ATC vs. Linn Speakers

[admin_exported]

I have been a Linnie for about 25 years and find myself increasingly disenchanted with my Aktiv Katans. I have an LP12 to current spec (Lingo2, Ittok LV2, and Adikt) and Majik separates (4100amp w/Dynamik, DS w/Dynamik and a Kontrol)... the equipment is great but after about 2 years of Aktiv Katans I'm not happy with the speakers. It's not the DS, table or preamp. My Naim Headline and Grados sound fantasic with the Linn gear, boat loads of detail and musical! I've been wondering if it's the Chakra technology of the amp as well that might be turning me off; it did sound much better once I dynamik'd the amp for what that's worth.

I just ordered a set of ATC SMC 11s that I am going to play with and see if the ATCs might sound better passive on the 4100 biamped; I really purchased them for another room, but am just not pleased with the Katans and will be tinkering. Not any great dealers that I can audition the equipment at properly near where I live other than a Naim dealer and I'm not interested in any of their speaker brands.

Does anyone have any thoughts about ATC vs. Linn Speakers in general? The sound of Chakra amps?

I loved my Kan IIs for about 17 years... can't say sonically the Katans cut it for me. I'm in a room about 12ft by 15ft and the Katans are mounted on the wall due to children. So positioning plays in as well.

Thoughts or suggestions on speakers for my gear? Thanks in advance. Jeff

 

[Frank Harvey]

Hi Jeff

I'm not familiar with the Linn set up you have, but I have heard active Linn set ups before (Kabers/Keilidhs etc). As good as the ATC's are, they shouldn't be able to match the sort of dynamics and detail that the active Katans should be capable of. Are floorstanding speakers an option? I'd highly recommend the Kabers and Keilidhs in an active system, which you should be able to pick up for quite a good price.

Matching non Linn speakers to their systems can be a nightmare, likewise matching Linn speakers to other electronics, so it's usually best to stick with an all Linn system to get the full benefit of their strengths.