Picked up today a first-generation set of sequentially serial numbered Linn Kan wooden bookshelf speakers. They were part of package deal with a mint Pioneer SX-780. From the minimal research I've done, these were expensive in their day (circa 1978--80) and got grand reviews. The cabs are OK (couple of little scratches, and small bung on one corner), but the drivers are perfect.

The speaker posts are odd -- two small metal (nickel?) +/- holes. Anyone have any idea on what are used for cables/interconnects? Would installing modern posts lessen their value? I note that later versions of the Kan have modern posts.

Attached is a borrowed photo of my find. Any info/aid would be very appreciated.

thanks,
Wornears

Linn always had an odd way about them. If my failing memory serves me right, the holes may accept standard bananna plugs. The Kans were well thought of then and still are! Good score!

Thanks for the advice. I'll solder up some cables and try the banana plugs. I pried off the silicon/glued grills (despite the warning on the back of the cabinet) and found that the drivers are "rubberized" material. One tweeter was very minimally caved in, but a little vacuum cleaner touch-up fixed that.

It will be interesting to hear these and compare them to my NHT SuperOnes and AR PS218s.

Cleaned/lubed up the SX-780 and it sounds sweet. My daughter is using it to drive a pair of Pioneer CS-G303 speakers.

Correx to previous post: AR 215PS.

Yes, Celt, you were right. The Kan uses standard banana plugs for connection -- the holes looked to small too accept one, and they fit quite tightly.

As for sound, I've basically just hooked them up to make sure they work and haven't done any real adjusting/comparing. First, they are very sensitive to position, as I have read. To get a reasonable bass impression, they need to be within an inch or so of a wall or solid surface. You may have to assist the low end with the bass tone control. Well, what can you expect from a 4.5-inch woofer? It can move only so much air, but what bass does come out isn't fuzzy or bloated or washed out, as it can be in small speakers trying too hard.

The Kan has VERY clear and even have more musical highs than the NHT Superones -- crisp, but not grating. The NHTs have a better bass response (bigger cabinet and woofer), but if you put the watts to the Kan its bass improves and the highs stay clean. There is a noticeable "coming alive" of the Kan as you increase the volume -- the midrange seems to improve. A very "musical" speaker it seems, not pushy, but very smooth once it seems to get "up on plane."

There is a pair on eFlea (eBay) in Australia at $325 U.S.; with a day to go in bidding. Wow. Based on that price, these are my best score to date. Although the Pioneer SA-6800 I got for $10 yesterday is pretty good, too. Even works!

w00t! (Woo-Hoo!) Good deal!