Coincidentally, I was just able to try early Kans with an original Klimax Kontrol (plus Dynamik PSU upgrade) and current spec Klimax Twin. I think it’s a ‘no’ from me. Source is 80s Valhalla/Ittok LP12
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I have tried the Kan descendents-the Tukans, maxxed out with two different era TOTL Naim systems…
52/Snaxo/Supercap/4x135 active
552/500 passive.
Both fronted by a stellar example of a CDS1.
The benefits of the 500 system (soundstaging, tonal purity) are really not transmitted through the Tukans , while the active 135 system was absolutely compelling on certain tracks-sure it was colored, but it sailed through the toe-tapping test-and the precussive snap of the bass made up for the extra 2Hz in extension that the 500’s gave.
I would expect the Kan 1/2 to have similar results.
I did briefly own a pair of Kan1 when I had an A60 amp-which did not have the dynamic snap to outweight the immense coloration-so I quickly returned them to the dealer, and very happily returned to my Tangent RS4’s.
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That’s my also my experience ,Linn Kan,Kan II and Tukan needs to be driven active .
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Although I do tend to prote the Kan…they can sound good. However there is no doubt in my mind that they are very compromised…the cabinet design, diffraction, very poor crossover…etc. From my experiments what is a bit special is the B110…which despite its humble origins seems to voice really well… I am going back to when I built Kef kit speakers..and I remember testing the B110…the mid and upper bass sounded pretty darn good to me. Currently I am building an updated version…time will tell.
The original Kans used surplus LS 3/5a cabinets, yet the Rogers were not faulted for cabinet design. Although in retrospect having radiused corners may have improved the performance.
The cabinet design could be better the recessed and not radiused cabinet edge does no favours. Also the tweeter…could be positioned closer to the B110…giving better off axis response. The original LS35A was a very close mini monitor…so maybe this was not an issue. The proportions of the cabinet could be better…the front baffle could be narrower…etc etc. But having said all that they are good at what they do…the Kans being near a wall will never be good at image depth…
I was just about to suggest the OP try the QUAD 306.
Provided the main EL caps are on-spec, the QUAD 306 sounds superb driving most loudspeakers.
As others have commented, the KANS don’t need megawatts to sound wonderful…
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I am looking to get a Linn Kan I or II.
Would a NAP90 sufficient or to “weak” for the Kans
Hi,
From past experience,I would recommend a NAP 110/140 minimum - a 250 would be much better in my opinion/experience….
All the best,
Andy
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Good rhythm and light on its feet like a Nait but 110 is a better compromise. Certainly fine in the short term.
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Well many ran Nait 1/Kan back then.
Really depends on your room size and how loud you play.
In the 90’s I owned Kan, Kaber & Isobarik.
Usually driven by Nap250/72/HC, some time I used my spare Nait 2.
After a short “getting used to” period, it was ok.
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To complicate matters…
In the 1980s for a period I ran:
LP12, Nait 1, Kan 1…Fantastic
LP12 42, Snaps(then HiCap), 110 (then with the Naim modifications), Kan 1…okay
LP12, 42, 250, Kan 1…fantastic restored
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Nait1 Kans incredible. 32/160 Kans incredible. 32.5/Hi/250 Kans incredible. 82/Hi/250 incredible. That was easy.
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I am using 62/90 with Kan IIs and no extra PSU and find the system excellent.
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Twenty years ago I bought my son an LP 12, Ittok Dynavector 20L, Naim 32, Nap 120 and Linn Kans. sounded absolutely lovely and still does had the 120 service at the Factory and the 32 at Class A.
The LP 12 was set up by my friend the late Derek Jenkins R.I.P.
Regards,
Martin
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When I had Kans the sweet spot for me was 32.5/110. I thought the 250 did a tad too much for some reason, which the 135’s seemed to correct? Without going the full 52/135 route a 32.5 or 72/110 was really quite sublime.
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I recently tried another pairing mentioned in the original post, a Kairn/Klout. Very musical amps but sounded surprisingly poor with early and late Kan 1s. Same Valhalla/Ittok deck.
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Is it too late for asking you to adopt me?
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I’m still using my 32.5/hicap/250 but sadly the Kans are long gone. I often wonder if I should buy a new (second hand) pair. They worked great with the 42/110 which had to go for no other reason than the 32.5/hicap/250 was my aspirational target. I stopped aspiring when we had children and have never found it a problem since. The Kans are about nostalgia, for me. I expect I’d be disappointed. But then again …. My old ma had a saying, eyes greedier than belly. I got that under control over 30 years ago.
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