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Linn Keel gets the SE treatment

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Linn Launch Klimax Radikal power supply

Klimax Radikal

Reference motor control, motor and power supply for Sondek LP12

Linn fans will be familiar with the Radikal and the Klimax machined version of it. This product replaces the Klimax version. It brings it into line with the new reference products visually and also adds the proven and superb Utopik power supply; here used in dual mode for the first time.

Klimax Radikal features hyper-accurate speed management technology; generating sustained, uniform rotation closer to 33⅓rpm than any turntable.

You’ll experience even more of your music, in perfect pitch, thanks to Klimax Radikal's digitally managed motor control, bespoke Utopik power supply, and machined aluminium chassis with exceptional electrical and mechanical isolation.

The Utopik power supply is critical to performance, as it possesses separate, dedicated output voltage rails for each of Klimax Radikal's two specialised tasks: controlling the motor and providing power to Urika internal phono stages. These output rails are separately self-regulating; any sudden, significant draws in power from the motor or controller don't affect the rails supplying Urika, and vice versa. The independence of these rails ensures consistency and quality of power supplied to both the motor and phono stage, improving the performance of each.

Also critical to performance is Klimax Radikal's enhanced mechanical isolation. Weighing in at nearly 14kg, machined from three pieces of solid aluminium, and mounted on high-mass stainless-steel feet with rubber ring inserts, its beautifully machined casework is reassuringly robust in the face of external influences.

£11,500

The new Radikal will be on demo soon and we'll be hosting an event to introduce it. There will also be an upgrade/trade in path and we'll reveal this soon.

Living with the Linn Majik DSM

Linn have a long history of trying to put their knowledge and technology into one box solutions. They've met with varying degrees of success and their first efforts (Classik) were ahead of the times. However now, one box solutions are extremely important to the market and with perfect timing the Majik DSM5 (the latest derivative) arrives.

Majik DSM is an all in one music player and a hub for the connection of all your sources. So this means you get to enjoy streaming, internet radio, an excellent amplifier and you get to connect your turntable and all your TV related sources. Simple and neat but with plenty of power to drive the sort of speakers you might select to fit into your lounge.

Linn say -

The Linn Majik DSM/5 is the latest generation of Linn’s all-in-one music player, and it’s designed to make high-end hi-fi as simple as possible: just add speakers.

What it is

The DSM/5 combines four things in one box:

  • A streamer for playing music from online services or your home network
  • A DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for pristine sound quality
  • A preamplifier with plenty of inputs, including HDMI for your TV
  • A power amplifier that can drive most quality loudspeakers

This means you don’t need a stack of hi-fi separates – the DSM/5 takes care of it all.

In the shop

Listening in our demo room was promising. Promising enough that I thought I'd take this unit home and try it in my own system. Spend a little time discovering its strengths and weaknesses.

At home

My own system is a Naim NDX2 streamer plugged into a Linn Klimax Kontrol and Klimax stereo power amp. I've been using some of the new Linn 150 speakers for the last few weeks and I'm almost at the point of deciding to transfer some funds and keep them. I also use a close to Klimax spec' LP12 but with a Hana Umami Blue moving coil cartridge. I tend to stream and play vinyl fairly equally, using the Sondek or Qobuz depending on my mood and the amount of time I have. I also have my TV connected to me stereo system, although these days I don't actually watch a lot of television.

The Majik plugged in easily. I had to replace a couple of optical cables with a single HDMI (Arc) for my TV but everything else was the same and connection was a doddle. Innitially I wasn't getting enough gain from my turntable but this was easily rectified by making a chance in settings in the Linn app. Once this was done I settled down and played some music.

From the off I was pleased that the presentation of the Magik was of the same family as the Klimax. It wasn't as good as the Klimax by any means and in truth I didn't expect it to be. The Klimax costs almost four times as much and does not have the streaming capability. But the family sound was there and the lack of fatique was there. I was extremely surprised how the unit drove the Linn 150's. It would never be partnered with these speakers in the real world because they're too expensive and I expected them to be too demanding. In fact the DSM did a decent job.

I could immediately tell that the phono stage was good. For a start it was quiet and noise-free. There was no harshness or sibilence and everything sounded controlled and musical. At low to medium volume the DSM had no issues at all and it was only when I pushed it harder that I felt it was struggling with the speakers a little.

Streaming was a good experience. I like the LINN app and here I felt I got the best performance from the DSM. It left me wanting to try one of the higher end Selekt units through my system. I'll do this soon. I'll be honest I've been using Naim streamers for such a long time that I struggle with poor apps. I needn't have worried though as LINN have put as much effort into app development as they have into the product itself. It was smooth and seamless to use and to browse and play music.

