To Pre Or Not To Pre And Aktiv Or Passive 212s

[Gonzo]

I've been threatening an upgrade of my kit for a while but hadn't got round to demoing any new items, system as per signature. I was toying with the idea of trying my KDS/1 with amps and speakers from different manufacturers than Linn but then concluded that I do rather like the 212s and they are highly suitable for my living room and ongoing marital status (I was thinking of electostatics for example but that wasn't going to happen although I did test the water by showing Mrs. S a picture!). I decided to focus on the amp side of things and realised it could be a good deal cheaper if I didn't have to buy a pre as well.

Experiment 1. Use the KDS/1 straight into the 6100s using its own volume control. My view was it sounded better than with the Akurate Kontrol - a bit more detailed so that was a good start.

Experiment 2. What would the A212s sound like driven passively with a Klimax twin and the KDS/1 driving the twin with no Pre. (Bear in mind that I have been known to say in this forum that I don't think the 212s sound that great when used passively). I borrowed a twin from my dealer. Result - a real step change from the previous set up, altogether a more detailed, musical and involving experience. The last time I heard 212s passivley it was with 100 and then Akurate series amps I must admit.

The problem is of course that I've now experienced the twin so don't want to go back to what I had before. I now have an order in for a Klimax twin due to be delivered imminently. I'm going to upgrade my system in my second location (see signature), to Renew DS, Akurate Kontrol and bi amped Tukans for the moment which should give it a bit of an uplift from the old Majik i amp. I am going to attempt to recoup some of the upgrade costs by selling the other 6100 and the Ekwal. Perhaps the KDS/1 , Twin, 212 system would sound even better with a KK but frankly I'm not sure I want to know about that at the moment - my wallet can only stand so much abuse at one time!! My current moto of "More Pounds = More Sounds" would appear to be correct.

G

[rowlandhills]

If you prefer the DS direct into the amp, why bother to keep the AK in the second system? Is it used for TV or other sources, or is it just that you think the KDS/1 has a more musical volume control than the KDS/0 aka RenewDS?

[Gonzo]

(2012-04-08 19:46)rowlandhills Wrote:  If you prefer the DS direct into the amp, why bother to keep the AK in the second system? Is it used for TV or other sources, or is it just that you think the KDS/1 has a more musical volume control than the KDS/0 aka RenewDS?

Hi,

Yes I am running the TV and a bluray player into the system in the second case. And I do still use the Kremlin with that set up as well. I suppose I could relent and sell the AK and Kremlin as well. I understand the AK is becoming more sought after in the second hand market. I could then just use the telly and Bluray together. Wouldn't it be nice and easy if Linn produced a cost effective box that allowed you to put analogue and digital sources on the network. I seem to remember we have discussed this before!

G