2018 KSH and reinstall the cables on my new NGKSH and all my Linn components in my surround system. I had to reconnect my cables and all the power hookups and cable management. Then the fun began with Konfig, Kazoo and the Linn account.

I had to make sure Konfig could see the new unit, that the Exakt Tab could see my Akubariks, my Exaktboxes, my 225 centre and Akudoriks. Then I had to assign all the speakers in Konfig. Next up was sign into the Kazoo app to remove the old KSH and add the new NGKSH to the system. Then it was time to sign into the Linn account and configure the inputs, outputs and make sure the correct Space Optimisation profile was chosen. Then I needed to load up some music for my playlist, and press play.

‘After a few hours of streaming my reference music, there was a huge sign of relief. The NGKSH is an absolute winner in every level, and brought significant improvements in sound quality.

The music is far more dynamic, detailed, the bass digs deeper and tighter and the overall presentation is a huge step up from what I had before. The highs are greatly extended and the piano keys in the upper register seem to go to new heights, with a tonal quality and balance that just sounds perfect. Voices and instruments are well separated with a huge soundstage, and the timing is sublime. I look forward to what this unit can do over the coming months, as it opens up

I sold my KSH to one of the guys on the Wam today, and helped set it up at his home, sounding great in his Linn system.

I am absolutely delighted by the new NGKSH and looking forward to many years of music listening pleasure. 896314E0-C168-4D53-B7BF-9E4B8A61A5EA.jpeg
 

maddog_007

maddog_007
Wammer
Oct 17, 2018
982
1,427
148
Waterfoot ,Glasgow
AKA
dennis
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Good to hear that your New Generation System Hub is pleasing you.

Here I took the 'cheaper' route to Organik,my KDS still looks the same ; but it's new found performance is amazing...every day!.

Here's to many happy hours of enjoying your music!.
 
Last edited:

Paulssurround

Space Explorer
Wammer
Oct 11, 2018
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Vancouver
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Paul
HiFi Trade?
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Thank you everyone for your kindness and comments. A2229141-6FDF-4305-8F67-BBC64CD39722.jpeg

I can say that the NGKSH has far exceeded my expectations and performing in ways I had not anticipated.

There are a number of benefits that have come with this purchase in addition to significant improvements in musicality and sound quality:

I have noticed notable improvements in the picture quality of my TV, as the TV signal is in pass-through mode through the NGKSH. As many TV programs are now 5.1, it has added a new dimension to my viewing experience.

I can play music at much lower volumes and still hear all the music clearly. Music sounds great from anywhere in my home, as I walk around.

My setup looks more aesthetically pleasing, with a cleaner more professional looking setup

I have been able to reduce my box count by one box, as I am going to sell off my Shunyata Denali v2 power conditioner. My new Environmental Potentials wave form correction device makes the Denali redundant in my system. It should also help reduce the net cost of my NGKSH upgrade.

I was able to reconfigure my setup to simplify and enhance aspects of my setup

I have an even bigger smile on my face 😊
 

Paulssurround

Space Explorer
Wammer
Oct 11, 2018
3,878
3,917
148
Vancouver
AKA
Paul
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Good to hear that your System Hub is pleasing you.

Here I took the 'cheaper' route to Organik,my KDS still looks the same ; but it's new found performance is amazing...every day!.

Here's to many happy hours of enjoying your music!.
Thank you maddog

Congratulations on your upgrade to Organik.

I have not heard the Organik upgrade in a KDS yet, but have heard it in a pair of Klimax 350’s. Very impressive indeed!!!

Many years of musical enjoyment for you.
 

Specialboy

Newbie
Wammer
Dec 11, 2021
56
123
53
Nuneaton
AKA
Iain
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Well I finally did it!!! I have upgraded from a 2018 variant Klimax System Hub to a NGKSH.

The new NG Klimax System Hub just arrived yesterday and I have been putting it through it’s paces, playing stereo music, 5.1 surround music and television programs. I still have to try out BluRay movies and music concerts

Is it worthwhile upgrading from a 2018 variant Klimax System Hub to a NGKSH? I can say is that I was not prepared for the wholesale improvements on every level that the NGKSH brings to my system.

I already knew how good the NGKSH is, as I had a NGKDSM A/V in my Linn system and 3 other Linn people’s systems last year, but I felt the cost of the upgrade was more than I wanted to pay at the time, and my system was already sounding so good.

This was a tough call for me, because my 2018 variant KSH is less than a year old, and it was sounding superb. I had no intention to do the upgrade to a NGKSH, but on a whim contacted my Linn dealer to run some numbers. After a number of texts back and forth and a phone call, I pulled out the credit card and put down a deposit.