My final test was with the telly and here the Majik DSM also did well. I didn't dwell on this but it was impressive and sounded immersive and not detached in any way.

I've had the Majik DSM at home now for four days and I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations in all regards. It is a neat and attractive solution and it sounds better than it has any right to. I have not delved into Space Optimization. This is free software that enables the equipment to remove and improve room characteristics. I've used this to good effect before but at home simply didn't feel the need.

The Majik DSM is now back on demo at the store and costs £4299.





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Acoustic Energy AE1 compact speakers

Many will recall these excellent speakers, and their equally fantastic stands. They are one of the most memorable compact speakers we've heard and they have stood the test of time.

So we were thrilled to hear that Acoustic Energy are putting the AE1 back into production with the Anniversary Edition, launching in November (2025). In fact we were so thrilled that we've ordered some.

As you can see; they look fantastic and will be offered in gloss walnut and gloss black. We believe the RRP will be £1499.
We'll report back when they arrive and with more information as we get it.


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Rega and Mercury Rising (& Solis)

Join Rega and ourselves on Friday the 14th of November for a 1st look/listen to the new Mercury and Solis pre/power.

You know the score - no pressure, lots of music, nibbles and wine. All welcome. Tickets not required. We'll welcome you and Rega will introduce these two new stunning products; their highest end amplifier. We've heard prototypes but we understand these have been refined further and sound stunning.


We'll be using Rega's own Naia record player and we'll be streaming too. There will be lots of music, some prizes and a glimpse at the Rega ethos. We will also be demonstrating other products on the day, including their budget system and all points between.

Discover more here;

https://www.facebook.com/events/1944026466165436?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Tickets not required. Parking at rear and on side streets. We'll start at 12 and finish at 4.30. Light refreshments will be provided and all welcome

Get in touch if you'd like to know more.

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Autumn treat from Cyrus

Autumn has arrived, and with it we begin to enjoy cosy days more time spent listening to music.

Now is a good time to consider upgrading your system and Cyrus have made it even easier to jump into their new 40 series!

Trade-up to the high performing 40 series with a substantial allowance on your trade in item.

PROMO prices-

• 40 AMP - £3399

• 40 CD - £2549

• 40 ST - £2649

• 40 PSU - £2199

To get these prices simply trade in any product. Hopefully working but even non working might just squeeze through if you talk nicely to us. PSU does not even require a trade in.

Get in touch for more info. Offer runs till 31st of December!!!

Fill your boots!

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Naim Audio Uniti upgrade offer

Naim are offering an upgrade via Trade in promotion on some of their older products (which are becoming harder and more expensive to repair).

The trade in is available on the following products;

Uniti CI 102

Uniti Atom

Uniti Atom HE (Headphone edition)

Uniti Star

Uniti Nova

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NSS 333

Trade in values for your old kit is as follows;

Uniti Qute £350

Uniti Lite £500

Uniti and Uniti 2 £600

Super Uniti £750

NAC-N172 XS £400

NAC N 272 £750

If in the process of your upgrade you might wish to consider -

NPX 300

NAP250

NAP350

NAC332

These will also be supplied at improved prices.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will explain further, clarify where needed and work something out for you.

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New Quad 3 Integrated amp announced

Product summary - now on demo;

https://moorgateacoustics.com/product/quad-3-integrated-amplifier/

An integrated unit that takes its design from the classic Quad's of the past but is updated for performance.

  • Integrated stereo amp for high-performance, multi-source audio systems
  • Inspired by classic 20th century QUAD design, elevated by new technology
  • Signature QUAD features include Tilt tone control
  • Digital inputs include USB, HDMI ARC and Bluetooth
  • Ultra-resolution digital audio – 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512
  • Class AB power amp stage with Complimentary Feedback design
  • Delivers 65W per channel into 8 ohms
  • High-quality phono stage and headphone amp
  • Compact 30cm-wide footprint
  • Classic hi-fi for the modern age – RRP £1249
Quad 3
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Rega Planar 3 Eco Limited product

We have an exciting opportunity to offer a limited run of PLANAR 3 ECO SPECIAL turntables at an incredible price.

Using the aluminium skin plinth from the PL3 RS model, the PL3 ECO SPECIAL will include the RB330, 12mm glass platter and a clear dustcover finished with the Rega ECO lid badge.

As with all Rega ECO / Green Grade products, these parts, (plinth, platter, dustcover etc), may have small defects or marks but performance will not be affected in any way.

This turntable will operate 100% as an ‘A’ grade unit. All ECO products will be covered by our unrivalled lifetime limited warranty.

