MAJIK 140, MAJIK 6100, MAJIK DS, MAJIK LP12, MAJIK MUSIC SYSTEM, MAJIK-I
Tone, New Zealand
Jan 2009
View the full review or the synopsis below:
‘Partnered with the Majik DS are the Majik-I integrated amplifier, Chakra [Majik] 6100 six-channel power amplifier and the Majik 140 floorstanding loudspeakers with a set of Aktiv crossovers to tie everything together…the system is fully active. The components share the same understated but elegant chassis and the speakers are classically styled and similarly pleasing to the eye. Build quality is exemplary.
‘Driving the Majik DS couldn’t be simpler. In this installation it’s run using a little Asus Eee PC mini notebook computer, which is hooked up the to the showroom’s wireless network, along with a Nokia touchscreen phone…Linn’s graphical user interface (GUI) is relatively basic compared to the feature-packed and colourful iTunes or Sooloos interfaces, but it’s totally functional and offers much of the iTunes experience, with quick access to all the music files via the standard categories such as artists, genre, albums and so on.
‘[Majik CD] The characteristic Linn musicality shone through immediately. There was energy and punch to spare and the music just grabbed you, feet started tapping and heads nodded.
‘Vocals were beautifully rendered and the bass tight and richly textured [Majik CD], but the same track played on the DS (ripped at CD quality) showed noticeable improvements…Switching back and forth between the two digital sources called to mind the ancient, dusty audio cliché of a curtain being lifted from in front of the speakers; the music had more detail each time the DS was playing, almost as if more information was making it to the speakers.
‘We whipped back and forth across genres…without stirring from the couch. It would be very easy to get used to this sort of system, even for a born again vinyl evangelist like me.
‘The Majik LP12 was slightly rolled off at the top compared to digital, but the sound was just as involving and enjoyable, simply different, sounding richer and more sumptuous.
‘The Majik-I Aktiv system, with its class leading digital source, is a solid proposition if you’ve got a sizeable pile of spare coin floating about. But bear in mind that you could progressively build up to the fully active whole nine yards deal. Start with the Majik DS, Majik-I amp and the speakers; then add the power amp and crossovers to go active; and pop the Majik LP12 in at your leisure. Could it be any easier?'
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