Linn Kans and NACA5

Posted by: Andrew L. Weekes on 10 February 2001

In one of the recent Kan threads, Tony Lonorgan mentioned soldering two sets of Naim 4mm plugs to NACA5, to eliminate the use of the poor-sounding jumper links used on the back of KanII's when single-wired.

Since the arrival of my new 5-series setup, I decided to go from bi-wire to single wire, and use this technique.

Tony did do a line drawing showing how this was done, and I thought I'd add a couple of pictures I took whilst fitting mine.

I found the best way to get the spacing correct was to fit the first set of plugs in the normal way, then plug those into the back of the 'speaker and make a pencil mark in line with the second set of sockets, in order to remove the insulation in the correct place (see Stage-1.jpg).

When the second set of plugs have been placed over the cable, but not yet soldered, plug them back into the speakers to ensure they fit, carefully unplug and solder in place.

It's a great idea, that works superbly, unfortunately the Naim covers do not fit, as Linn, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to use the standard 19mm (3/4") spacing that the rest of the world uses .

Go here for the pics: -

NACA5 / Kan wiring

Clicking on each image will give a larger view.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com

Posted on: 10 February 2001 by Andrew Randle

Andrew,

The big question here is "how do you take out the plugs?". I guess that you need to use pliers and take the top ones out first. Is this a difficult job?

Andrew

P.S. Good pics, thanks.

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Posted on: 11 February 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes

quote:
The big question here is "how do you take out the plugs?"

Andrew,

The plugs come out easily, if you place your fingers behind the NACA5 that connects the two plugs, then lever away from the back of the speaker.

This works both before and after soldering, since the plugs are a tight fit to the NACA5. I found that you need to gently squeeze the cable after the insulation is removed for the second set of plugs, they can then be fitted over the cable reasonably easily.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com

Posted on: 12 February 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes

quote:
Pardon my ignorance, but is there any reason why one can’t by-pass the Kan II’s second pair of input sockets by cutting the wires that connect to them internally, and soldering them to the first pair of sockets?

Sproggle,

As you will see from the 'Help with sick Kan' thread, dismantling Kans is not a job for the faint hearted, and can easily result in cabinet damage.

Believe me soldering two sets of plugs is a LOT easier

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com

Posted on: 12 February 2001 by Phil Sparks

I've never been in a pair of Kan IIs but if I remember correctly the banana plugs are mounted straight onto the crossover inside the box.

Phil

Posted on: 12 February 2001 by Joe Petrik

Andy,

quote:
It's a great idea, that works superbly, unfortunately the Naim covers do not fit, as Linn, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to use the standard 19mm (3/4") spacing that the rest of the world uses

It's just as well. Your system will sounded better with the Naim covers removed. Add this to Arie's free tweaks thread.

Joe

Posted on: 12 February 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes

That's interesting Joe, I've heard it mentioned on this forum a few times, but never tried it.

I still have the covers fitted at the amp end - I'll try it to see if I detect a difference.

I assume that Naim primarily recommend their use from a safety perspective (it stops people / children plugging 4mm sockets into the mains outlet). To meet stricter European rules, they have to insist on their use, which is why some companies have moved away from 4mm sockets.

Andy.

Andrew L. Weekes
alweekes@audiophile.com