The Planar 3 RS Edition has been an enormous success since launch; over that time, we have gathered a number of minor reject plinths. These plinths would usually be classified as ‘B’ grade, however, we feel it is important not to flood the market with Planar 3 RS ‘B’ grades when it is continuing to sell so well. Therefore, we have decided to use ‘B’ grade RS plinths to create this Eco / Green Grade spec product at an exceptional price.

The plinth is machined to include a switch channel and on /off switch, this means the PLANAR 3 ECO Special can be operated as a normal Planar 3.

It still has the connectivity for the user to add a Neo PSU aftermarket, but it is not included in the package.

This turntable offer does not include a fitted cartridge, will have no silk screen print on the plinth, and will wear the Rega ECO lid badge fitted to a clear dustcover.

Price is £499

Can be pre-ordered here https://moorgateacoustics.com/product/rega-planar-3-eco-special/

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LINN LP12 Work

We've been supplying and servicing Linn LP12 turntables for over thirty years. Linn do not supply the LP12 set up. In fact it comes as a couple of boxes of parts which we assemble to suit the customers requirements. So this is something we've done for a long time. In fact we do it pretty much every day.

My own journey with the LP12 began in 1985, when I borrowed one from a friend after being told that it was something special. I agreed. I had an Ariston RD11 at the time and didn't expect to be hearing what I heard when I plugged the Sondek in.

We also service customers LP12's and maintain them. This extends their life and ensures that the turntable is at is always performing at its best. We would normally want to look at a turntable every 5 to 7 years. Mostly all that is required as a small amount of adjustment, a little oil and a new drive belt. We also take the opportunity to check the stylus and ensure it isn't damaged, as this can impact on sound quality and also damage precious vinyl. We charge £100 for this service and it also includes new springs and grommets for the suspension. We can then report on anything else we find.

We can upgrade almost any turntable to current specification. Linn have continued to develop and refine the LP12 since it was launched in the early seventies and they invest heavily in this development.

This could be as little as a new arm-board or as much as a complete rebuild. And because we have been doing this work for such a long time we've amassed a great deal of stock and parts from each turntable we've upgraded. We also have racks of new and used Linn parts enabling us to maintain our customers turntables. We have spare plinths from plinth swaps, we have good but older bearings and all the internal parts from the upgrades. We also have tonearms from customer upgrades; all in excellent condition and with a lifetimes use ahead of them.

During the pandemic I found myself with some spare time and whilst moving some boxes around the stockroom I discovered packages containing hundreds of Linn parts. I spent a few days building an LP12 out of these and was amazed at the performance it offered and the price I could sell it for. I put it for sale for £1499 and it sold within three days. So I built another. And another.

Much has been written about the performance of the LP12 and the fact that Linn have continued to invest in upgrades which move the performance of the turntable forward. As we do these upgrades we know that the old parts are still good and designed to last a lifetime. So building new from old is a great idea on many levels and can save you a lot of money.

We can build an LP12 for less than half of the price of a new one. The performance of this will be close to the new one. For the price of a new one we can built something better.

We use almost exclusively Linn parts. There are a small number of additional Non-Linn parts that we use but only during consultation with our customer and always transparently. An example of this is the power supply; the Linn Valhalla can be serviced and returned to new specification and we do this daily. However it is a single speed power supply and some customers want to play their 45's. So we have sourced high quality CE approved "Valhallas" that offer twin speed. Valhalla Electronics is currently our favourite. It matches the performance but also offer the flexibility of having twin speed.

As a result of our business in LP12's we also do a lot of upgrades and that keeps our stock of older parts good. So we can always bespoke build a deck to suit your own requirements and budget.

All our LP12's come with a warranty. It's the same as a new one.


We do not ship LP12's with arms fitted. Linn don't and neither do we. It's a good way to damage the arm bearings. We can deliver ourselves within a reasonable radius and we welcome you to collect. That way we can be sure that you get the product you want and get to listen to it first. The last thing anyone wants is a damaged product offering reduced performance. We CAN ship turntable only (without arm fitted) but it would then need to go to another retailer to be assembled. If you want something special it's worth putting yourself out a little to collect. You'll find a warm welcome.

New Linn

Linn make three versions of the LP12. These are the Majik, Selekt and Klimax. Think of this as good, better and best. More information can be found here;

https://www.linn.co.uk/uk/turntables

If this isn't clear or you need some more help and advice then don't hesitate to contact us. These three version are intended for simplicity only. We can built a turntable in between any of these performance points and we can tailor it to your own requirements. We can also built something out of a mixture of new and excellent used parts.

If you're looking to service or upgrade your LP12 or to begin your own LP12 journey. We'll explain how to do this. You may be surprised at how little this can cost.

You can also follow our LP12 work on a daily basis here; https://www.facebook.com/MoorgateAcoustics/

Read an article to gain an insight into the LP12.








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