old KCT vs new tundra 1.1

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2012-09-29 16:47

I have a Klimax twin that was upgraded to Chakra, so it is quite old. The unit does Not have Dynamik upgrade. I have a chance to pick up a Tundra 1.1 2nd hand at a good price. I'll never be able to afford solos, not with a 5, 7 and 17 year old. Just not gonna happen. I also have an Oppo for movies/blurays (wife pressure) in 2 channel mode. So ive read the Tundra is close to original solos in some regard. What improvement could I expect going from a KCT thats 9+years old to a new Tundra 1.1. I listen to vinyl mainly, rock, and listen loudly. Demo isnt possible as I'm on the East coast near Philadelphia. I'd love to hear thoughts, suggestions, as well as likelihood of being able to sell current KCT with all competition/upgrades available going on right now.
Thanks everyone

rowlandhills · Post by **rowlandhills** » 2012-09-29 18:28

I've not compared those two myself, but a KCT/Dyn is better than a Tundra 1.1 in my experience (although not almost three times better, as the prices would suggest!). Personally, unless you could demo, I'd stick with the KCT, and if you want an upgrade, get it Dynamiked.

Flatcoat · Post by **Flatcoat** » 2012-09-29 20:28

In my system (KDS1/KK1/350ps) the tundra is definitely better than my KCTD which is a late version. They are both excellent amps but the Tundra has something special about it in the way it makes you want to listen to the music.

I do not consider the Tundra to be as good as Solos which I believe are special but it is not a million miles away in terms of performance. The only comparison I have heard was a Tundra vs current Solos which were cold driving 109s. I actually preferred the Tundra but as I stated the Solos were cold.

I also know that older Twins/Solos do not sound as good as current versions. So my advice would be to go the Tundra route.

Linn constantly have made minor amendments to the Twin and Solos over the years. On there own they would not make much difference but after several years the improvements will mean that a later Twin or Solos will sound better than an older version.

I know of somebody who had his Solos dynamiked and at the same time replaced the audio boards so his Solos would be now current spec. I believe the boards would be in the region of £1000 each.

If you ring the Linn helpline you will be told all Solos or Twins will sound the same regardless of age. If Linn said that later models were better, then customers would be asking for upgrades to be done.

Rufus McDufus · Post by **Rufus McDufus** » 2012-09-29 20:40

I'm with flatcoat on this. I had pleasure of borrowing a new KCT/D recently and it's close, but I prefer the overall sound of the Tundra. They're both superb amps but have quite different characters. The KCT is warmer and smoother but the Tundra grooves more and presents more detail. The Tundra just seems more responsive, the KCT more laid back.

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2012-09-29 21:18

Guys, Thanks for the feedback here. I just don't think I want to spend that kind of money upgrading my kct seeing as old as it is, knowing I can grab a new amp that is going to outperform it from what most of you are saying...and you guys are referring to the KCT dynamiked...mine is not so its gotta be a slam dunk. way back b4 Dynamik upgrades I hd a 4200 amp, then upgraded to KCT and was blown away by the amount of bass it put out as well as the quality of bass. How is Tundra in this aspect?

lunch · Post by **lunch** » 2012-09-29 21:52

bonzo wrote:Guys, Thanks for the feedback here. I just don't think I want to spend that kind of money upgrading my kct seeing as old as it is, knowing I can grab a new amp that is going to outperform it from what most of you are saying...and you guys are referring to the KCT dynamiked...mine is not so its gotta be a slam dunk. way back b4 Dynamik upgrades I hd a 4200 amp, then upgraded to KCT and was blown away by the amount of bass it put out as well as the quality of bass. How is Tundra in this aspect?

Posting that question on this forum you were always going get a lot of thumbs up in favour of the Tundra. Not everyone agrees, though. As always, you should try to get a demo and listen for yourself.

rowlandhills · Post by **rowlandhills** » 2012-09-29 22:32

Bear in mind though that Charlie1 has said he prefers his 4200 to his Tundra, having bought both and used both at home.

Personally, I'd probably like to move from a 4200 to a Tundra, but not until I've had a demo in my own house. If I had a KCT or KCT/D it would be a much harder decision...

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2012-09-30 06:37

Rowlandhills wrote
Personally, I'd probably like to move from a 4200 to a Tundra, but not until I've had a demo in my own house. If I had a KCT or KCT/D it would be a much harder decision...

Demo'ing/audition a Tundra is next to impossible,,,easier for me to frive 6 hours round trip to audition some. I got a great deal on the KCT ( seller didnt know it was chakra(...from UK...what is a realistic price>

hcl · Post by **hcl** » 2012-09-30 07:52

It seems many like the character of the Tundra, but musically I rank it (Tundra 1.1), at least, below the Linn:s Akurate range. I have not done a direct comparison v.s. the Majik range so I'll will not make any reference to them.

To my ears the Tundra sounds exiting, showing plenty of details (maybe not that musically detailed e.g. giving a slightly simplified presentation of what the musicians do), but lacking in coherence making the different instruments sounding as if they where not actually playing together. It also brings the loudest instrument in the mix into focus. One might like this way of presenting the music or one might not.

To me it seems like people like the Tundra for some of its flaws aswell as its strengths in a similar way as people like other different amps out there (probably applicable also for the some who like Linn amps). The flaws of the Linn amps does not make them more desirable in the same way (especially the more laid back and somewhat careful or dull presentation) and as some of the flaws of the Tundra seem to attract the people who like it. Ofcourse I am obviously speculating here.

As allways one has to listen for themselves to find out wether the sum of each amps weakneses and strengths adds up to ones liking.