Question Linn Kan replacement?

[Morrisoff]

I have a pair of early 80s Linn Kan speakers and I was wondering if replacing them with a pair of modern budget small speakers such as Q Acoustic 3020i would be an upgrade? I’m a bit out of touch with hi-fi development but was wondering if improvements have been such that my Kans would be easily outperformed by a basic modern model. They still sound ok to me, but could always do with a bit more bass. Thanks

 

[Al ears]

I have a pair of early 80s Linn Kan speakers and I was wondering if replacing them with a pair of modern budget small speakers such as Q Acoustic 3020i would be an upgrade? I’m a bit out of touch with hi-fi development but was wondering if improvements have been such that my Kans would be easily outperformed by a basic modern model. They still sound ok to me, but could always do with a bit more bass. Thanks

Really the only way to determine if these will be an upgrade is for you to go and audition some.
Modern speakers do not necessarily, by design, sound better than old ones and a lot are system dependant.

 

[Integralista]

I have a pair of early 80s Linn Kan speakers and I was wondering if replacing them with a pair of modern budget small speakers such as Q Acoustic 3020i would be an upgrade? I’m a bit out of touch with hi-fi development but was wondering if improvements have been such that my Kans would be easily outperformed by a basic modern model. They still sound ok to me, but could always do with a bit more bass. Thanks

Hi QA 3020i are gentle sounding even polite. Bass is not a strong point here. Dali Oberon will be more asertive with more power in bass department. Or small Triangle Borea. I have used QA 3020 and sold them.

 

[daytona600]

Linn Kan copy of BBC LS3/5a Linn Nutters will pay silly prices for a badge £400-600 if in good condition

 

[Hifiman]

I have a pair of early 80s Linn Kan speakers and I was wondering if replacing them with a pair of modern budget small speakers such as Q Acoustic 3020i would be an upgrade? I’m a bit out of touch with hi-fi development but was wondering if improvements have been such that my Kans would be easily outperformed by a basic modern model. They still sound ok to me, but could always do with a bit more bass. Thanks

I have a feeling it will be a closer comparison than you might imagine. Unless you get a trial at home, it will be difficult to know if any changes you hear are due to the speakers or the other components used at your dealer. The Kans are small enough to transport fairly easily, so why not take them along?

 

[nopiano]

I have a pair of the QA3020i and agree with the description that they’re slightly mellow, and I find them easy to listen to. They are ideal with modest electronics, yet sound better on better kit too. But they are chalk and cheese contrast with Kans that are shouty and coloured, or exciting and upfront depending on your perspective.

If you think Kans are natural then I’ve no idea what to suggest. They could sound quite fun on a contemporary LP12 with Naim amps, as long as placed against the wall to extract some bass.

You definitely need to anything else first! Good luck.