JimmyBlues

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $325.00 from Ebay

Summary:
I recently (as a matter of fact I wrote the post below this one) posted in regard to my Linn Kan V's and how much I enjoyed them; as well as how there was much hype made over the earlier Linn Kan speakers, which many Kan owners recommended over -- as they put it -- the lowly Linn Kan V.

Having recently taken possession of a pair of black Linn Kan I's, I believe that the comments I made in my earlier post regarding the later Kan V, are even more prevalent now.

Upon reflection, the Kan I is a very articulate speaker, however, lacking the bass of the later Kan V. The sonic signature of both speakers, even though they have completely different drivers, is very similar, throwing a wide side stage which belies their diminutive size.

The Kan I's are also less efficient, meaning that your amplifier must work harder to achieve the same sound levels with the I, as it would with the V's.

However, the build quailty of the I is clearly superior, being made out of plywood with a quality veneer finish, instead of the chipboard and veneer covering of the later Kan V.

All in all, these are both superb litte monitors, and musical as all get out when matched with good a quaility source and amplification.

As to which is better, the truth is that they balance one another, given the latter's greater efficiency, and the earlier Kan's superior build quality.

I must also say that as a former owner of two very nice pairs of Rogers LS 3/5A's, that I am surprised that mint pairs of the earlier Kans are selling for a fraction of what excellent examples of the LS 3/5's -- circa the 1980's -- have been selling for on Ebay. Especially since the two were nearly identical in price when sold from new during that period.

In this respect the earlier Kans represent a fantastic value for the savvy audio enthusiast, who for his dollar gets a speaker that plays much louder than an LS3/5A, throws a much larger sound stage, produces better bass, and nearly equals the Rogers arfticulate and transparent midrange.

The Linn Kans, in all of their iterations, continue to be a wonderful sounding near field monitor, and a fantastic value for the penurious audio enthusiast.

Strengths:
sound and build quality; tremendous value on the used market

Weaknesses:
The reliability of 20 something year old drivers is dependent upon who owned these speakers before you got a hold of them. For example, how hard were they were driven, and how good were the amplifiers being used to drive them.

In a positive situation these Kan's are ready for many more years of faithful service. However, if in fact these speakers were abused, then they may require an expensive overhaul -- that is provided that you can find replacement drivers for them.

Similar Products Used:
Roigers LS 3/5A 15 ohm, 11 ohm, Harbeth HL-P3 ES, Linn Kan V, Creek CLS 10

JimmyBlues

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $500.00 from NY Audiophile Store

Summary:
Since its inception some 20 plus years ago, the Linn Kan has been manufactuered in at least five different versions, not the least of which is the Kan V.

The Kan V is a terrific little speaker with most if not all of the virtues of the earlier
Kan 1 and II, except that it incorporates Linn's later and more efficient drivers, and is built more to a price point.

Obviously, it would be impossible to sell the Linn Kan for $500 in 2002 (when I purchased mine), when they cose that much in 1986, without making some compromises.

The Kan V is built from chipboard, instead of the plywood that earlier Kan's were made from, and then covered with real wood veneers like cherry, oak, walnut and teak.

However, it easily competes soundwise with the earlier and much less efficient speakers, so that low powered quality amplifiers can drive them quite nicely, and to a surprisingly loud volume

My Kan V's work extremely well with my low power tube amplifiers, which include
Quicksilver Mini Mite 25 wpc monoblocks, and Antique Sound Lab Wave AV 25 mono's. The warmth and articulate nature of these amplifiers absolutely makes the Kan V's sing. And there is little doubt that these amplifiers would not work nearly as well with the less efficient Kan 1 and Kan II's, which would probably clip these amplifiers when attempting to gain any appreciable volume levels.

The difference between the earlier Kan's 83db@1wpc volume level and the Kan V's 88db@1wpc volume level is demonstrable.

Don't be fooled by the cult hyperbole of the earlier Kans' since the Kan V is just as a good, much less expensive, and far more efficent to run.

Strengths:
Excellent midrange and bass. Sounds equally as good with classical, jazz and rock. And as long as it's paired with an excellent source and amplification, the Kan V will bring years of musical enjoyment to both casual and serious listeners alike.

