Kan Stands

Posted by: Ade Archer on 13 May 2002

I've had a pair of Kans for approx 10 years, which I haven't been using for the last 3-4 years. Thing is, I was be interested in seeing how they sound in my current system, which has been upgraded substantially since the Kans were used, but I don't have any stands for them. I plugged them in briefly for a quick listen, and actually thought they sounded pretty good, even just plonked down.
Can anyone advise what stands are best for them. I assume it's Linn's own, but since there are several versions of Kans, I assume there are different versions of Kan stands, and also where I might get a pair of stands, preferably second-hand or ex-dem.

Cheers
Ade

Posted on: 14 May 2002 by Andrew Randle

Kan II stands haven't changed. They're still available from Linn.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Currently in the "Linn Binn"

Posted on: 14 May 2002 by Bosh

"Kan II stands haven't changed. They're still available from Linn"

And a snip at £160!!

Posted on: 14 May 2002 by Ade Archer

Thanks all. I'll keep my eyes open for a pair of Kan II stands then.

Cheers
Ade

Posted on: 14 May 2002 by davewarehouse

£160 for kan stands!!??
A secondhand pair should sell for around £30ish, truth be told. Kan 1 stands are not as rigid but the difference is not that huge. Also consider Linn index stands, probably available at a fraction of the cost...or try Atacama SE18s or 24s.

Posted on: 14 May 2002 by Andrew Randle

Don't consider other stands for the Kans (except for the cheap Sound Organisation Kan stands).

They are designed for light frame-stands. Atacamas won't suit, and Index stands definitely won't suit (also the top-plate is not the right dimensions).

Andrew

Andrew Randle
Currently in the "Linn Binn"

Posted on: 16 May 2002 by Alco

I never thought light or heavy stands would make that big a difference under Kan's,but as Andrew mentioned,an I experienced before....
they absolutely do sound best on the dedicated Kan stands!
(At this moment I got 'em on my Sonus Faber wood/steel adjustable stands)

The mids open up,and bass is getting tighter and faster when placed on Kan stands.

btw: my new Kan stands were ordered only 2 days ago,and this morning i got a call... They already arrived at the store! (that's quick

)

greetings from a sunny Holland,
Alco

Posted on: 16 May 2002 by Craig B

Andrew Randle said...

quote:
Don't consider other stands for the Kans (except for the cheap Sound Organisation Kan stands)...

If Andrew was referring to the original Sound Org High Stand then IME they are an excellent alternative to Kan II stands. The current single retangular pillar with T-shaped base SO models are not at all Kan worthy by comparison.

I once had the chance to directly compare the SO High Stand to the Kan I and II stands.

The dealer was very keen on stand design which was then a relatively new field over here in the colonies. The stands were carefully setup in pre-marked positions on the demo room floor. I remember being awestruck by the care in which he took in making sure that they were sitting squarely in the same spike holes that they were originally setup in. It was the first time that I recall being truly impressed by a dealer.

Using LP12/Ittok LVII/Supex/SOT into Naim boxes the Kan II stands proved to be noticeably better sounding than the I, particularly in the areas of bass precision and speed. The SO was similarly better sounding than the Kan I stand but not much, if any, difference was noted between it and the II.

Interestingly the dealer went on to demonstrate that the Kan I stand could dramatically outperform the II were the bolts not done up sufficiently tight with even torque all round on the later model. He cranked them seriously tight using a box end spanner as an extension to the hex key which ended up twisted by the time he had finished.

Sadly he has since lost most of his hearing and along with it, his interest in hi-fi.

I have listened to a lot of Kans since then and I would not consider using them on anything other than Kan II or SO High stands with the possible exception of SO wall brackets which I haven't heard setup at a reasonable height.

Consider them as part of the speaker system.

Craig

Posted on: 16 May 2002 by Chris Dolan

Kan II stands - no contest.

With top spikes tho' - they originally had flat tops and the speakers had sqidgy rubber feet!!

I think mine cost about 50 quid circa '84, with the top spikes added about a year later for 8 quid.

Chris

Posted on: 18 May 2002 by Alco

quote:
Kan II stands - no contest!

Absolutely. My thoughts exactly!

I just received my new Kan stands two hours ago!
It took me about 15 minutes to assemble 'em.
(a lot easier than most Target stands I've owned)

My Kan's stood on some (very) expensive SF stands for about 1,5 week,but the Kan stands is an absolute must to get the best out of 'em.

The Kan-II stands open up the mids and makes the low end much tighter and faster,imo.

So,finally I'm enjoying, one of the most musical (s/h) bargains ever, again.

regards,
Alco

btw:maybe hard to believe, but I must confess...My Kan's even sound pretty good on my old Cyrus III amp!