Aktiv Cards for Ninka


I have a 2250 power amp and the AV 5103 System Controller, together with bi-wired Ninka Sprs -heavy granite stands. What are the requirements for Activ cards and how would these improve the sound? Speaker cable (8ft.pair) is LK400. Musical taste - primarily classical and occasional jazz. Speakers are positioned either side of a 34" TV, about 12" from the rear wall and approx 36" on the sides. Can the position be changed to advantage ? Thanks anyone.
almaro
Markphd:

Once again I am in your debt for a very informative and helpful response - thank you so much. When I take into consideration the various options you have suggested, including now the mixing of the 2250 and LK 280, I find I am leaning more toward the simplest solution as originally proposed i.e an additional 2250 or .......

As you have indicated, I could use the 280, (provided I pay careful attention to the different voltage gains of each amp), but from your other observations, I tend to see it a compromise, albeit a respectable one and I suspect I would have to eventually move on to somethng more in line with the more simple suggestion above. With this in mind, I think it might better serve my purpose to sell my 280/Spark - I also have the LK1 preamp - to offset the expense of another 2250 - or also sell my 2250 and buy the AV 5125, Activ cards et.al.......(Now if only I had a paper clip I could trade for a new house...!!!!). You have been so very helpful (and patient) and if it's not too presumptive, I would be most apprecitive of any comments or additional thoughts you might have. Thanks again so very much.
Well since you asked, here are a few random thoughts.

First of all, run the Ninkas passively biamped with your 2250 and LK 280, just to hear what it sounds like to passively biamp. After you've played with this for a while, sell the LK 1 and LK 280/Spark to free up some funds.

Now the upgrade fun begins, as budget permits

I don't know if you are planning to be strictly two channel, or whether you are interested in eventually putting together a 5.1 home theatre for mixed move/music use. Since you have the AV 5103, and since your original post mentions your TV, I have been wondering if a home theatre is ultimately in your plans.

Here are two possibilities.

If you only want a two channel stereo, then add a second 2250 and Aktiv cards. Alternatively, sell your current 2250 (along with the LK 1 and LK 280/Spark) and buy an AV 5125 with Aktiv cards.

On the other hand, if you eventually want to expand into home theatre, here's one (of many) possible intriguing upgrade possibilites.

Sell the LK 1 and LK 280/Spark. Keep the 2250. Buy an AV 5125, and Ninka Aktiv cards. You now have seven channels of amplification. Put the Ninka Aktiv cards in the AV 5125, utilizing four channels. Use the fifth channel in the AV 5125 to power a center channel speaker (eg. a Trikan). Use the 2250 to power two surrounds (eg. Katans, Tukans or Kans). Now you have a 5.1 home theatre with Aktiv left and right front speakers. If you just want music, you use the Aktiv Ninkas. If you want 5.1 movies, you've got that covered too.
Thanks again. I am and will in all probabilty, remain so for the forseeable future, a two channel man, although I may be persuaded sometime to include a centre speaker in my system. So of the various possibilities suggested, the selloff of the LK280 Spark and LK1 together with the 2250 to enable me to purchase the AV 5125 with Aktive cards, would seem to be the best alternative. You have been extremely helpful and I remain so very grateful for the time and effort afforded me. (Note that this thread, once eliminated, was reactivated successfully at my request - thanks Audiogon!)
FYI and interest:
With your 2250 and your LK280 there should be no issue bi-wiring your speakers.

Both of these units have similar plugs for output. Generally speaking,for the sake of uniformity, I would not be quick to mix balanced and unbalanced connections in the same system.

In this case, both units have unbalanced outputs, the LK28 would use banana to banana and the 2250 would use compliance plugs to banana.

This would be uniform and there should be no issues with this match.
Hi,

I have a pair of Linn Ninka's and want to take them aktiv. Does anyone know where I can buy these on-line? Used?

Thanks,
Scott