This Chinese Integrated Amplifier is EMBARRASSINGLY GOOD.
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- #kinkistudio #review #exm1+
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This Chinese Integrated Amplifier is EMBARRASSINGLY GOOD.
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One mistake made: You do not need to long press the power button to enable the preamp options. The long press is for turning the amp on and off. Thanks all!
You’re so tone deaf 🙄
Communist China has been using low cost labor for decades with the likes on high end low cost products like Apple , a vile Racist hate group of a company.. because of that background the Communist Chinese are Masters of taking High value production tech an applying them to mass scale .. Thats what Americans don't understand, we as a nation have mostly Gutted our industrial based an turned ourselves into a Super-size Britain.. We think everything at this price point needs to be by Virgins one at a time by hand .. an that's wrong, we are just out of date on advance Manufacturing industrial base..
I have come across your channel and enjoy it very much. Like music your evaluation are clear concise not muddy by hype. I just ran across the video that said you are doing this full time. Great you can tell your love and passion for what you do. I have been listening to music since age of 5 and am now 70. Like all equipment my ears are not quite as good as they use to be. This got me to thinking in all of you tube I have never come across the most important point the receiver (the listeners ears). I though you might enjoy the humor in that someone has a million-dollar system but can only hear 10 dollars’ worth. Thanks again for your efforts.
Thanks Dwain!
Hi Ron, where do you put this in the scheme of things against Hegel’s H390 you reviewed and others etc if you can or are prepared to say. Cheers Simon
Thank you for addressing the anti-Chinese bias when it comes to equipment. It's absolute nonsense.
I got the fm300a clone and is real good
For example the Bouchard i150 is made in china as many high end company’s do. Just look
Totally true, a well engineered and built product can come from anywhere in the world. It’s WHO that makes it, not where.
The biggest thing that Chinese companies struggle with is branding/marketing- every time I hear Kinki, and knob in the same sentence it makes me laugh😂 - this issue is not just with audio, but BYD - Build Your Dreams? Another oddly named brand. Sounds like a crap 80’s inspiration poster. Look at the back of a GWM, it’ll also have Haval and the model in three different typefaces… so they do need to employ a western brand manager to assist in the marketing I think.
I demand to see a review of some Kinki Schiit sometime in the near future
Haha I see what you did there.
Nice 😹
Bugger, you beat me to it. You could always add a nice turntable and if it all works out you might hear Linn's Kinki Schiit Mani times over... 😁
It gives me the horn.
👍
Would love to see a review of their monoblocks e b-7 & their preamp p-27. :) A little over 6gs for monoblocks and a dedicated preamp is a great value. Especially considering there are quite a few upper end integrated amplifier in that same price range.
Your review of this amp solidifies my respect for your other reviews, Sir. I own this amplifier. Your findings match mine exactly. I believe this integrated amplifier is as good as one can get for the price and considerably well above. The match between its slightly cool presentation and the very slightly warm presentation of my Sonus Faber Minima Amator II speakers I find to be a satisfying combination. I also have the Chinese brand SMSL M400 DAC which is the best I've had in my system. It totally blows away the DAC in the Oppo UDP-205 universal audiophile disc player I was using previously and at only a third of the price. The Oppo is now only used as a video disc player and CD transport. I find the quality to price ratio of the current Chinese brand audiophile gear astounding. This sets a high bar for other high-end audio manufacturers which can only benefit the consumer.
Keep up the good work, Sir. And thank you for the inclusion of Danny's videos. It's an excellent addition to your channel.
oppo is also chinese if it's not a surprise.
Home theater bypass is a must for those with hybrid HT\AUDIO systems, really helps when setting up your system
Thank you for another honest and straight up review Ron. You are a joy to watch. This is a no BS channel! Keep on truckin'. Happy holidays and God bless.
Hi! As usual appreciate the videos. If I can make a suggestion? I wonder if you could describe the spatial orientation of the instruments as you hear them on your system. I know you did this in this video but could you have elaborated on whether guitar was left off center or right off center. You could call these your "listening notes" maybe and it would help us viewers see how resolving our system is. Similar to wine or scotch tasting notes, these help us "find" things within the music. Hope you can accommodate this in your next listening room sesson video. Again, appreciate all the work! Cheers!
Back in the seventies in the UK all of my brothers mates where slagging off his Japanese Yamaha motorbike whilst driving their British Nortons BSA's etc ... fast forward literally to 2020, and take a look at those brands now. Great review by the way.
Kinki Is the founders wife's name.Actually a common name there...
I have a SMSL and Foxi audio mini amp from China and theyre awesome. My Mission and Warfedale book shelfs are made from China just like most things.
