Akurate DS vs Denon DCD-2500NE
The DCD-2500NE's signal-to-noise is 118 dB against the Akurate DS's 110 dB. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and thd (0.002%).
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The Linn Akurate DS is a high-end digital music player designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality. It features an ultra-low jitter master clock and a completely redesigned audio board to maximize the DAC's potential, delivering stereo music with wide dynamic range and very low distortion. The player supports a wide range of digital audio formats including FLAC, WAV, ALAC, MP3, WMA, AIFF, AAC, OGG, and DSD (64/128), with native sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz. It streams music over Ethernet and supports internet radio, podcasts, and streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify. The Akurate DS is compatible with UPnP media servers and control points, allowing control via computers, tablets, and smartphones with album art and playlist management. Outputs include balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and digital BNC SPDIF, housed in a precision-engineered aluminum enclosure with Linn's Dynamik Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS). It supports Linn Songcast for synchronized multi-room playback and is Exakt Ready for integration with Linn's Exakt system. The unit is available in silver or black finishes and is engineered for long-term software upgradeability and durability. It is typically paired with other Akurate components for a complete high-fidelity system.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Supported streaming platforms and protocols
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Estimated price (community-sourced)
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Components that show up alongside the Akurate DS in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The DCD-2500NE's signal-to-noise is 118 dB against the Akurate DS's 110 dB. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and thd (0.002%).
The K3 CD Di's signal-to-noise is 96 dB against the Akurate DS's 110 dB. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and thd (0.002%).
The CDP-1's signal-to-noise is 122 dB against the Akurate DS's 110 dB and its thd 0.003% against 0.002%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The CD6007 matches the Akurate DS on bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), signal-to-noise (110 dB), and thd (0.002%).
Akurate DSM with Exakt Link
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