Linn Klimax Solo 500
The Linn Klimax Solo 500 is a reference mono power amplifier, sold as a pair. It is a complete from-the-ground-up redesign of Linn's original Klimax Solo, not a simple revision. The original came out in 1999. The redesign, which is the subject of this page, takes much of the engineering from Linn's larger flagship Klimax Solo 800 and puts it in a more compact, shelf-friendly chassis. It is specified at 500W into 4Ω and 250W into 8Ω, running in Class AB.
The brief for the new Solo 500 was a smaller amp, again in Class AB, and less exorbitantly priced than the Klimax Solo 800, but with as much of the flagship's technology as possible. It uses Linn's self-regulating Utopik power supply, designed to deliver clean, stable power while adapting to the demands of the music. It also has what Linn calls Adaptive Bias Control and a new thermal management system. That system is a hybrid cooling matrix with a chimney-effect layout, which passively funnels fresh air through the housing and keeps the amplifier cool and whisper-quiet. Linn's own claim, quoted by alpha-audio.net, is that it is "the best compact monoblock amplifier we've ever built." Sound Advice called it a "small amplifier" with "big credentials," and OHHIFI framed it as "big-amp sound with none of the heft." The cabinet is machined from solid material and is described as minimalist and refined, with finely designed, characteristic details.
On the numbers: the original 1999 version was rated a little higher into 8Ω, at 290W against the new amplifier's 250W. Both are rated at 500W into 4Ω. The new version sits below the flagship Klimax Solo 800 (approximately $90k/pair), and the Solo 500 was listed at $64,760/pair at launch. A secondhand listing from 2ndhandhifi.co.uk shows units turning up in original factory packaging with warranty. The compact size makes it a suitable drop-in replacement for setups with the original Solo or third-party amplification, particularly in active configurations where space is at a premium.
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