K & K phono pre compasison

A year ago, I auditioned the Allnic 3000, ASR Basis Exclusive 2008, and Wavestream Kinetics in my system. The Allnic was very liquid and palpable, but ultimately not realistic in the attack and transcients to my ears. Plus, it hummed slightly, which turns out to be not uncommon with this unit unless the power supply is located very far from the phono stage. The ASR could have been a strong contender but it hummed so loudly in my system that I thought it would damage my speakers. Don't know why. I couldn't track down the source of the hum, and no other component in my system has ever reacted like that. Plus, IMO, it's ridiculously cumbersome, with two huge and weighty pieces connected by a hawser-sized umbilicus that's permanently affixed to one. Others might find its size to be of no consequence. Certainly, it has a great reputation and typically does not hum, according to my dealer and the distributor. The Wavestream was warm, inviting, and palpable but not quite dynamic enough, IMO. Apparently, Brian could include different caps to improve the dynamics, but I wasn't convinced.

The K&K Maxxed Out was, on the whole, better than any of them to my ears, combining the fullness of the Wavestream with excellent transient attack and detail. It didn't offer the most in any one category but offered a surprisingly balanced sound across all categories of evaluation. And it's quiet. And that was before Kevin's most recent upgrades, which are supposed to be a significant improvement. (I've had them installed but I haven't actually heard them yet because I'm waiting for a new turntable to arrive.)

I was quite ready to spend $8K+ on these other phono stages. I'm glad I didn't have to. The K&K is a very good sounding piece, IMO, and a great deal. Kevin will build one for you inexpensively if you'd like; that's the route I took. He'll even customize it. For example, I had him install a dial on the back to adjust capacitance loading so i could play with MM cartridges. And he's a straight shooter.

For reference, my system at the time of audition was comprised of a Reference Line class A SS amp, Bent Audio TAP-X AVC passive, Vandersteen 3A Sig speakers, Michell Orbe SE, Graham 2.2, Shelter 901.

Oh yeah, I also auditioned the single-ended Einstein phono stage, which is supposed to be not quite up to the balanced version. In my system, it was so aggressive that it gave me a headache. Other people just love it, and I really wanted to love it because I would have gotten a great deal. Same with the ASR I described above--a dealer demo at 40% off. So you really need to listen to as many as you can in your own system. That being said, I did take a chance on the K&K, buying unheard because of its relatively lower price point and solid resale market. I'm very glad I did. Everything else in my system has changed since but the K&K remains.

I'm excited! Now if that danged turntable would just arrive...:)

Hi,

I adjusted the dip switches. Yes, I believe the hum was system-dependent and know it was mysterious. But it was unique to this component of all components I've ever had in my system, so what am I supposed to think? I went out of my way above to qualify it as uncharacteristic of the ASR as far as I know, as well as to bestow kudos on it by reputation. I have no animus against it. Seems it's size works well for you. It didn't for me. Enjoy!