All about the new Linn Unidisk SC at Totally Wired
Of all the new products released this year, nothing has grabbed our attention like Linn’s new UNIDISK SC Integrated Universal Disc Player. The latest product to feature Linn’s SILVER DISK ENGINE universal disc playing technology, the UNIDISK SC player is designed to play all the new high-definition music and movie formats and deliver superb high-quality multi-channel playback.
But what makes this player different from the recently released Unidisk 2.1? We deduce that ‘SC’ stands for ‘Self Contained’ This new version of the Unidisk is designed to be the central component in modern systems. Unlike ordinary players, you can plug other components INTO the Unidisk SC and use it’s advanced digital decoding allowing you to enjoy satellite television, music (not to mention Playsation or X box for the kids) in digital surround sound without the need for a separate system controller. AND with both fixed and variable audio outputs the UNIDISK SC player can be connected straight into multi-channel amplification; you no longer need a preamp processor.
In other words the new Unidisk SC is perfect for anyone who wants the best of all worlds – a simple compact system with unlimited performance potential. In fact all non-Linn system owners should be taking a good look at the Unidisk: it will play virtually any disc format, allow the connection of many outside sources and run into any power amplifiers or active speakers from any other manufacturer. Be it for purist stereo replay for CDs and SACD or escapist cinema with sumptuous surround sound, this is a product you should be seeking out.
Like the Linn Classik DI featured in our previous newsletters we are adamant that the Unidisk SC outperforms any assemblage of separate components of the same (and often higher) value from any other manufacturers. It draws upon Linn’s ever growing expertise in the ultimate high end to bring us products that do more for less. While the Unidisk is by no means a ‘cheap’ product, it will provide exceptional value for money in many of the better existing systems out there and serve as the central component of some of the very best new systems.
Anyone who has invested in a high quality screen – be it plasma or projection owes it too themselves to see the picture quality that the Unidisk delivers. After all – how much sense does it make to feed a NZ$ 100 picture into a NZ$ 10,000 screen? Likewise all owners of high performance speakers will hear and immediate and obvious improvement in sound with the Unidisk as source – in any format.
Think of it this way – the Unidisk SC replaces at least 3 components. For the music lover, it is an excellent CD player which also ensures their future enjoyment with both SACD and DVD Audio formats included. For the film enthusiast it’s a high resolution DVD player with fantastic picture performance. And for the design and performance concious buyer it’s a highly featured surround sound control amplifier which manages to fulfill all practical requirements yet is simple and intuative to set up and use.
Unidisk SC Audio (Germany) – July 2004 LINN SENSATION:
“The UNIDISC SC is the smartest universal player. Outstanding sound and image quality. In view of the fact that it outclasses similarly priced multi-player/AV preamp combinations, its price looks almost like a bargain. Reference Class.”
Unidisk SC Stereoplay (Germany) – July 2004:
“Linn has re-invented multi-channel playback. Playing SACDs and DVD-As, the UNIDISK SC sounds sensational. Sound with CDs is overwhelmingly detailed, image quality top-notch. Equally priced seperate components of comparable quality have yet to be born. Value for money: outstanding...”
Is the Unidisk SC a contender for you? Why not write and tell us about your system and we’ll explain how it would work within your system and how it will meet your requirements (or point you in the direction of other options if appropriate).