Linn Kan IV question

Posted by: Freckles on 26 October 2003

Hi

I'm thinking of buying a pair of Linn Kan IV's to finish my system off which comprises CD5/ Flatcap 2/NAC 112/ NAP 150. I have a very small room, approximately 10ft x 11ft. So small speakers are a must. I've noticed that many people on the forums are running the original Kan's or the MKII's with their systems with apparentely good results, but I'm not able to find much information about the Kan's in their MK4 guise. So is anybody running these or have demoed them? Would they be a good match for my system. Is the latest version as good as if not better than the earlier versions? I'm not too troubled by a lack of deep bass but value a good quality midrange. You can pick the Kan up for around £270 on the internet (list price £350) if you shop around which sounds like a really good deal. I don't have a local Linn dealer so having a demo is going to be awkward. Also does anybody know know if Linn make a matching stand and failing that what other manufacturer makes a stand that works well with the Kan. Also any alternative speaker recommendations would be appreachiated. My budget is around £400 including the stands. Thanks very much.

Posted on: 27 October 2003 by Rana Ali

I had a pair of Linn Kan IV. I used to run them off a Roksan Xerxes/Artemis/VST-V front end through a chrome bumpered Nait 2. I can indeed recommend them. They may not be in the same league as the Kan II, but they will suit your system very well and are MUCH better than the conventional stand mount opposition at that price point (having demoed a fair chunk of them). They boogied well, did bass well when near the wall and also imaged well. In fact, although I have active Tukans now, I would happily go back to Kan IVs if I was running a passive system.

At the end of the day, listen with your own ears and go for a dem.

Regards

Rana

Posted on: 27 October 2003 by Constantin

Hi,
I'm currently using for 2 years a pair of Kan Mk.V (which is quite similar to the Mk.IV) along with my system (CD 3, NAC 92, NAP 140, HiCAP) in a similar sized room (15' x 10') and I'm happy with it. I can't compare to the Mk.I or 2 version, but it offers a very coherent audio signature, with plenty of bass. The only thing I condemn them for is just not too much high frequency detail, but given their price tag they worth every penny of it.
I'm using them about 10" far from the back wall, due to room limitations.
Hope this will help you.
Best regards,
Constantin

Posted on: 27 October 2003 by John G.

I have never heard the Kan IV's but they are certainly a speaker I would check out and feel pretty comfortable recommending in a system like yours.

Earlier Kans especially Kan 1's were designed for use with LP12/Ittok as a minimum source. I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending them for use with a lesser source. Kan 2 and later may be more forgiving of the source. Tukans would work well if you can find a used pair. I see them pretty often on EBAY.

Sound Organisation makes a well made stand that would work with the various versions of Kans/Tukans. I think they sell for $139.00.

Sound Org stand

Posted on: 27 October 2003 by willem

Freckles,

I'm using Kan IV's on Kan II (2) stands powered by a Nait 3. They give all the detail and all the whack you need in a small to medium sized room. Apparently they are rather efficient because I seldom have to put the volume higher than 8 o-clock with CD or 10 o-clock with vinyl.

willem

Posted on: 27 October 2003 by Freckles

Thanks for your advice everyone. It certainly looks like the Kan might well be worth having a listen too.