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
The first thing you need is another amp. The 2250 is a two channel amp. You need four channels of amplification for active biamplification of Ninkas (or six channels for active triamplification).

The second thing you will need are stereo Aktiv cards.

There are a variety of ways you can go Aktiv withn Ninkas. Here is the simplest with your set-up.

Buy another two channel Linn amp. Another 2250 would be good since you already have one. However, you could use an LK 85, or an LK 140 as well. Linn amps all have the same gain.

Then put a stereo bass Aktiv card in one amp and a stereo treble Aktiv card in the other amp.

Connect everything together and you're all set. Make sure that the speaker cable is connected to the correct speaker inputs on the Ninkas. Your owner's manual will show you how to connect on the back of the Ninka.

Instead of buying another 2250, you could sell it and buy an AV5125. Then put the stereo treble and bass Aktiv cards in the AV 5125, using four of the five channels of the AV5125 for your Aktiv set-up.

Or, you could keep the 2250, add an AV5125 and three Aktiv cards (one stereo treble card and two stereo bass cards). One goes in the 2250 and the other two go in the AV5125. Now you have a triamplified Aktiv system. Connect to the Ninka as diagrammed in its owner's manual.

There are other possiblities using non-Linn amps but this would involve purchasing a Linn tune-box to hold the Aktiv crossover cards. And then you would have to be careful to make sure that the gain of the other amps matches your 2250.

The simplest thing for you to do is to add another 2250 amp, put a stereo bass Aktiv card in one and a stereo treble Aktiv card in the other.

One other important point to note.

You can certainly go Aktiv using the new Chakra amps; however, the Aktiv cards for the new Chakra amps are not the same size as the Aktiv cards for the discontinued Linn amps. They're not interchangeable. So if you start to mix and match old and new Linn amps, you will have to get the right card for the amp you're going to put it in. When you go to purchase Aktiv cards, it is very important that you specify which amp the cards are for so that you buy the right ones.

As far as sound goes, it is not a small upgrade to go Aktiv. It is a huge upgrade. It will be particularly noticeable in dynamics. Since you mentioned that you listen to a classical music, it would be quite beneficial to go Aktiv since classical music is much more dynamic than other music.
Markphd,

Thanks so very much for your detailed and extremely helpful response. You have given me a great deal to think about and consider and I am most appreciative. I don't think I can move on any of this yet, but it's good to have a such a clear reference handy when I'm ready to make the move.. Thanks again so much.
Markphd,
A quick followup to your 7.03.06 response if I may. You have suggested that I could use an LK85 as a second amp as a possible alternative to another 2250 or AV 5125. I have an LK280 and Spark and I am wondering if this could serve the purpose equally well or, if such a combination would adversely effect the sound in any way.Your opinion on this would be very much appreciated. Thanks.