kappa 8 vs kappa 8.1, see description for more info.

[@hansmaaskant8988]

I have a set of 9s and 9.2s standing next to eachother. Years ago the idea was to decide which set to keep. After 10 years I have decoder to keep them both. Literally a wall of sound, very wife unfriendly but its a mancave. For movies: 2 sets of 6.2s, and a set of 7s. For mid speaker I use a set of 5s because the kappa centers are too small soundwise. I will keep this set till my last breath.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I've had 3 sets of kappas 9 they are just extremely demanding and honestly I find both the old 8 (got one of those still too ) and the 8.1 for my space the way better speaker. The 9 are for most spaces simply to big also the tweeters are way to high up that baffle. I couldn't get them where I wanted them to sound. The kappa 9 I sold them all at a healthy profit so not crying there. I also had the rs1b 4 tower system with 14 emims, I rebuild the controller myself (left channel had a hum. Build wise I was really disappointed with those, I sold those little after a week of tinkering. RsII I loved, the rs4b nope.... The Renaissance 80 also was not as good as I expected them to be. That being said I was already used to bigger speakers so that one didn't make the cut. I've had many infinities plenty I even forget right now . I use the 6.1 as side channels , kappa 5.1 as rears the kappa video centers I use 2 (dual ) matched with the kapla 8.1 fronts. Not sure why you get a thin sound you need cross them over at around 90-100hz let the fronts takes some of its dialogue and you're really set. I won't get rid of any kappas , to me it's the best overall speaker they made within the affordable range of speakers. Not talking irs series here. I've had kappas for 20 years, and I keep them.

[@distractionchannel4954]

STiLL love my RS 3-b’s !👌❤️

[@MichelLinschoten]

The rs 3b were the precursor to what was to come. You can clearly see they were getting the kappa series ideology from.

[@peterc3143]

I remember hearing one of the kappa’s in a shop years ago (can’t remember what model) Thought to myself, this was an amazing speaker. Very easy and enjoyable to listen to.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Most definitely is ! They were way ahead of their time. They do come with certain demands especially on the amplification end. People attribute so many times to speakers "power hungry" in reality only but a good handful of speakers are truely power hungry. The kappa 8 and especially 9 is in that category.

[@enigma01011]

I have the Kappa 7 3 way, 8.2i and Renaissance 90 in 1 room. Was listening at a high level with my new advance Paris A 10 Classic amp and the 7's yesterday. Those old scool tweeters are so crisp en such a wide sound stage it still amazes me, over 45 year old and still performing like crazy. So if you can buy a decent 7 set don't even hesitate you don't need a Krell to drive it LOL. Bought them for 300 euro's about 15 year ago, so no loudspeaker is gonna beat that value for money ever. The 8.2 i I have 4 x as front / rear with Kappa B front 3 way, 2 Infinity subs and the Emotiva BasX MR 1 receiver. well hell breaks lose when provided with a nice blueray movie with adequate sound. So here's to the oldies and Arnold Nudell ! The Ren 90's are not difficult to drive, for instance a Pro Ject Stereo box S2 with 2 x 90 W RMS 8 ohm or 2 x 180 W RMS 4 ohm can play them loud with punchy bass. Just look it up, it is really a tiny amp with tubes in it for the warmer sound as the Advance paris has in the front stage.

[@beslemeto]

This answer was everything i needed! Thanks sir! So many people are saying the Renn 90's need so much power are just people with upgrade obsession! I have Yamaha MX-1 which can load 240w in to 4 ohms.I think this is more than enough to power the Infinities....

[@vincentthompson3662]

I replaced all four diaphragm on the tweeters. Man these kappas are nice I don't want nothing else.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Ahh do you did it, they are great speakers hands down . Good choice to replace them

[@vincentthompson3662]

@@MichelLinschoten I didn't have a choice they have stopped playing

[@jlm8699]

Q. Kappa 8s How would you troubleshoot rear driver ? Thank you

[@MichelLinschoten]

Get a kitchen roll. Or even toilet paper roll and place it over the emit gaps . Don't play it to loud , put your ear on the roll . The back tweeters play relativity loud compared to the front ones if I remember correctly

[@jlm8699]

Thank you.... very nice..

