Linn System.(sound system)(Evaluation)

Manufacturer: Linn Products Ltd., Floors Road, Waterfoot, Glasgow, Scotland G76 OEP, linn.co.uk

Distributor: Linn, Incorporated, 4540 Southside Blvd., Suite 402, Jacksonville, FL 32216; 904/645-5242

Prices: Genki CD Player, $1,700; Kolektor Preamplifier, $990; LK 85 Power Amps $895; Ninka Speakers, $1,545/pair

Source: Manufacturer loan

Background: Audiophiles have been familiar with the Linn name for decades. The company started in Scotland back in the early '70s when Linn's founder (and still chairman), Ivor Tiefenbrun, had the then-revolutionary idea that the sound of LP playback could be substantially improved by using a high-quality playback deck, or turntable as we usually call it in the USA. This led to the now-classic Linn Sondek LP-12. Linn's approach was, and still is, grounded in advanced electrical and mechanical engineering, with emphasis on advanced manufacturing techniques.

Over the decades, Linn has expanded to produce a complete line of components and systems. Linn still stresses advanced engineering, though the company emphasizes that engineering is always in the service of sound.

I've long thought that Linn had an interesting but slightly unusual place in the audio marketplace. Of course, their position has been secure for a long time. But Linn doesn't quite fit into some of the more common categories that we tend to use.