The New Linn Urika II Exakt phono stage arrived with us a few days ago. This is a novel reimagining on how the process of playing analogues vinyl records should work.
Lest you think this is totally radical, (pun acknowledged) remember that all Linn systems now digitise the analogue signal to 24/192 as a matter of course so that the Exakt adjustments for loudspeakers or active crossovers can be applied. Naim do a similar thing with the Uniti products and, for both brands, it allows network sharing of analogue sources.
Until now, the signal was kept utterly analogue until it entered the Linn DSM preamplifier / streamer. With Urika II, which, like Urika 1, is powered by the same PSU that drives the Radikal motor for the LP12, there is an ethernet feed for Linn Exakt and also a rather tempting Toslink direct optical output.
A local customer who already has a Chord Dave DAC asked if it might be possible to play the LP12 through this instead. We simply had to try . . .
First of all, the optical output of the £2750 Urika II has to be enabled by having a Linn Exakt replay device (Majik DS Exakt upwards) connected. You can then select this as the input.
We are used to how the Chord Dave sounds through our Naim Statement pre-power amplifiers, so it was unsurprising that there is a certain commonality in sound signature when playing the LP12 / EKOS SE / Kandid, with Radikal and Keel. Except that it’s really the absence of signature that gives the common ground.
The more we’ve played it, the more we’ve been impressed. It is neutral but not bleached. Bass quality has leapt up significantly in extension, resolution and control. Dynamics are unfettered, as is the rather impressive level of scale. So far, we’ve found whole experience very involving indeed.
One of the niceties of the Urika II is the amount of loading adjustments that you can make. All are done via the Konfig interface. Urika I is set up to suit the Kandid. We have our demonstration Lyra Etna due soon, so this is getting ever more interesting to us.
For years, an analogue preamplifier has been a prerequisite for people who want to play both analogue and digital sources. Urika II might be something of a game changer.
Obviously, we have the relevant Linn kit to play the Urika II properly. It’s interesting that it can be integrated with other brands too.