Linn Urika II Internal Digital Phono Stage

The Urika II is what enables an Exakt LP12. Linn's Exakt technology works by keeping the audio signal in the digital domain from source to speaker — processing it with perfect precision, compensating for every component tolerance in the system. The Urika II is the component that brings your LP12 into that world: it converts the signal from your moving coil cartridge to digital inside the plinth, at the earliest possible point, and sends it losslessly over Exakt Link to a compatible Linn DSM.

Where the analogue Urika applies RIAA equalisation in the analogue domain, the Urika II performs it digitally. Linn's position is straightforward: digital RIAA is more accurate, produces lower distortion, and lower noise than the best analogue RIAA circuit. Once the signal is in the digital domain, it does not degrade.

How It Works

The Urika II mounts inside the LP12 plinth on the same Trampolin base board as the original Urika. It connects to the tonearm via Linn's T-Kable and receives power from the Radikal — either the Standard Radikal or the Klimax Radikal. A Radikal is required.

After the signal is converted to digital within the plinth, it travels over Exakt Link — a digital connection — to a Linn Exakt DSM. At the DSM, the signal is processed with full Linn Space Optimisation capability, including any system-specific corrections your room requires. The entire signal path from cartridge to speaker is now optimised and measurable.

Individual Device Optimisation

Each Urika II is individually measured during manufacture. Component tolerances in the analogue input stage — which vary from unit to unit, even in high-quality production — are measured and the corrections are stored as device-specific data. Every Urika II is therefore personalised to its own actual component values, not to a design target. This is a level of precision that no analogue RIAA stage can match.

Software-Configurable Cartridge Loading

Cartridge loading — impedance and capacitance — can be configured in software via the Linn app. This means you can optimise the Urika II for your specific cartridge, and if you upgrade your cartridge in the future, you simply change the loading setting. No physical modification to the phono stage is required.

What You Need for an Exakt LP12

The Urika II requires: - A Linn Radikal (Standard or Klimax) for power - A Linn Exakt DSM (Series 5, Selekt DSM with Exakt module, or Klimax DSM) connected via Exakt Link - A moving coil cartridge

The Urika original is the correct choice if you are not running a Linn Exakt system.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Urika II is for LP12 owners who are running, or moving to, a Linn Exakt system — specifically a Linn DSM with Exakt capability. If that describes you, the Urika II is the only phono stage that makes sense for your LP12. It is the component that closes the loop between the LP12 and the rest of the Linn Exakt chain, and it is how the LP12 achieves its full potential in a modern Linn system.

If you are not running a Linn Exakt DSM and do not plan to, the analogue Urika is the correct choice. The Uphorik is the correct choice for LP12 owners who want an external phono stage compatible with any system.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins 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 requires professional fitting and correct Exakt Link configuration — Martins can carry out the complete installation and system setup, including Exakt Link commissioning, as part of our LP12 servicing work.

Reach them at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], 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: [email protected] | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY