Kan I ask a question?
Posted by: i am simon 2 on 13 August 2002
Linn Kans
I have recently been reading a number of posts about these little speakers.
I have looked back through the forum and also looked at peoples profiles.
The number of people using thes speakers on the end of quite serious systems suggests to me that they might be what I am looking for.
I have been ppondering a loudspeaker upgrade for some time and have thought about auditioning a few.
One of the things I am after is a little more real base, as my Ruark Epilouges do lack a bit of this, but I also need a fast mid range. I always assumed I would have to look for a floorstander like s/h rega alaes or similar, but the fact that people seem to put thousands of pounds worth of source and amplification into them would suggest that they do everything well.
I would be interested to hear peoples thoughts on this cult standmount.
My profile will show you the rest of my kit.
Simon
I have recently been reading a number of posts about these little speakers.
I have looked back through the forum and also looked at peoples profiles.
The number of people using thes speakers on the end of quite serious systems suggests to me that they might be what I am looking for.
I have been ppondering a loudspeaker upgrade for some time and have thought about auditioning a few.
One of the things I am after is a little more real base, as my Ruark Epilouges do lack a bit of this, but I also need a fast mid range. I always assumed I would have to look for a floorstander like s/h rega alaes or similar, but the fact that people seem to put thousands of pounds worth of source and amplification into them would suggest that they do everything well.
I would be interested to hear peoples thoughts on this cult standmount.
My profile will show you the rest of my kit.
Simon
quote:
IMO your sources aren't up to Kans.
Which neatly solves that little dilemma.
What's wrong with Richard's source ?
According to his profile he uses a CDX.
I also use a CDX and with good recordings, in a small, well furnished (no laminate
) room they sound wonderful! Very expressive,fast,open and detailed and ok, they're very unforgivable and perhaps a little forward, but imho they're not agressive and only (can) become shouty when played at loud volume. (althought that might also be my Kan/Nait match)I can imagine people not liking Kan's though.
They're pigs to drive, are mercyless to setup and sources, look horrible/boring (especially in black), don't give deep powerful bass (compared to most 'round-earth' reflex designs,that is!) and they have no 3D soundstage.
But, there's also something special about these little Kan's that I can't really explain. And that's the same reason I still have 'em!
I also heard some Royd 'Eden's on my Nait2 lately, which I must confess, liked better then the Kans.
Only downside was: They're even more ugly and my dealer asked a ridiculous 815,- UKP for 'em!
Greetings,
Alco
Kans are the epitome of flat earth in many respects. They don't do very much of the 'HiFi' stuff at all, but present music in a manner that is rythmic, tight, punchy, fast and ultimately addictive, if you like what they do and don't want imaging, soundstage, deep (real) bass etc.
I immediately loved what they did when I bought them new, some 10 years ago, and I've only just changed them for IBL's, which are a bit of a Super-Kan in many regards, and have equally polarised love/hate relationships amongst those that have heard them.
Kans communicate well the musicians emotional intentions, but are less good at conveying the producers intentions. Frankly providing I can hear the former, I care little for the latter
They can be enjoyed with good modest amps (Nait1 being minimum spec), but benefit inordinately from better amps, all the way through to 250's and above.
They also produce remarkably clean bass, with little overhang (although the move to IBL's has made me realise they do have limitations in this area) which to many is too lean for their taste, but to me is accurate and communicative.
The area where they are most lacking compared to many modern designs is the top end, the tweeters are long in the tooth, and lacking subtlety. For this reason any lack of control in this area due to source / drive limitations will be glaringly highlighted. They are not forgiving, and need LP12 / CDX source levels IMO.
Overall they are fun with a capital 'F', and there is little, if anything currently available on the market that fulfils the criteria that made them the perfect speaker for my system, through 10 years of upgrades and listening. I need a speaker that works within an inch or two of the wall, is compact, doesn't produce prodigious amounts of neighbour annoying bass, yet dissapears musically, allowing me to enjoy what's on my records.
I can't think of a single replacement that meets all those criteria and is still available to buy new.
I agree with others though Simon, that your sources are not up to Kans, and there may be other speakers that reveal the information missing from your current ones, but that don't highlight the deficencies.
A word of warning - don't confuse quantity with quality, especially at the bass end. It's always amazed me how much more 'apparent' bass comes from significant upgrades, but that in reality it's always a quality improvement, not a quantity one.
The former leads to long term enjoyment, the latter to a lonely path, lacking in musical enjoyment. I've been there, it's not nice
Andy.
I immediately loved what they did when I bought them new, some 10 years ago, and I've only just changed them for IBL's, which are a bit of a Super-Kan in many regards, and have equally polarised love/hate relationships amongst those that have heard them.
Kans communicate well the musicians emotional intentions, but are less good at conveying the producers intentions. Frankly providing I can hear the former, I care little for the latter
They can be enjoyed with good modest amps (Nait1 being minimum spec), but benefit inordinately from better amps, all the way through to 250's and above.
They also produce remarkably clean bass, with little overhang (although the move to IBL's has made me realise they do have limitations in this area) which to many is too lean for their taste, but to me is accurate and communicative.
The area where they are most lacking compared to many modern designs is the top end, the tweeters are long in the tooth, and lacking subtlety. For this reason any lack of control in this area due to source / drive limitations will be glaringly highlighted. They are not forgiving, and need LP12 / CDX source levels IMO.
Overall they are fun with a capital 'F', and there is little, if anything currently available on the market that fulfils the criteria that made them the perfect speaker for my system, through 10 years of upgrades and listening. I need a speaker that works within an inch or two of the wall, is compact, doesn't produce prodigious amounts of neighbour annoying bass, yet dissapears musically, allowing me to enjoy what's on my records.
I can't think of a single replacement that meets all those criteria and is still available to buy new.
I agree with others though Simon, that your sources are not up to Kans, and there may be other speakers that reveal the information missing from your current ones, but that don't highlight the deficencies.
A word of warning - don't confuse quantity with quality, especially at the bass end. It's always amazed me how much more 'apparent' bass comes from significant upgrades, but that in reality it's always a quality improvement, not a quantity one.
The former leads to long term enjoyment, the latter to a lonely path, lacking in musical enjoyment. I've been there, it's not nice
Andy.
quote:
I believe simon should be looking else where, is all I am saying, if for no other reason than the fact that the things are ugly and old.
Old? Maybe.
Ugly? Definitely not.
Back to Simon’s original question; I wouldn’t be changing speakers at this stage, start chipping away at the source first, there is far more to gain at this end.
For the record: Kans can sound decent with quite modest sources; my Rotel 965 sounds fine, though it has to be said that my LP12 sounds bloody amazing… You get out what you put in. Simple as that.
Tony.
Old ? Maybe.
Ugly ? Definitely! (again imho)
Surely, the color and quality of Tony's Kan's veneer is very nice, but imo Kan's still look like a cheap outdated speaker to me. (especially in black) (same goes for the Kan stands,imho!)
If they had to stand free in the room, away from backwalls, I'd never even choose Kan's. With their back to the wall, their appearance is less ugly.
Purely based on looks I find the Proac Tablette 50 a much better looking speaker.
(to name a more or less similar priced product)
But... Just like you Tony, I do believe that Kan's are very special,musical. Far more so then there price would make one believe.
That's why I still can't let 'em go...
Greetings,
Alco
Ugly ? Definitely! (again imho)
Surely, the color and quality of Tony's Kan's veneer is very nice, but imo Kan's still look like a cheap outdated speaker to me. (especially in black) (same goes for the Kan stands,imho!)
If they had to stand free in the room, away from backwalls, I'd never even choose Kan's. With their back to the wall, their appearance is less ugly.
Purely based on looks I find the Proac Tablette 50 a much better looking speaker.
(to name a more or less similar priced product)
But... Just like you Tony, I do believe that Kan's are very special,musical. Far more so then there price would make one believe.
That's why I still can't let 'em go...
Greetings,
Alco
quote:
According to you people this is not enough for a cheap vinyl wrapped box speaker, you know the kind of which you will find in any richer sounds up and down the country.
Have you sorted your shouty system now then Gary
It's a question of balance, you can always produce acceptable sounds from 'mullet' style systems, but they are not a route to musical happiness, as witnessed by the fact you are no longer using such a setup yourself.
Why do you have such a problem with the fact that a revealing ancillary is more likely to highlight what it is being fed with, and that if that feed is in any way sub-standard it is likely to be highlighted?
It's so darned obvious, yet you seem to delight in railing against those that take time and care over their systems.
I do hope that your lack of concern over your system is not reflected in your skills in the kitchen. Surely the same argument applies - it doesn't matter what the presentation, plates or cutlery are like if the ingredients you use are in any way sub-standard.
The fact that I used Kans for 10 years without any desire to change was solely due to the fact I have an LP12, it's taken me almost that time to be able to afford a CD player that's capable of being played thorugh them and sounding acceptable.
Puzzled of Sevenoaks.
A.