Tukan vs Kan (newer versions)

[Bi Focal]

I'm looking out for some small (ie mini) monitors to go with my Arcam Solo. I quite like the laid back sound of Linn speakers - what's the difference sound wise between Tukans and later version Kans (IV and V). I want to spend under £150. I've heard good reviews of Katans but would prefer something smaller (for a bedroom system)

 

[The Strat]

Hi. Back in the 80s the Kans were highly regarded but if I remember correctly despite their size still liked quite powerful amplification and were fussy about stands and placement. I would have suggested their were better choices perhaps baby Regas?

 

[Chumpy]

All of the best in defining/buying/installing/maintaining/ENJOYING what is right for you in your context.

Proper Kans are probably properly utilised the greatest monitor to recorded noise/music/aural enjoyment.

I am biased, by life.

 

[sunbeamgls]

I think the OP is probably asking about Tukan vs the later Kan models. Other than the name there is no mechanical or componentry link between the 1980s Kan and Kan II and the post Tukan versions of the Kan 3/4/5. The later Kan is more like a standmount version of the Keosa and uses the same drive units (but one less mid-bass driver than the Keosa of course).

The Tukan is a very solidly built little speaker and that's reflected in the sound - its pretty impressive for such a little box. The ceramic tweeter 015/1, 015/2 or 015/3 is shared with Keilidh, Kaber and Keltik and can be a bit grainy / gritty and this can get worse over time as the driver units themselves can become fragile with age. This is easily sorted by replacing them with the later 038/1 tweeter from the Katan / Ninka era and these are available brand new from Linn dealers at around £80 a pair - they're a mechanical direct fit and its just an unsolder / solder job to fit them. No changes to the crossover. Going active with the Tukan brings a step change in their capability and is worth doing - the AV5125 one box 5 channel power amp is and ideal space efficient way of doing this. The Tukans really benefit from a very solid (sand filled) stand.

I can't say much about the later Kans though, other than they were related to the Keosa which was very unpopular. I heard one pair of "modern" Kans once on the end of a Majik-I playing CDs and to me the system sounded lightweight - no body or depth and definitely sounded like a step backwards from the Tukan. Only my opinion of course, and it was a long time ago!

Tukan

Kan 3

Kan 4 / 5

 

[Bi Focal]

It is the late version Kans I'm referring to. Do Tukan driver surrounds perish? They still fetch good prices for old speakers....