In terms of the sonic balance, rather than musicality, what’s the best sound you’ve heard from passive Kans / Kan IIs?
Also, I wonder if the best match is an amp that has a mix of power and body (like Naim 32/SNAPS/250, JF Exposure pre/power, Linn Kairn/Klout) rather than something with more control that also extracts deeper bass (like 552/552PS/550DR, 52/SC/135s, Klimax Kontrol/Solos)? After all, what can Kans do with that deeper bass kick anyway - won’t they just sound leaner?
I have fond memories of Exposure XI, XII, Super VIII when I worked in retail in the early 90s, with Kan IIs. I have never heard them with Naim.
My Exposure X was also more than passable.
Locking at your profile, your system is already up to the job, you can also try with 42/62 Hicap/250.
500 system seems a bit OTT for kans, however if money is no object, It’ s probably the best you can use with them.
It’s more hypothetical for me now (and very interesting) but might help another member currently trying various Naim amps.
For years i used 72/HC/140 with Kan2
My wife’s system has a Meridian 101/103D driving Mk.1 Kans.
Absolutely a CB NAP 250. The best balanced by far, albeit not the best musically. 2nd place a Nap 160 bolt down or extruded case.
Audio Vois V21/V210…
I remember these well. Like a Naim 42/110 of the time, but from memory a bit smoother and softer. Designed by ex Naim guy so the story went.
I was very happy with my 42/110 driving my Linn Kan speakers, I suspect though that your 12/160 would be a step up. Maybe see if you can borrow an early 250 to see which you prefer.
Did you ever hear them with a 52 or 135s? If so, do they become too lean?
I’m asking for someone else really, although very interested in the answer 
I gave up with Kans in the end 
So wonderful - so compromised
Although I still own two pairs and plan to keep one pair, perhaps for a little sideboard system one day.
I once demonstrated to a friend a Nait 2 against his 52/135s with Kan 1. To his surprise, and my amusement there were aspects of the Nait combo we both preferred. I mention this as it is similar to the differences detailed below.
On another occasion i remember vividly a demonstration back at the Sound Organisation in Cathedral Street, London, of a Linn/Ittok/Asak ‘T’, 32/Snaps/250, Kans (my system) against the same but 135s. The track tested was the old classic of the day, Owner of a lonely heart by Yes. In absolute terms the 135s were far more controlled and held things together much better on the crazy crescendo part of the track. I personally felt however that a certain warmth and fruitiness or fat bass was missing compared to the 250.
The best i’ve ever heard Kans was back at my old friend Chris Thomas (Hifi journalist and downright brilliant guy allround) in his dealership, Chris Thomas Audio in around 1985. His shop was in a basement of another shop, solid floors, walls and ceiling. Kans were mounted on Linn Sara stands (in his view far better sounding) and without spikes at the top. Instead he swore by small steel nuts with a tiny layer of blue tack between stand/nut/speaker. All connected to an LP12/Ittok/Asak’T’/32/Hicap/250. The amount of controlled tuneful bass he managed to get out of Kans in that room was ridiculous. I have heard Isobariks produce less.
Thanks for sharing.
That’s what I wondered, ref using something like 135s.
I have also heard good things from @juliushui about unspiking the stands for fuller bass - I think he’s using cork.
What made a difference to my Kans (CB 32.5/hicap/250) was toilet roll inners cut to size to put between speaker and wall. The Kans were rock solid on their Kan stands. I miss my Kans.
For me a 72/110 was nice. A 250 was too controlled and a bit lumpy. Best by some margin was substituting the 250 with 135’s. Magical!
‘Best’ might vary with source - most recollections seem to be Linn/Linn/Linn though… I was running PT/Grace/Supex.
It’s probably overkill but I’m currently using the NAP 500DR with Linn Kans. They work so well together
Yes 135’s (+52) with Kan II’s was the best I’ve heard them, far better than a 250 for me & the rest of the audience listening.
And probably even better still on their dedicated stands and up against a solid wall!
