Linn's Ninka speaker: Anyone heard it??

I have heard the Ninka's on an all Linn system and was surprised by the muddiness of sound (was playing Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Outbound). Many of the instruments got lost or couldn't hear them. They were much better, though, than the Vienna Acoustics Beethovens on the same system with the same CD (wooly and very thumpy). It may have been the way the speakers were setup, etc.

The fit and finish is amazing on the Linn speakers.

I would look at the JMLabs Cobalt 816's, Acoustic Energy AE 309,s, and possibly the new Monitor Audio Silver S8. All bring something different to the table.

Dave

I helped a friend buy a pair of used Ninkas for use with a Linn Classik and have listened to them quite a bit. They're very easy to listen to and absolutely beautiful to look at. She's thrilled.

I'd agree completely with Soix's observations about where the Linns fall on the issue of PRaT vs. imaging and soundstage. Given that the speakers I can afford require some compromise, my personal preference is on the side of transparency and imaging. I've got Proacs and like them better than the Ninkas but that perference doesn't tell you anything about whether you'd like them.

A few months ago a friend and I spent a couple of days shopping for speakers for him. We listened to Linn, Vienna Acoustic, Sonus Faber, Monitor Audio, Dynaudio, B&W, Roark, Martin Logan, and probably some others I can't remember. It soon became clear that his preference was for the 'Linn' sound. Listening to my Proacs at home the second evening he remarked that my speakers sounded 'thin' to him. I tried not to be offended because after all the audiotioning I did understand what he was saying. I like my speakers 'thin' and he likes them 'thick.'

I have to agree with Botrytis about the muddiness of the Ninkas. A real disappointment. That being said, I have by and large been less than overwhelmed with Linn equipment. Linn and B&W are, in my opinionated but pretty experienced view, two of the most overrated names in audio.

will

You forgot Bose, Will!

bishopwill I dont disagree but name me a brand that isnt overrated or overvauled for that matter. I think the point in audio is getting the sound you are listening for a price you can live with it.