Linn have maximised the potential of every cubic millimetre within Klimax Solo 500's machined-from-solid enclosure to create an amp that is an improvement over its legendary predecessor in every conceivable way – one that, crucially, still boasts a compact form factor.

Solo 500 performs optimally from the moment it’s powered on for the first time, and throughout its long lifespan; an amplifier that can be driven hard for protracted listening sessions of wildly dynamic material, and yet remain silently cool; an amplifier with huge available power, devastatingly low noise floor, and eighty-five times lower distortion measurements than its predecessor. Solo 500 is a small amp, with big credentials.

With Solo 500, Linn's latest top-tier innovations powerfully coalesce into the best compact monoblock amplifier they have ever made. The synergistic combination of Adaptive Bias Control, sophisticated hybrid cooling matrix with intelligent fan management, and Utopik power supply, results in a Class AB amplifier that is far greater than the sum of its parts, yet remarkably smaller than its counterparts. Linn have expertly miniaturised and arranged their flagship amplifier and power supply technologies inside its sleek and minimalist casework. Its neat size lends itself particularly well to active setups and scenarios where space is at a premium.

Hybrid Cooling Matrix

Klimax Solo 500 features a brand-new thermal management system—a hybrid cooling matrix—which ensures that the amplifier remains cool and whisper-quiet at all times. During everyday use, a hard-anodised thermal plate deep mounted deep within the amp draws heat away from the internal electronics. This plate is bedecked with a series of precision-machined fins—designed and optimised with the aid of simulation software—forming a labyrinthine network of precisely measured channels. This efficient system radiates heat up and out of the amp’s casework.

When Solo 500 is pushed hard for protracted listening sessions, the hybrid cooling matrix gets really clever. Solo 500 switches to active cooling by way of two internal fans which force cool air between the fins atop the thermal plate. Controlled by an FPGA processor in real-time, the required fan speed is determined by a combination of the amp’s internal temperature and the audio signal. This ensures that the fans run inaudibly, at the lowest speed possible, whilst providing ample cooling to maintain ideal performance, listener experience, and efficiency.

Adaptive Bias Control

Adaptive Bias Control is a key factor in Klimax Solo 500’s devastatingly low noise floor. As a result of its implementation, Solo 500 measures eighty-five times lower total harmonic distortion and noise than its predecessor under typical listening conditions.

Solo 500 persistently measures and adjusts bias current at its output to be ideal at all times; at any temperature, regardless of volume or sudden dynamic changes in the music signal it receives, and for the entirety of its long life. Crucially, this means that Solo 500 will perform identically to its neighbours, thus ensuring flawless and consistently balanced performance between all amplification in the system — permanently.

Design & Build

Solo 500’s overall aspect is one of minimalist and sophisticated beauty. Upon closer inspection, its machined-from-solid casework is punctuated by finely designed and characterful details.

With a seamless construction composed exclusively of three aluminium pieces—baseplate, enclosure and rear panel—Solo 500 gives the impression of a congruous whole aluminium mass.

A variable fillet cut in the aluminium grows towards a chamfered edge and eye-catching centrepiece; a back-lit Linn badge in the centre of a miniature roundel, with radial-grooved chrome trim and a steel outer ring. The badge assembly has depth; reflecting light dynamically when viewed from different positions. Each amp in the system will reflect light and create its own shadows, contributing to Solo 500's characterful statement aesthetic.

Powered by Utopik

The hybrid cooling matrix’s effectiveness is aided by a specially optimised Utopik power supply. Auto-voltage rails ensure that output from Utopik also adapts to the audio signal itself, only delivering the necessary power dictated by what’s playing and its volume. Less superfluous energy is generated, which would otherwise be wasted as heat. As a result, efficiency is improved, baseline internal temperature is minimised, and Solo 500 consumes less electricity in general.