Speakers don't have a sound unless they are connected to a stereo. And then, if they are any good, the stereo will be a big factor in how they sound. Not to mention that the listener's brain plays just as big a role. So, there is no good answer to your question. |
I've never heard Linn speakers so I can't comment on the original question. But seriously Aball, speakers won't "make" a sound until hooked to an amp but they do "have" a sound. Also, while the source/amp will be a factor, it won't be a big factor. Lastly, a listeners brain will not affect the sonic characteristics of the speaker at all. |
Yes, I've heard these at a Linn retailer in Charlotte, and I thought they sounded good hooked up to an all Linn system. They were dynamic and a wee bit lean in the bass/mid-bass, but nice. And they are a nice size -- medium -- and don't dominate a room. I remember reading a review of these somewhere (The Absolute Sound maybe). I'd check it out to get a general idea of their capabilities and general sound. |
Its been quite a while since I listened to these speakers. As I remember they were pleasant. I think Bojack's comments are pretty close to what I remember. They aren't boom boxes..in the right room I suspect they might work out nicely. Definitely not a syrupy sounding speaker. |
Nice speakers, especially for the price they are available for on the used market. I find them quite attractive as well. There are many other options in this price range to audition, however.
The Ninkas really come into their own if you spend the money to make them active. I heard them the other day active with a Linn Chakra 6100 amp, and they sounded better than any speaker this price has a right to. Passive, the are good, but nothing like they are active. |
I used to sell them. We nicknamed them the Stinka if that gives you any idea... |
I owned them several years ago and I listened to alot of speakers in their price range before deciding on them. The final list was the Ninkas, PMC FB-1, and JMLabs Cobalt(can't remember which). Tough choice but considering price aesthetics and above all sound, the Ninkas won. They were very clean, and neutral sounding (as I remember) and the fact that they aren't ported means they have less of a problem with close-wall placement. I eventually added a second linn amp and made them active and it was like having a new speaker. It really opened them up. I don't know if the earlier comments about a "wee bit lean in the bass/mid-bass" was with them active or not but this was the most noticeable area of change after going active. If this is your budget they really are good sounding, well balanced speakers with great build quality and finish. |
Timrhu - Your brain has an automatic impact if you voice an opinion about a speaker's sound. How else do you know what you think is sound? Why is there more than one brand of speakers in the world? Because everyone's opinion is different, because their childhood and life experiences impact their impressions, and so we all interpret things differently.
The lastest issue of Stereophile has a great opening editorial by John Atkinson that pertains to my comments very nicely. Check it out.
However, I agree that there can be an "average" consensus about a speaker's type of sound but the subjective reply can't be much more than dynamic/lean vs. smooth/full. |
Aball, what would this forum be without opinions on how equipment sounds? I've seen three paragraph descriptions on the sound of an aftermarket power cord here.
BTW I read the editorial this morning while on the toilet. |
"I used to sell them. We nicknamed them the Stinka if that gives you any idea..."
This is way off base. I agree that run passively they might not be my first choice, but they are certainly a reasonable one. And when run actively, if you think they stinka, I think you can't heara. |
Tim, I am just saying lots of context is necessary.
Funny enough, I read the editorial while on the toilet too. |
Well fellas... these are quite er ..interesting and enlighting comments. I am so glad I asked this question in the first place. I did a small amount of research and it seems that to buy this speaker and the associated LINN gear
to appreciate them active would fall outside of my budget.
But I sure get entertained.. (I mean educated) by all the
wise audiophiles here at the forum.
THANKS |
