Linn's New EXOTIK Multi-Channel Preamplifier Offers Flexible Speaker Configuration and Surround Audio Processing Features

Linn's new EXOTIK multichannel preamplifier and control head unit is now available to order from Linn dealers worldwide. The new model was unveiled earlier this year at the CES 2004 show in Las Vegas.

The EXOTIK uses technology derived from Linn's pricier reference standard pre-amplifier, the award-winning KLIMAX Kontrol flagship pre-amplifier. It's designed to offer purist audio performance and control of the new generation of multi-channel sound formats, including DVD-Audio and multichannel SACD. The suggested retail price is $3,250 (US).

Linn's EXOTIC multi-channel preamplifier offers the Scottish high-end maker's customary chic elegance, flexibility, and proprietary system integration

The basic EXOTIK is an analog multi-channel component that offers range of surround processing features to support a wide variety of surround speaker configurations, including bass redirect, a stereo sub algorithm, and LoRo analog 5.1-to-stereo downmix.

Linn will deliver an enhanced EXOTIK+DA version later in the year, featuring an additional digital audio module for processing all major multi-channel audio encoding and decoding algorithms, including Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II and Music mode, AAC Surround, MPEG Surround, DTS Surround, DTS 96/24, DTS CD, DTS EX Matrix and Discrete.

The standard EXOTIK model offers superb audio performance from both two- and multi-channel source material. The upgraded EXOTIK+DA version will enable those who already own a 2-channel source product (such as Linn's GENKI or IKEMI CD players) to enjoy their existing CD collection in a multi-channel surround format, without upgrading to a multi-channel source product. The digital audio module will be available to enable EXOTIK owners to upgrade to the EXOTIK+DA product.

The EXOTIK preamplifier features RC5 input and output sockets for direct integration with other Linn products. It incorporates a proprietary user interface, for fast and simple set-up and ease of control. An RS232 link will also enable the automatic pre-selection of the most appropriate decoding algorithm or analog channels, determined by the disc type being played, when used with Linn's UNIDISK 1.1 or UNIDISK 2.1 players.

Integrated KNEKT Line Driver and Line Receiver functions allow the EXOTIK to be seamlessly introduced into a new or existing Linn KNEKT multi-user, multi-room audio distribution system.

Specifications

Size
(H) 80 mm x (W) 381 mm x (D) 368 mm
(H) 31/8 inch x (W) 151/16 inch x (D) 149/16 inch

Weight
3.5 kg
7 lb 10 oz

Control Interfaces
Remote control IR receiver
RC5 input and output RCA connector
KNEKT main system input
KNEKT RCU socket
4 x KNEKT room outputs
2 x KNEKT IR flasher outputs
2 x Independent RS232 ports
6 button keypad interface
128 x 32 Front Panel VFD graphical monochromatic display

Digital Audio Inputs**
3 x TOSLINK™ inputs
3 x SPDIF RCA socket inputs (supporting 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/88.2 kHz/96 kHz sample rates)

Analog Audio Inputs
KNEKT main system input
6 pairs of RCA socket inputs (including 5.1. group)

Digital Audio Outputs**
1 x TOSLINK™ record output
1 x SPDIF RCA socket record output (supporting

Analog Audio Outputs
7.1 RCA socket listen outputs
1 pair of RCA socket record output
4 x KNEKT room outputs (linked to record path)

Audio Decoding
Stereo + Sub Analogue Bass Redirect

Digital Audio Decoding**
Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II & Music mode, AAC Surround, MPEG Surround, DTS Surround, DTS 96/24, DTS CD, DTS ES Matrix & Discrete, LtRt Digital Downmix, Limbik Party, adjustable lip sync delay

Analog Downmixes
3/2 to 2/2 speaker configuration
3/2 to 3/0 speaker configuration
3/2 to 2/0 speaker configuration

Power Supply
Switching power supply with auto-ranging (90 Vac to 240 Vac, 50-60 Hz)

** Applies to digital version only

Linn Web Site