Weaknesses:
At $500 for the pair, none

Similar Products Used:
Rogers LS3/5A -- 15 and 11 Ohm versions, Harbeth HL-P3ES

Nico

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $550.00

Summary:
Yes, there better (Linn) -speakers, I thing Linn Katan is more refinded in the bass area, but it's cost twice as much. However this is very good value for the money, (550 €). I used B&W CDM 1NT, and the B&W has more detail and clarity in the mid but the high wasn't as smooth. This speaker sounds a little husky but that's not a weakness for me. The soundstage is also larger than my Dynaudio Audience 40, and with good electronics ( I use an LFD Mistral amp and Rotel CD-player) the Linn wins. You don't need a sub with this one, bass is more heavy than my Dynaudio's and much more than the B&W's.

Strengths:
smooth highs, good bass descrimination, a very musical speaker

Weaknesses:
bass could be more refinded a little bit coloration

Similar Products Used:
B&W CDM 1NT, Dynaudio Audience 40, Mission 732, B&W 601

Price Paid:  $500.00 from Linn dealer

Summary:
Well, I've owned my Linn Kans (I) for 16 years and thought that things must have moved on in that timeline - decided to go "brass in pocket" to audition some speakers. Firstly though, decided that my 7 year old 2-box Meridian CD/DAC was probably still pukka and capable and my Linn pre/power combo (7 years old)was probably still up to the job too.
Cutting the story short after several fruitless attempts by a couple of HiFi dealers to take some money off me (including a Linn dealer)I've kept my brass in my pocket. In short I've not heard ANYTHING under £1000 which has the clarity, punch and presence of these speakers, I've re-learned something that I'd almost forgotten ie why I'd bought them in the first place! They do require caution when it comes to partnering with other equipment though, use substandard Naim NAIT amplification and you have the clarity of the Linn pre/power but you lose the slam and punchiness of the bass (see earlier report in this series)- let's get this clear though bass should be "tight" in nature not remotely boomy and the Kans certainly deliver in this respect. The Linn Kans are still a remarkable product 12 years on.

Strengths:
Clarity, punchiness of bass when coupled to Linn amplification.

Weaknesses:
None. Component partnering is however, crucial. As is good cabling.

Similar Products Used:
Various creations designed to extract me of a few hundred pounds!!

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Hi fi shop Tonbridge kent

Summary:
I have owned the Kans (Mk 1) for about 15 years. The speakers are beautifully made in a walnut veneer. They are on their original stands which I will change now having heard what the latest sets can do. Recently I thought of upgrading to floor standing speakers. I listened to various models up to £1200. They were very good of course but I soon realised that I didn't need to change my speakers; I have instead upgraded the amp from an Arcam Delta 60 to Naim 72/140. The Kans are a truly remarkable product. They have been through several changes since I bought my pair. I haven't heard the latest models but I auditioned the Naims on a Mrk 1 pair the store had lying around. What they can achieve makes you realise that a really good pair of stand mounted speakers, like Kans, can outstrip very many floor standing speakers. What you want in speakers is detail and realism but - you also want clout when needed. I think most people upgrade to floorstanders in search of the latter but in doing so often lose the former. To really get both you have to spend a small fortune. Naturally, with Kans you don't get the bass - it's physically impossible - but you would be really surprised just how much bass you do get - however - the important thing is that you get enough for the illusion to be complete (which is all it is of course when it comes to sound pressure levels and so on). The sheer physicality of Kans when well amped is extraordinary - there really are sounds hanging in the air. In a smallish listening area the Kans are very hard to beat - if you can't afford a new pair then hunt down a second hand set - throw on something like Jesse Norman singing the Strauss "Four Last Songs" and sit back. I am as addicted as modt of you people to improving my system - but unles I inherit some serious money I shall stick with the Kans for a good time yet - after 15 years I think they are nicely warmed up.

Strengths:
Dynamics, speed, detail, midrange, vocals, imaging

Weaknesses:
bass

Similar Products Used:
have had different speakers at various times