[@MichelLinschoten]

You're welcome , also if it turns out to be broken. Contact ava (American vintage audio ) they sell emit diaphragms. Super easy to service them yourself and renew.

[@erikjanssen6475]

Hi there. I also have a set of Kappa 8's and will never sell them . What I am wondering is . How do I know that the amp has enough control over the woofers? Running them with DK Design ref 3 or NAD M2 and both seem fine. I must say that I recently changed the Crossover to get rid of that 1 Ohm dip and was even capable to run them with a 300B tube amp. But back to the question. How do I hear this control? One person might call bass " deep" somebody else could call it " sloppy.." Thanks

[@MichelLinschoten]

It's actually realistic speaking the k8 dips to approx 1.3ohm in extended mode (you can switch them to normal mode) you will sacrifice a little bit of the low end extension. However IMHO they sound in most cases alot tighter on the low end . And are more linear impedance wise. The whole reason those decisions were made (normal/extended mode) on the k8 and k9 was because of cost. Nudell wanted a servo controlled low end system off both speakers. However it would have pushed the speakers price more towards the IRS series. So they opted to "short cut" it and us a passive method. I am sure you already technically run them at their peak. Subjective sound differences are up to the listener (just because tells you it's sloppy doesn't mean it's so.) , I am convinced with what you have going on . You're running them a peak

[@AngelAlamedabailbondsman]

Love my Kappa 8. Great video

[@MichelLinschoten]

Right on! Brother will be more coming

[@philipppucher4042]

Thanks for your video, really informative :)

[@MichelLinschoten]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jlm8699]

Kappa 8s.. Have very good condition pair.. What is the chance at the capacitors in crossovers need to be restored after all these years? Using Aragon 4004 mkii amp....low end nirvana!

[@MichelLinschoten]

In reality the crossovers are due for capacitors. I can't deny that , because there are definitely some electrolytic capacitors on them. Matter in fact I think my series I k8 definitely needs them (upper end seems recessed to me a little) Also kudos on the amplifier choice I love Aragon's. They are build like tanks .

[@guyseknadje224]

Hi Michel, could you let me know where / how to replace my Emit tweeters. I have slightly too much “ssss” and it would be great to get smoother ones. thanks !

[@MichelLinschoten]

I will actually make my next video about the emit! I will demonstrate how to take them a apart and replace diaphragms and I'll also tell you where to get it. I had multiple requests for it so I for sure want to make a more in-depth video about it. Stay tuned !

[@vincentthompson3662]

I've been listening to my kappa 8s and my gen 3 2 channel for 2 years now. I would not change a thing. if I have the money for a pair of Tad tower speakers would be nice

[@MichelLinschoten]

Tad supposed to be incredible speakers but they also cost a magnitude more. I use the kappa.8.1 in my main system still to this day. They are excellent speakers regardless of what 8 you play with. They do everything rather well. I did add a pair of subs to get some lower end extension down to 20hz or so. It even notched them up another level

[@stevenneese2823]

Ok, so what are the things to look for when considering replacing the emim tweeters? I have the rs-3b's, i know not the kappas, in my place and absolutely love them. The emim tweeter still sound amazing, and i didn't think I'm hearing harsh highs. What should i pay attention to? Also, should be getting a pair of rs-2s, super excited. How do they compare to the others and the kappas?

