linn speaker ninka- active vs passive

James,

I'd go Aktiv, as Linn spells it. If you would like an all Linn Aktiv system there is one currently for sale here for $2500. It's a Keilidh/three LK100 Aktiv setup. I have this same system with a good tube preamp and it's killer for the money. Flat to 40 cycles. Many people prefer the Keilidh's to the Ninka's. I have no compelling reason to upgrade. I have no affiliation with the seller. I just thought I'd point out a pretty good buy assuming all the cables and interconnects are included. The same amps/Aktiv crossovers are used with the Ninka's if you'd like to upgrade the speakers later.

I must agree, at least partially with Lugnut. Linn is onto something with the active systems, they are cumbersome, and difficult to rewire and move…should you need to, but the sound quality is there.

I run the 5140B’s for fronts and surrounds, and a 5120B for center, as well as a 5150 sub. FWIW I have always found them (5140’s) to have much better bass than the Ninka’s, which seemed to me to be a step down in the line. I am not sure if you need 2 or 3 amps to go active with the Ninkas, but would be inclined to go with the extra amp and buy the 5140b’s, or even the older 5140’s (difference is newer tweeter and better reinforcement of the case). As far as the Kelidhs, they are OK, but I would get the 5140’s as they seem to show up for ~$1100 and are far superior. I even prefer the 5140’s passive to the Kelidhs active…. But go active with the 5140’s and you are in a whole new arena!

Now if you want to go to Keltics……. Up the ante a bunch!

I'd definitely recommend going aktiv - I have a Linn system with Katans and recently went aktiv with a 5125 amp. The difference was surprising all round - better bass, mids and treble, with more detailed and precise imaging. I'd never have believed the tiny Katans could produce the sound the way they now do, and disappear so completely.