Linn Products, based in Scotland, has expanded its line to include speakers, preamplifiers, and power amplifiers. The Intek is its first integrated amplifier.
The Intek is rated to deliver 50 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads or 80 watts into 4 ohms. Although the instruction booklet’s specifications page lists input sensitivities, impedance levels, and power-output capabilities, it does not mention distortion ratings as required by the Federal Trade Commission for home audio products advertised for sale in this country.The Linn Intek’s front panel presents a clean, uncluttered appearance, with full-size knobs, large rectangular control buttons, and clear, legible white markings. The case is finished in black.
The amplifier’s circuitry, including the front-panel controls and back-panel connectors, is all on one large circuit board. Unusual for an integrated amplifier, the Intek has separate power supplies for its power and preamplifier sections. In fact, the only parts of the unit common to both sections are the primary winding of the power transformer and, of course, the AC line cord.
According to Linn, the output transistors used in the Intek are identical to those in its more expensive LK280 power amplifier. The output devices are protected by a sensing circuit that shuts down the power supply instantly if the transistors draw excessive current. Unlike the current-limiting protection circuits used in some other amplifiers, which can degrade the sound quality under certain conditions, the Linn system simply turns off the amplifier before the output transistors can be damaged. To restore operation, it is necessary to switch off the power for a few seconds. There is also a thermal-protection system that shuts down the amplifier if its internal temperature reaches 70° C (158° F).