Way more than just a typical high-end network streamer
L inn’s Selekt DSM has far more sophistication and versatility than the term ‘music streamer’ suggests. This is a modular design that can be specified to the buyer’s performance and features wishes. Of course, this is also a high-end product, so it costs accordingly.
The unit’s luxurious feel extends from its sturdy casework, made from beautifully machined thick aluminium panels, to the lovely looking, smooth and precise control dial on the top.
There is a good range of embedded streaming services, while connection to your network can be done wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.2 or over our preferred wired ethernet option.
Where the Selekt DSM veers off-piste from standard digital-based products of this type is in the inclusion of a stereo line-level analogue input as well as a moving-magnet/moving-coil phono stage. The DSM is capable of replacing a fair few boxes in a traditional set-up – simply plug it into a power amplifier or, even better, active speakers and you will have an appealingly minimalist high-end system.
Connectivity is class-leading, with USB, coaxial (x2) and optical (x2) digital inputs and one HDMI 2.0 ARC connection. Go further with the options – everything from four DAC options to a power amp module to turn it into a just-add-speakers system – and your credit card won’t thank you. But add it all up and it makes the Selekt DSM the most configurable product we have seen.
Our review sample is the full-fat music-first version of the Edition Hub with dual-mono Organik DAC. This is Linn’s first in-house design developed from first principles using the company’s three decades’ worth of digital experience; it costs an additional £5500, the matching mono line output stage £1500. This represents the highest rung on the Selekt DSM ladder as far as sound quality goes.
Listening over Bluetooth, the sound from our iPhone XS Max is pleasingly clear and relatively detailed. It is certainly enjoyable enough so your friends can share tunes when they visit. But clearly, the Selekt DSM has much more to offer.
FAST AND DIRECT
This is a product that really shines once we start using its network streaming capabilities. We play a large selection of stored files from Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly in 16-bit/44.1kHz to The Dark Knight Rises OST (24-bit/192kHz) and Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions on DSD. The Linn switches between file types and resolutions seamlessly. This product adheres to Linn’s customary sonic signature. It has a fast, direct and pu
