One Streamer

Streamers, or network music players, have revolutionised how we experience sound, offering seamless access to vast libraries of music with exceptional convenience. A high-quality streamer is more than just a gateway to digital content—it becomes the heart of your audio setup, ensuring every note is delivered with clarity and precision.

The one streamer we think you should own is the Linn Selekt DSM.

The Linn Selekt DSM is a modular and upgradable streaming hub designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and adaptability. Originally introduced in 2018, this system has evolved into two main variants: the Classic Hub (the original design) and the more luxurious Edition Hub. Both versions are available in black and silver, but the Edition Hub takes it further with thick, finely machined aluminium panels, offering a premium feel and a striking visual upgrade over the Classic. Beyond aesthetics, the Edition Hub provides excellent rigidity and interior isolation, ensuring optimal performance.

With a range of customisable options, the Selekt DSM can be tailored to your specific setup. For example, the optional AV module adds HDMI inputs, transforming the Selekt DSM into a versatile AV hub, perfect for connecting an Apple TV or gaming console. For passive speaker setups, the stereo power amplifier module—a Class D design delivering 50 watts per channel—creates a streamlined, high-end system without needing a separate power amplifier. For ultimate performance, you can choose dual-mono outputs, which require either active speakers or a dedicated power amplifier.

A standout feature of the Linn Selekt DSM is its upgradable DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) module. Linn offers several DAC options, including a standard DAC, the Katalyst DAC, and the Organik DAC, which is available in stereo and higher-performing dual-mono variants.

The Selekt DSM integrates seamlessly with streaming services like Tidal, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, and Deezer, alongside AirPlay 2 and Roon compatibility, ensuring comprehensive streaming flexibility. Connection options include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth (4.2), providing multiple ways to access your audio content.

Connectivity is another strength of the Selekt DSM. The system includes USB, coaxial, optical, and HDMI ARC as standard. An optional HDMI 2.0 module with four inputs and a single eARC output adds further versatility. For those seeking immersive surround sound, the DSP Surround Upgrade enables support for Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

For analog enthusiasts, the unit features a stereo line-level input, as well as moving magnet and moving coil phono stages. Analog audio passed through the system is digitised at 192kHz/24-bit, maintaining exceptional quality.

A thoughtful addition to the Selekt DSM is Linn’s Space Optimisation software, a sophisticated room equalisation tool. By inputting details like room dimensions and construction materials, users can customise the sound to suit their specific environment, ensuring an optimised listening experience regardless of room acoustics.

For speaker pairing, consider the Linn 150 passive floor-standing speakers for larger spaces, while the Linn 109 bookshelf speakers are an excellent choice for smaller rooms. Of course, you could also pair with passive or active speakers from other brands.

Overall, the Linn Selekt DSM combines timeless design with cutting-edge technology, offering a fully customisable system that evolves with your needs—whether as a minimalist audio hub or a powerful AV centrepiece.

Linn is a well-established company founded by Ivor Tiefenbrun in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1973. Its first and most iconic product, the Sondek LP12 turntable, revolutionised hi-fi. Each Linn system is meticulously hand-built in their Glasgow factory, with every unit bearing the name of the engineer who crafted it.

Also Consider

If you want to enter the world of Linn on a budget, consider the Linn Magik.

While Linn’s top-tier Klimax model is stunning in performance and design, it requires either active speakers (ideally from Linn) or an external amplifier, making the Selekt DSM a more accessible choice for those seeking high-quality sound without additional investments.

The Naim Uniti Atom and Naim Uniti Nova are also very capable streamers.