People either love Linn speakers or not -- there's very little in between. People who place high value on pace, rhythm, and timing(PRaT) tend to love these speakers, while people who value things such as three-dimensional imaging and soundstage will not. Linn speakers also will not disappear in a room as well as many others, and they can be picky in working with non-Linn electronics.
So how the Ninkas compare to others in their price category will largely be determined by how you value these various aspects of sound reproduction. If PRaT is very high on your list the Ninkas may be one of the best bargains in audio, but if you're looking for a more transparent, three-dimentional soundstage look elsewhere. One speaker I would definitely audition if I were looking at the Ninkas would be Meadowlark's new Swift, which are also small floorstanders but only cost $1000/pr.
I don't know why Linn speakers aren't reviewed more, but knowing Linn(I used to work for a Linn dealer) they probably don't push as hard as other manufacturers for reviews. They don't appear to put much emphasis on marketing in general, more relying on their dealer network and word of mouth.
So how the Ninkas compare to others in their price category will largely be determined by how you value these various aspects of sound reproduction. If PRaT is very high on your list the Ninkas may be one of the best bargains in audio, but if you're looking for a more transparent, three-dimentional soundstage look elsewhere. One speaker I would definitely audition if I were looking at the Ninkas would be Meadowlark's new Swift, which are also small floorstanders but only cost $1000/pr.
I don't know why Linn speakers aren't reviewed more, but knowing Linn(I used to work for a Linn dealer) they probably don't push as hard as other manufacturers for reviews. They don't appear to put much emphasis on marketing in general, more relying on their dealer network and word of mouth.