[@MichelLinschoten]

I had the rs2 , excellent speakers they do have a little bit less authority on the low end vs kappas. The midrange is open baffle with the rsII , the emit on the kappas are "better" as the rs uses cobalt samarium magnets vs the neodymium push pull ones. That were introduced with the kappa series. I prefer the kappas over the rsII, that does not take away that the rsII (I also owned the rs1b) are excellent speakers. To me they didn't have the low end fortitude of the kappa 8/9 or overall definition of them But again that's relative,now if you get an rsIIb that's where they start to get better than the kappas on the midrange ,low end Id still prefer the the kappas . The rsII is basically mimicking a Watkins woofer (the dual woofers in the rsII are crossed over differently from one other) to mimic the dual voice coil a Watkins have . Nonetheless congrats man great speakers. The rsII is my favorite rs series speaker I've owned c even over the massive rs1b I had ..

[@vincentthompson3662]

I haven't figured it out yet maybe the tweeters need to be replaced. I am afraid to take it to the shop because I do not trust people

[@MichelLinschoten]

I actually repaired emit with new diaphragms, it's really not to hard to do. I might even make a video soon!

[@vincentthompson3662]

Did you replace all four tweeters or just the ones facing forward

[@vincentthompson3662]

@@MichelLinschoten I ordered Four I'm going to replace all of them. Yeah I know that part is easy. But I do not know how to replace the Caps or which ones to replace

[@TonyHarper-j7f]

Learn to solder. It’s not hard.

[@davidboston4136]

I've had 2 sets of Kappa 9's and 3 sets of Kappa 8's. I much prefer the 8 over the 9. No matter what I did w/ the 9's I just couldn't get the Bass as tight as the 8's (Aragon 8008ST paired very nicely w/ the 8's). I've also had a pair of the Kappa 7's. Good speaker but, the crossover point is off and they tend to be too "boomey". I had to sell all of my stereo equipment in the last year in preparation for a re-location to S.E. Asia. I recently located and purchased a pair of 8.1's. I'm waiting for delivery of an amp. It will be very interesting to see how they compare to the 8's that I had back home. Thanks for the interesting video, will look forward to more in the future.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I totally agree had 3 times the kappa 9 by now. The 8 fits most setup and rooms just lot better. The 9 posed some really unconventional issues in terms of sonic quality. I really am convinced the 8 for most set ups and room sizes is more than enough to get amazing sound . I am currently listening to a m&k sx4 , what a amazing little booger that is . I'll do a review on that soon !

[@jlm8699]

Thank you... 4:34 Have my first pair k8's... Need amplifier < $1k used... Looking for the killer sound everyone talks about...

[@MichelLinschoten]

Look out for a 4004 aragon definitely under the budget you have and definitely a fantastic amp that will drive them

[@efrianramirez5122]

I recently bought my first pair of kappas 8 and connect them on my system which is a 65watt vintage marantz and sound very good on low or medium volume, but whe i crank it up they start to popping bad, the person who sold me the speakers says is because they need lots of power to drive them , and i dont know if these is truth? Or there's something wrong with them? If someone can tell me pls.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Go to the back of the speakers. There should be a rubber cap , remove it. You'll find a switch there that says "extended" and "normal" the speakers from factory are set to "extended" What that does, it utilizes the low end to its full extension. Downside of that is, they will dip to 1.3 ohm (for kappa 9 owners) it's 0.8ohm Which is a very hefty load for any amplifier really. Set them to "normal" mode , you will sacrifice some low end extension. But with those speakers you'll still have a very good low end out of them. The speakers will be lot more linear on the impedance (around 4ohm) so lot friendlies for amplifiers like yours. It should work lot better for you !

[@drewdrew7968]

@@MichelLinschoten He still doesn't have enough of power and more importantly current, not even close. These speakers know the difference between upscale amps

[@drewdrew7968]

Nothing is wrong with them, you just don't have enough current or power. The amps you need to run these are more expensive than the speakers themselves unfortunately, you can use some pro amps however

[@MichelLinschoten]

​​​@@drewdrew7968 agreed his amp is not up for the task. Hence set them to normal they are 4 ohm nominal after that atleast they can be ran that way on normal volumes. The 8 is not nearly as hard to drive as the 9 . But still (goes especially for the old kappa 8 ) they love current and to get the most definitely go for more amplification It's a huge advantage of the 8.1 it doesn't posses the impedance issues the older ones had. Way better sensitivity and less demand on amps.

[@vincentthompson3662]

It took me awhile before I realized that the 8s has a extended mode

[@brucetungsten5714]

Interesting - THX.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Thanks for watching!

[@jlm8699]

Question: What is fav amp ?

[@MichelLinschoten]

So far I've owned ? Best Vincent sp991 monos, hands down. Worst McIntosh mc2502

[@CarsandBikes]

Do u have links for replacement parts?

[@MichelLinschoten]

ava-sales.square.site/ Hope that helps

[@vincentthompson3662]

My kappa 8 s needs a tune up they are sounding flat. Might be time for some new caps

[@MichelLinschoten]

Mmm shouldn't be an issue , kappa 8 uses solen poly caps on the mid and top end I believe. Those should not wear out , but there is no denying , they do also have lots of electrolytic caps in them. They might need revision

[@jlm8699]

Ashly amps..? Anyone have experience with k8s?

[@MichelLinschoten]

You mean with those amps ? Or just in general ?

[@jlm8699]

@@MichelLinschoten Ashly amplifiers with k8s....

[@MichelLinschoten]

Ah gotcha ,never heard of Ashly amps kappas 8 dips in extend to around 1.3 ohm most amps these days can handle that load pretty "okay" In normal mode the speakers won't go much under 4 ohm .. of that helps any

[@FOH3663]

​@@jlm8699 Ashly makes some robust, quality pro amps. There's countless models over the decades ... a great deal of variation.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Sorry late reaction, there is a lot going on my channel all of a sudden. Haha, didn't expect to even get subscribers so my thanks there to anyone who is ! Never heard of them but definitely will take a look into that. I am always open to see something different

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

The kappa 8 is better obviously and thanks for confirming.

[@MichelLinschoten]

In my case the 8.1 outdid the 8 but that's subjective to ears. They are both not going anywhere

[@lotus72e]

I had the 8.1 in 1999-2001. A very nice loudspeaker, that still needed some serious current.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I measured them , it's the most friendliest kappa I've ran to date. It peaked only a few amps from the idle 2.3amp that my system takes, it peaked at 90db or so with low end passages (as that's what requires the most current) 4amp if that. It's a clear indicator that current wise they really aren't hard to drive. It also why the series II kappas were designed to be way more linear impedance wise. The old kappa 8 , I extended peaked at around 6.3amp that's a significant dip at around 1.8 ohm. The old kappa 9, I measured hogging a whopping 10-11amp from idle 2.3 ish with the most erratic impedance response I've seen to date on any speaker 0.8ohm. In reality, today ? Those speakers probably wouldn't even make it to the consumer market. And rightfully so

[@uvafan940]

Did you just watch the same video as I? 😂 I have had the Kappa 9, the 9.1 series II and the ren 90s. The 9.1s are the only ones that remain with me.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I've been looking for a 9.1/ 9.2 forever ! Had my fair share of kappa 9 and I agree the second series is just so much better. I had the Renaissance as well I didn't care much for them tbh. A good friend of mine scored a couple months ago a ren90 for 600 Canadian dollars ! He sold them without even hooking them up for 1200. I am just a kappa guy, still looking for a series II 9 . I absolutely love them, so any leads definitely interested.

[@jlm8699]

Thank you

[@MichelLinschoten]

You're welcome,

[@larrysapp2978]

Polyle dome dry riots. I got kappa 9s.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I had 3 kappas 9',s unique challenging speaker.

[@TonyHarper-j7f]

HEY! When you say “This one” and you have a hand on each of them, we have no idea which one you’re talking about at times and we’re left trying to interpret which hand is jiggling more than the other. PLEASE point to one at a time or identify them by name.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Well it's pretty clear which one I favor the video reflected that. However I will "jiggle" next time into a more prominent direction to make it more clear .