Majikal!
Written: Jul 02 '01
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Pros: Excellent sound from a small integrated amp
Cons: price
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended.
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| kelvinlee's Full Review: Linn Majik Control Preamplifier |
Prior to owning this unit, I never believed that I would be satisfied with an amplifier that put out less than 100 watts/channel or more. However, I was wandering through my local dealer one day when I heard a wonderful song by Sarah McLachlan playing in the showroom. The salesman then showed me the little amp that was playing the music. This was my first encounter with this wonderful little Linn. At that time, I was still a little skeptical about the ability of an amp rated at only 33 watts/channel at 8 ohms. In addition, the price seemed rather high in proportion to the power rating. However, after listening some more and then going home to research it further, I was convinced.
A few months after my initial encounter, I happened to run across a mint-condition used one with phono inputs at E-Bay. I successfully bid for it and got it for a great price. I currently use it for a music-only setup that includes Monitor Audio Studio 6 speakers, Rega Planar 3 turntable with a Rega Super Elys cartridge, and California Audio Labs Icon Mk II CD player. The interconnects are Monster M-series and the speaker cables are Tara Labs RSC1000 biwired cables.
First of all, the intial impression one gets from handling this unit is that the build quality is very high. While its dimensions are relatively compact, it possesses a good amount of weight especially on the right side of the amp where the large toroidal transformer is located. It has an all-metal casing finished in a dark-grey color. The front display is simple with controls located on the left side of the front plate. When the amp is powered up, the display shows the volume setting for a few seconds which then turns into two blank lines. The display will reappear when a source is chosen or if the volume is changed. The rear of the unit contains the source inputs and the speaker outputs. The speaker output requires a special connector that my local dealer had to use to terminate my speaker cables with. There is also a pair of jumpers that connect the pre-amp and amp sections. This allows the owner to upgrade the amplifier section at a later time and using the Majik as a pre-amp only.
As far as listening goes, I find that the sound of the amp is very detailed and non-fatiguing. You will find yourself listening for hours without tiring out. The music has a great sense of pace without any flashiness. I have found that it handles most types of music from classical to Pink Floyd with equal ease. I also found that the phono section is phenomenal. The Rega never sounded better when played through this system. The unit has an adequate amount of inputs to satisfy most setups. A high quality tuner can also be added to this unit. This unit has a comprehensive remote control that handles just about all of its functions except for turning the power on.
I assume that one big question remains: Does this amp have adequate power? From my experience, I can say "YES" without reservations. The power rating is very conservative. The Majik has very good reserves to handle transient peaks especially if your speakers are relatively efficient. I have not noticed any hard clipping even with louder volumes. Please bear in mind that I do not listen to music with very high volumes however.
In conclusion, I feel that this is an excellent integrated amplifier. Do not let the price or the 33 watt/channel rating dissuade you from trying it out. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 650
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Epinions.com ID:
kelvinlee
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Reviews written: 1
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