I am running Aktiv Ninkas, but in an all Linn system. Instead of daisy chaining the amps, I am running both amps (LK140) out of the preamp (Kolektor). I am using the Linn supplied PCs and ICs (black). The PCs are plugged into a PS Audio Juice Bar and then in their wall outlet.
When I went Aktiv, the first thing I noticed was more music at lower volumes (more information), better bass response and the tune was easier to follow. I had to reposition the speakers by pulling them further out from the wall and re-toeing them in. Prior to moving them away from the wall, the bass was too boomy and too much. I believe I moved them out an additional 5 inches or so. I can post the distances before and after, but it depends upon your room size and listening distance, obviously.
To your questions: 1. I did not notice the "too much information" as you describe. Again, I found there was more music at lower volumes, but when a band starts playing I dont find it drowns out the vocals.
2. I purchased my cards second hand, so I cannot comment on burn in. I am sure these cards have burn in like all other equipment is supposed to have, but I can not comment what might change as they burn in. I did find I needed to get used to the Aktiv sound. It was a change for the better IMO. It is a lot more detailed and showed a lot more faults in the recording of CDs. Some people have commented Aktiv can be fatiguing, but I dont find it so.
3. I have not really messed around with different ICs other than Linn black versus silver. I would recommend trying to split the signal at the preamp to see if that helps the problem. I remember reading in a different forum a discussion regarding which sounded better and the general consensus was using the additional outputs from the pre sounded better. I can switch mine over and report back if you would like.
Tim
When I went Aktiv, the first thing I noticed was more music at lower volumes (more information), better bass response and the tune was easier to follow. I had to reposition the speakers by pulling them further out from the wall and re-toeing them in. Prior to moving them away from the wall, the bass was too boomy and too much. I believe I moved them out an additional 5 inches or so. I can post the distances before and after, but it depends upon your room size and listening distance, obviously.
To your questions: 1. I did not notice the "too much information" as you describe. Again, I found there was more music at lower volumes, but when a band starts playing I dont find it drowns out the vocals.
2. I purchased my cards second hand, so I cannot comment on burn in. I am sure these cards have burn in like all other equipment is supposed to have, but I can not comment what might change as they burn in. I did find I needed to get used to the Aktiv sound. It was a change for the better IMO. It is a lot more detailed and showed a lot more faults in the recording of CDs. Some people have commented Aktiv can be fatiguing, but I dont find it so.
3. I have not really messed around with different ICs other than Linn black versus silver. I would recommend trying to split the signal at the preamp to see if that helps the problem. I remember reading in a different forum a discussion regarding which sounded better and the general consensus was using the additional outputs from the pre sounded better. I can switch mine over and report back if you would like.
Tim