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Linar Model 10: rethinking the multichannel amplifier Until the audio industry gets its act together and offers us a truly universal digital interface, we're going to be using preamplifiers and power amplifiers with analog inputs. Why not put them in one box? After all, there are many integrated stereo amps. Well, the Linar Model 10 ($4200) is just that: a 5.1-channel preamp with a five-channel power amplifier in the same chassis. This 60-lb block, a high-end amp from designer Victor Sima, sports two 750VA toroidal transformers, Teflon-insulated machined RCA connectors, and a circuit free of signal-path capacitors and global feedback. It has five stereo inputs and one six-channel input (designated Aux 1), and five power amps rated at 120W each into 8 ohms. The dual line-level subwoofer outputs carry full-bandwidth mono signals when a stereo source is selected. The Linar 10's front panel looks like a power amp with a small green LCD display and five pushbuttons: Input, Power, Tape Monitor, and Power Up/Down. The LCD indicates input selection and volume level in each of the modes, but was generally too small to read from my listening position. The rear panel has five pairs of binding posts across the top (L/C/R/LS/RS), and RCA jacks across the middle for its line-level inputs and outputs. But after I'd hooked up the inputs and outputs, I never laid a hand on the Linar 10 again, preferring the very capable remote control. This little beauty has direct-access buttons for each input: CD, Tuner, Aux 1 (multichannel), Aux 2, Aux 3, Mute, Volume Up/Down, Tape Monitor (On/Off), Display (On/Off), and, of course, Power On/Off. In addition, there's a button to duplicate the stereo L/R signals at the LS/RS outputs for stereo in four channels, and another, labeled Rear Volume, that toggles the volume buttons from controlling all channels to setting levels independently for the subwoofer or rear channels. Note that, in the Stereo in 4 Channels mode, the Model 10 could also be used for biamping stereo speakers or for powering a stereo pair in another room. Strangely, there is no simple facility for left/right balance adjustment in multichannel, and the workaround for stereo is kludgy. Not a big problem. I used the Linar 10 as an integrated amplifier, as it was designed to be, but also as a power amp, with the McCormack MAP-1 handling selection and levels. In either role, the sound was always ample and smooth, but just a little smoother with the Linar on its own. Background noise was inaudible at any level setting, and there was plenty of power for the Paradigms. All functions worked smoothly and silently from the get-go, except for a fairly quiet burp on power-up. I might characterize the Linar's sound as warm, not because of any rolloff in the extreme treble but because the high frequencies are gently softer and the midbass generous. Compared with, say, the MAP-1 or the Bryston 9B-ST, the Linar 10 had a little more of a velvet glove covering the steel fist that was notably present. Overall, it resembled the Bel Canto digital amps harmonically, but without their granitic bass. If that suggests Goldilocks' choice of not too hard and not too soft, you get the idea. The Linar 10 was clean with every music and film selection, its rendition of soundstage depth and width excellent, its dynamics impressive. The Linar did well with the Paradigm Studio/60s, but it was a particularly felicitous match with the Magnepan MGMC1s, which sang as sweetly as they do with much more expensive amps. As a single-box solution, the Linar 10 is pretty much without direct competition, so I can compare it only to separate preamps and amps. Having done that, I think it competitive in sound quality with any that has passed through my multichannel system, and all of the combinations of those separates cost much more than the Linar on its own. With a universal player and stereo sources, the Linar 10 provides an audiophile's transition from stereo to multichannel. Those who've made that transition can feed the outputs from a multichannel processor or receiver into the Linar 10's multichannel input and still enjoy all-analog stereo from the other inputs. The only issue is whether this clean, hefty all-in-one suits your needs. I had to add the Zektor MAS3 that I reviewed in December to accommodate multiple multichannel inputs, but for most folks, the Linar Model 10 and a decent universal player would make a great audio system. And think of what you'd save in interconnects!
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