Linn Urika II Phono Stage

The Urika II is the internal phono stage for the LP12 Sondek, and it represents a genuinely different approach to analogue replay. Where conventional phono stages amplify and equalise the cartridge's signal in the analogue domain, the Urika II converts the signal to digital at the earliest practical point — before any additional noise can enter the chain — and applies the RIAA equalisation curve digitally, with a precision that analogue circuitry cannot match.

The output is transmitted via Exakt Link into a Linn DSM, where it is processed, volume-controlled, and fed to the loudspeakers entirely in the digital domain. For the LP12 owner with a Linn DSM in their system, this represents a significant step in how seriously their vinyl source is treated.

The Technical Approach

The RIAA curve is the equalisation standard applied to all vinyl records during cutting and reversed by the phono stage during playback. It is one of the most demanding equalisation operations in audio: a deviation from the standard curve of even a fraction of a dB across the audio band will result in audible tonal imbalance. In the analogue domain, implementing the RIAA curve accurately requires precise component matching and tight tolerances — and even well-designed analogue phono stages introduce some error.

The Urika II implements the RIAA curve mathematically in the digital domain. The result is an accuracy in equalisation that would be extremely difficult to achieve with analogue circuitry, and the elimination of the noise floor that even the best analogue circuits accumulate through the gain and equalisation process.

Additionally — and this matters in practice — each Urika II is individually measured during manufacture, and the tolerances of the specific analogue input stage are corrected for in the digital processing. No two units are identical in their analogue characteristics; every Urika II accounts for its own.

Exakt Integration

The Urika II outputs via Exakt Link rather than a conventional analogue signal. This is fundamental to how it works. The signal is digital from the point of conversion inside the LP12 plinth, transmitted losslessly to the Linn DSM, and processed there — volume control, Space Optimisation, and speaker drive all happen in the digital domain. At no point is there an analogue-to-digital conversion following the initial one inside the Urika II.

This approach requires a Linn DSM (or Linn DS) with Exakt capability. It is not a general-purpose phono stage with analogue outputs. If your system is built around a Linn DSM and you are serious about vinyl, the Urika II is the logical phono stage.

Cartridge loading is adjustable via the Linn app — you can select from a library of popular cartridge presets or enter custom values for load resistance and capacitance. Switching cartridges means a settings change, not a hardware change.

Physical Installation

The Urika II mounts on the integrated Trampolin baseboard inside the LP12 plinth. It is powered by the LP12's Radikal power supply (Klimax Radikal or standard Radikal — both are compatible). The internal mounting, with the Urika II's circuitry physically isolated by the LP12's suspended sub-chassis, is a meaningfully better environment for a sensitive phono stage than a box sitting on a shelf next to the amplifier.

Fitting is carried out by an authorised Linn dealer. This is not a self-install upgrade.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Urika II is for the serious LP12 owner who has a Linn DSM in their system and wants to close the gap between the quality of their vinyl source and the quality of everything downstream. It is specifically for moving coil cartridges — the Adikt MM cartridge is not compatible. The relevant cartridges are the Koil, Kendo, Krystal, Kandid, and Ekstatik.

If your system is not based around a Linn DSM with Exakt, the Urika II is not the right choice — it will not function without Exakt Link. In that case, a conventional external phono stage is the appropriate route.

For LP12 owners at Klimax specification, the Urika II is typically part of the build. For Selekt LP12 owners looking to step up in vinyl performance, the Urika II combined with Radikal is a significant and coherent upgrade.

Buying from Martin's Hi-Fi

Martin's Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Linn range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Ted Martin's daughter Elizabeth runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

The Urika II is the kind of upgrade that needs a conversation first — it only makes sense in the context of a Linn Exakt system, and we will want to understand your current setup before recommending it. We fit LP12s and carry out LP12 upgrades in-house, and we have heard the Urika II across different LP12 specifications and cartridges.

Reach them at dave@martinshifi.co.uk, chris@martinshifi.co.uk, info@martinshifi.co.uk, call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin's page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY