-
Please note that there are a few updates and clarifications made in the Audiokarma Rules, mostly relating to advertising and the addition of the new "Paying it Forward" & "Giving back" forums in the AudioKarma Audio Marketplace section.
Infinity Kappa 8 or 8.1
- Thread starter KeithL
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Both the 8 and 8.1s are very nice speakers but I was left with the impression the 8.1 was an improvement, a step up.
I definitely preferred the cone midbass, thought the polydome mid was an improvement over the original and think the 360 degree dispersion characteristic of the EMIT-r was a welcome trait.
I definitely preferred the cone midbass, thought the polydome mid was an improvement over the original and think the 360 degree dispersion characteristic of the EMIT-r was a welcome trait.
Last edited:
Newk_Yuler
Active Member
The 8 Kappa is sealed enclosure and the 8.1 is ported. The 8 is an Arnie Nudell era classic and the 8.1 is not. The sealed box designs are typical of the Nudell era. I have not heard the 8.1 but I expect the 8 to sound more like classic Infinity. That doesn't necessarily mean one is better than the other, but if I had to pick between one or the other without knowing how they sound beside each other, I'd pick the classic. Of course that's IMO and YMMV.
The "classic" label partly depends on an individual's definition and perception of what is "classic Infinity." A lot of Infinity fans (including me) consider "classic Infinity" to be all Nudell era designs. It's easy to draw that line because of the direction HK took Infinity after Nudell left.
The "classic" label partly depends on an individual's definition and perception of what is "classic Infinity." A lot of Infinity fans (including me) consider "classic Infinity" to be all Nudell era designs. It's easy to draw that line because of the direction HK took Infinity after Nudell left.
crazy-in-az
Uhhhh....
I'd choose the 8.1 for myself- it's probably cheaper, and I don't have a humungous amp for the 8's.
But I think the originals would sound better for the reasons others have stated.
But I think the originals would sound better for the reasons others have stated.
The Nudell era at Infinity incorporated many models with "ported" cabinets.
Some of the best bass I've heard emanates from ported designs.
I guess I consider both Kappa Series a Nudell design although one is ported and its does use Arnies' EMIT-r tweeter.
Kevinbigdog
Member
Other than early mini monitors either dome tweeters..which Nudell infinities are ported? I can't think of a single nudell,emit tweeter ported design..
Kevinbigdog
Member
It was 1 day old to me..lol
In retrospect...
Both kappa series were conceived under the Harman kardon flag. Nudell kept operational control,however HK took over in 84' or so, the first kappas came out 87'-89
The series two I am almost positive ,are still nudells however it seems to be that Cary christie was more involved in those. Reason being that tbe img cones used were the last versions. 10 percent stiffer , inverted dustcaps that aided stiffness/rigidity.
The reason why I think Cary christie had a hand in those. Most Christie design speakers are monopoles. So no drivers on the back, the emit r was widely used (still today) in genesis speakers. The img mid-bass coupler the 8.1 and 9.2 has are identical to the renaissance 90 (a Cary christie speaker) and sigma and such. Nudell never used those drivers in his speakers.
It's why I have the strong suspicion they did a last ditch effort at making a kappa series.
Make absolutely no mistake, from a design point of view (I've had both series complete) the series II has some huge advantages over the nudells. They are both true to their name.
The true Harman kardon infinities never used emits or any of nudells/Cary drivers. So the series II most definitely isn't a HK of heart or even by name .
Both kappa series were conceived under the Harman kardon flag. Nudell kept operational control,however HK took over in 84' or so, the first kappas came out 87'-89
The series two I am almost positive ,are still nudells however it seems to be that Cary christie was more involved in those. Reason being that tbe img cones used were the last versions. 10 percent stiffer , inverted dustcaps that aided stiffness/rigidity.
The reason why I think Cary christie had a hand in those. Most Christie design speakers are monopoles. So no drivers on the back, the emit r was widely used (still today) in genesis speakers. The img mid-bass coupler the 8.1 and 9.2 has are identical to the renaissance 90 (a Cary christie speaker) and sigma and such. Nudell never used those drivers in his speakers.
It's why I have the strong suspicion they did a last ditch effort at making a kappa series.
Make absolutely no mistake, from a design point of view (I've had both series complete) the series II has some huge advantages over the nudells. They are both true to their name.
The true Harman kardon infinities never used emits or any of nudells/Cary drivers. So the series II most definitely isn't a HK of heart or even by name .
I had a conversation with a friend the other day who was claiming that the "original" / "real" Kappa speakers sound better than the x.1 and x.1 Series II.
Is there any truth to this or is that just purism / owner's bias? I don't really know why Infinity would make newer models while making them less good than the original model.
What would be the point?
Is there any truth to this or is that just purism / owner's bias? I don't really know why Infinity would make newer models while making them less good than the original model.
What would be the point?
stereofanboy
Addicted Member
The earlier series requires a more capable amp than the .1. It's possible that some who prefer the original Kappas have heard the subsequent series driven by lesser amps.
Makes sense. I absolutely LOVE the sound of my 7.1 Series IIs. Best sounding speakers I've ever owned. I can only imagine trading them for 8.1 Series IIs really If I ever run into a pair of those I definitely will grab them.
Seems like there's no valid reason to get X.0's over these other than nostalgia eh?
stereofanboy
Addicted Member
I'd say availability is a valid reason. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
If you see decent original serIes 8s or 9s locally for a good price don't hesitate because you may never see 8.1s nearby.
Just be aware that you'll need a decent amp before you start using them. With the later series you can use whatever while looking for a better amp which will yield better results.
I have a B&K EX4420 which delivers 350wpc at 4 Ohms. Would it be powerful enough?
The kappa series I and II are considered real kappas. Harman never used the nudell drivers in their kappas .
Look up a kappa 400 or something like that , Harman made completely different kappa series speakers.
So in other words: x.0, x.1 or x.1 series II are all good and differences are just a matter of opinion and sometimes kind of like a religious debate?
I have them both , so I can only speak from my own experiences. They are both different speakers, but both most definitely true to the infinity vintage we love.
