quote:
just a couple of minutes ago I read a review on internet about the new Linn Kan-3. The owner was very enthousiastic about the Kan-3 partnered with his old Nait-2.
The Kan 3 is a totally different design to the Kan I and II.
The Kan I and II were a small infinite baffle speaker originally designed around the LS3/5A cabinet and bass driver, but with a different tweeter and crossover and optimised for wall proximity use. The Tukan was a rear ported speaker that was introduced by Linn to replace the Kan II, the Tukan was easier to build, easier to drive, and had a lower price point than the Kan II. The Tukan has just been discontinued, and replaced by the larger Katan. The Kan 3 is effectively a cut down Tukan at a lower price point.
The Tukan really is a great little speaker, the Kan I or II is a truly fabulous but slightly flawed speaker, hence its cult following. What the Kan does right (pace, rhythm, timing, pitch = music) virtually every other speaker screws up by comparison, but it is also ruthless in revealing the tiniest thing wrong upstream, does not go very loud, needs an expensive amp, and does not have the smoothest frequency response. In a mid range system the Tukan will definitely be more forgiving. In a better system I would definitely prefer a Kan I or II (I prefer the Mk II).
I have never heard the Kan 3 for myself, though have heard good things about it. The compromises are similar to the Mk I Intro, in that it has a cheap vinyl wrap finish, and I think lower grade drivers compared to its more expensive sibling. I bet it is a great little speaker, but it will have some serious competition from Royd.
Tony.
