Hey all,
I need some advice about the minimum power and grunt needed to drive Kans. I'm considering getting a pair of original kans for use in a smaller listening room. For a while now I've been using a dynaco st 70 with my 72/hicap. For those unfamiliar with the dynaco, it is a 35 watt tube power amp from the early 60's. Heavy transformers, sounds okay, hey-it's a compromise since I had to sell my 250--.
But back to the Kans--my dealer has said that they really need a 250 to sound good, but I've read others using a nait? What do you think? Can a nait drive them? I figure if a nait can drive kans, then a dynaco st70 can do it too.
What say ye O esteemed experts?
Marku
Posted on: 24 September 2001 by Top Cat
Can't answer you question directly, but bear in mind that the Nait packs a bigger punch than its diminutive size and spec would suggest. Then again, so would a 35w valve amp too...
I think you'd be okay. If not, you can always sell the Kans on...
More to the point, perhaps a valve amp isn't synergistic for Kans - I don't know your amp and can't comment, but I would wonder if valve amps had the 'PRaT' to do Kans justice...???
John
Posted on: 24 September 2001 by Alco
Hi there, Markus
At this very moment I'm driving my Kan-II's with a Nait-2 (so does Tony Lonorgan)
It's a very musical system and I never get the feelign that the Nait is running out of steam.
I do listen mostly at modest listening levels in a small room though...
I also heard a 72/140 driving my Kan's. It did open up the mids a little more,but I never got the feeling that the bass was more in control with the 140.
So,I will be using the Nait-2 with my Kans for a long time,I think. In theory in has to be a very bad combo but in real life it sounds superb.
(unless you have a big room and/or like to listen at high levels!)
Good luck.
Greetings,
Alco
Posted on: 25 September 2001 by kan man
Kans respond well to better amplification, just like they do to better sources. Any nait will work well provided you have a half decent source. Mine started life with a Rega p3 / nait1 and I was happy enough until I had enough cash to get an LP12. I didn't feel the need to upgrade again until a reasonably priced s/h snaps/42.5/250 came my way.
Steve
Posted on: 25 September 2001 by Markus
Paul and others,
Thanks for your input.
FYI the rest of the system is LP12/ittok/Dyna 10X4/72/hicap. The dynaco is currently driving a pair of ribbon hybrids that are a nominal 4 ohm load. The amp does fine 'til volumes get loud. Alas, I sold my 250 for family needs. Now I need a second pair of speakers I can connect when I don't want to listen in the main living room. Give the small size of my proposed listening room I think the Kans will do okay.
Interesting comment about the matchup of the various strengths and weaknesses of the kans with the tube amp.
Much appreciate all your input
