Yesterday, I went to an excellent meeting at Alma audio to listen to the Linn Exakt system. Presented by Gilad Tiefenbrun of Linn, we were introduced to a system that is clearly a superb option for those with room problems or speaker limitations ( that's probably most of us). The group was enlightened by the flexibility and the overall increase in the SQ with the Exakt system in place. I'm no engineer, so I can only recant as to the basics of the design, but I believe that Gilad expounded on how the system takes the signal from a server and converts it to 24 bit audio, whereupon it is fed directly to the speakers via a CAT cable. At the speaker, which is an active design ( active x-over, which Gilad believes is one of the main strengths of his system vs. a passive x-over) with the amps built in ( and I believe the DAC as well) the result is a signal path that is far less corrupted than the norm. ( preamp, amp, ic's, speaker cables, etc.,). The ability of the DSP to correct in the room is enhanced, according to Gilad, by not having to utilize a microphone or any other listening device. The computer apparently utilizes a proprietary algorithm that corrects the sound based on room size and other info given by the user.
More info on the Exakt system can be found here:
http://www.linn.co.uk/music-systems/technology/exakt
Firstly, I have to say that the sound that was evident on the non Exakt modeled isobarik loaded speakers was un-exceptional....this when placed up against the rear wall. Gilad proceeded to place the speakers into a much more favorable listening position and into the room...the SQ increased dramatically. The bass filled out and the imaging became more precise. The depth portrayal also locked in. This all without the Exakt DSP correction. Then Gilad added in the Ekaxt correction and once again the SQ jumped forward...this time to a level that was highly impressive! I think the group was immensely impressed, as was I!
For those into DSP room correction, I asked how this system compared to the Devialet system...to which Gilad answered that the Devialet simply boosted the bass and nothing more! I am not knowledgeable enough to comment on the Devialet, but the Exakt is certainly something that I think we will see more of in the future.
Another interesting take away from the meet....Gilad does NOT believe in DSD....seems to think that Sony is pushing this format and that it ultimately is a dead end with no future!
All in all, a great evening with entertaining music and a great host. I do recommend that if anyone can take the opportunity to listen to a Linn Exakt system that they do so...I think the future of high end audio is here.
More info on the Exakt system can be found here:
http://www.linn.co.uk/music-systems/technology/exakt
Firstly, I have to say that the sound that was evident on the non Exakt modeled isobarik loaded speakers was un-exceptional....this when placed up against the rear wall. Gilad proceeded to place the speakers into a much more favorable listening position and into the room...the SQ increased dramatically. The bass filled out and the imaging became more precise. The depth portrayal also locked in. This all without the Exakt DSP correction. Then Gilad added in the Ekaxt correction and once again the SQ jumped forward...this time to a level that was highly impressive! I think the group was immensely impressed, as was I!
For those into DSP room correction, I asked how this system compared to the Devialet system...to which Gilad answered that the Devialet simply boosted the bass and nothing more! I am not knowledgeable enough to comment on the Devialet, but the Exakt is certainly something that I think we will see more of in the future.
Another interesting take away from the meet....Gilad does NOT believe in DSD....seems to think that Sony is pushing this format and that it ultimately is a dead end with no future!
All in all, a great evening with entertaining music and a great host. I do recommend that if anyone can take the opportunity to listen to a Linn Exakt system that they do so...I think the future of high end audio is here.