The new NGKSH arrived yesterday, and right out of the box I could tell that this was already an significant upgrade compared to the 2018 variant.

It took me almost 2 hours to disconnect the cables on the 2018 KSH and reinstall the cables on my new NGKSH and all my Linn components in my surround system. I had to reconnect my cables and all the power hookups and cable management. Then the fun began with Konfig, Kazoo and the Linn account.

I had to make sure Konfig could see the new unit, that the Exakt Tab could see my Akubariks, my Exaktboxes, my 225 centre and Akudoriks. Then I had to assign all the speakers in Konfig. Next up was sign into the Kazoo app to remove the old KSH and add the new NGKSH to the system. Then it was time to sign into the Linn account and configure the inputs, outputs and make sure the correct Space Optimisation profile was chosen. Then I needed to load up some music for my playlist, and press play.

‘After a few hours of streaming my reference music, there was a huge sign of relief. The NGKSH is an absolute winner in every level, and brought significant improvements in sound quality.

The music is far more dynamic, detailed, the bass digs deeper and tighter and the overall presentation is a huge step up from what I had before. The highs are greatly extended and the piano keys in the upper register seem to go to new heights, with a tonal quality and balance that just sounds perfect. Voices and instruments are well separated with a huge soundstage, and the timing is sublime. I look forward to what this unit can do over the coming months, as it opens up

I sold my KSH to one of the guys on the Wam today, and helped set it up at his home, sounding great in his Linn system.

I am absolutely delighted by the new NGKSH and looking forward to many years of music listening pleasure. 896314E0-C168-4D53-B7BF-9E4B8A61A5EA.jpeg
Congratulations
 

Paulssurround

Space Explorer
Wammer
Oct 11, 2018
3,878
3,917
148
Vancouver
AKA
Paul
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Congratulations Paul! I may have to book a ticket to Vancouver soon ;)
Of course you are always welcome to stay and visit. 😊

One of the guys is visiting me for 2 weeks at the beginning of September. Lots of activities and sightseeing planned.
 

Paulssurround

Space Explorer
Wammer
Oct 11, 2018
3,878
3,917
148
Vancouver
AKA
Paul
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
There have been a number of practical advantages to upgrading the 2018 variant Klimax System Hub to the new Klimax System Hub that I have enjoyed.

First of all, it is so much easier to see the screen and know what my source is, the volume level and what songs I am listening to. The previous Hub screen was very small in comparison.

Access to the back panel inputs and outputs is far easier than the previous Klimax Hub for connecting cables, compared to the overhang with the previous unit.

I now have access to an optical input for my streaming, so I will explore that at some point

The new Klimax Hub looks very elegant
 

Fitter Stoke

De de de DUUURRRR!
Wammer
Jan 24, 2019
137
220
63
North East England
AKA
David
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Congrats Paul. If your system sounds as good as it looks - and I’m sure it does - then you must be a very happy man indeed. Enjoy!

I’ve now got a niggling itch to hear a NGKDSM in my own system but, fearful of its potential cost (especially in the context of an upcoming British economic recession) I daren’t go within twelve miles of my Linn dealer at present. I’m still gleaning much joy from my KDS/3 however, so I guess there’s no urgency… aside from that constant itch!
 

Paulssurround

Space Explorer
Wammer
Oct 11, 2018
3,878
3,917
148
Vancouver
AKA
Paul
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Congrats Paul. If your system sounds as good as it looks - and I’m sure it does - then you must be a very happy man indeed. Enjoy!

I’ve now got a niggling itch to hear a NGKDSM in my own system but, fearful of its potential cost (especially in the context of an upcoming British economic recession) I daren’t go within twelve miles of my Linn dealer at present. I’m still gleaning much joy from my KDS/3 however, so I guess there’s no urgency… aside from that constant itch!
Thank you Fitter Stoke

I was in a similar position, with a Linn system that was already far beyond the best I have ever owned. I had no intention of upgrading, but then phoned my dealer anyway.

I have no regrets making the upgrade and extremely happy with the music. The sound quality and the musical engagement is much greater than I remember from last year when I borrowed a NGKDSM A/V and put it in my system.

I was very lucky to sell my 2018 variant KSH to a friend, which helped mitigate the costs. I also have some other items to sell off which should bring the net cost of my purchase to a more reasonable level.

I love that the new KSH will bring an enhanced musical experience, as well as watching movies and TV for many years to come
 

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