I have that same King 1k/6k. I use the 6k between the Norton 4k and 8k. Just started using it that way but it seems to work well so far. The King is the only kind of synth. I have besides a Sharpton 12k. It has some cracks also but they don't seem to effect it. Although, in fairness I don't really use it that much so far. I have been trying to reset (been stuck on the 4k/8k pyramid and got in a rut) on honing and didn't use it really. Then recently had someone (Twistedoak) give me some Nats so I'm kind of stoked on those for a while.
Sort of rambled there but maybe try the 6k in between 4&8.