The front layout and the underside power switch is surely an homage to Hegel integrated amps, and so too the high damping factor. I wonder if the sound is similar too. The real question is, would you take the EXM1+ over an established brand's integrated amp at the same price?
I bought the same EXM1+ at Indian pricing here in Canada. Great amplifier for the price tag.
If you can get Chinese made amplifiers at Indian pricing then you're good to go.
Actually the amplifier was designed to closely match those by Goldmund (and it really does sound close to them as I have owned a Goldmund amp).
I think these serious chinese companies would have a lot to gain by showing off their labs, interviews with their workers and going through the components etc. Most of the time, you cannot really take a company to heart unless you have a name and a face of someone in the company, and hear "his story" of why the company was founded and what its goals are. The philosophy behind the company. Clearly the chinese are moving away from the cheap plastic copys and more towards affordable quality, its a transition period, so I think they would benefit from marketing and showing their craftmanship and what goes into these products, rather than just competing with price.
The inside of this amp is impressive! Truly dual mono and what a beautiful assembly.
@TheRoswellCrash aaaaaand there you have the reason of why we should probably not buy this amp
@TheRoswellCrash i suspected you were describing the same parts being put together by either Chinese labour (being let us say $1000) or european/american labour (~$2000). The markups are there because of warranties, services, relationships with dealers. Not just the big profits although I am sure both parties make profits.
I've been wanting to try this Amp, but the company that sells it tells me there are NO returns. So, there are no places to hear this Amp before buying. If you take a chance and end up not liking this Amp, you are stuck with it. Very bad policy in my opinion. Especially concidering other companies that offer amps at similar cost, offer a return period.
There is some great gear at sane prices coming from China. Factor-in a middle-man dealer who may do a money-back period & the price doubles+. I researched online the talk about a full-valved 2-box Ming-Da phono-stage (MC 2006) some folk were raving about from China & there was no u.k. importer but i bought it direct from China for £880 & that's inc' shipping & import duty, then nearly 2 years later (2 months ago) i noticed an importer of Ming Da products in my country is selling this exact same 'Ming-Da 2006 phono-stage' for £1,760 + VAT. He'll probably do a money-back offer for the profit he makes but I'm glad i did it my way BUT do check out what people & youtube vids are saying online first, like this guy, i've seen his other vids & he's no fool & has no reason to lie. P.S. importing saved me a lot & if i didn't like it, i could have sold it & possibly at profit but i love it! Good luck
Tons of other options out there. Just forget these guys and move on.
@@mikechafe419 like what other options with the same sound signatures?
@@randalllawkin Atoll IN300
@@randalllawkin Not sure where you are, but I would look at the Hegel 120. Not as much power with 75 watts but it has a DAC & streamer so much more function and value. You can always upgrade to an external amp down the road with this one, or move up to the 190 which has double the power at 150 watts, for another G note. Plus wide distribution, ability to demo at a dealer and a known company which is worth something. How much that is worth, is of course up to you. I also love Naim amps but now we are talking mo' money... or used market. This hobby can seriously damage your bank account.
Cheers.
Thank you for calling out the BS on non-American made Hi-Fi, especially when it comes from China. It needed to be said.
Now it’s time to call out the bs on American made products. Which is pretty much 0-none
90% of your items are made in china
What were the hum functions that you were talking about? Is it unique to the electronics in this amp? I'll have to look into it somewhere.
The camera work is very fancy. A complete view all in focus would be appreciated.
I totally agree. Higher F stop.
I agree.. it was a bit annoying actually.
As a presenter/creator people need to understand what the viewer wants to see.
The face of the presenter for about 90% of the video or the actual subject in-focus..
I know my preference and this video did not satisfy it ;)
Its a free video. Want your "money" back? Geez. People are such complainers. Waaaaaaaa!
@@joebudi5136 You might want to learn the difference between a complaint and criticism. The only one who is complaining, ironically, is you.. about other people.
@@ardonjr Um. Im answering a complaint foo. Panties in a bunch? Dont like being called out? Need a safe space or are you man enough to let this go? Let's find out. Shall we?
Not everyday that you see a Chinese amp with those high quality rca plugs at the back.
Thanks for the fantastic review.
I have Hegel H190 paired with Harbeth M30 speakers and Pontus 2 DAC. In your opinion what will i lose and gain by replacing H190 with Kinki M1+? I am little unhappy with the H190 in low volume listening like lack of power to bring the M30 sing.
You will not lose anything, I have gone through this change and I am very satisfied.
Great review. It really resonated with me and what I am looking for. I am currently looking at brands like Luxman, Accuphase , ... anything that is a good pure analogue integrated. You mention very musical, non fatiguing and the presence of air in the sound stage. How would this compare to some of the other brands, could it considered given the price difference?
@Meeno Do Yes I do. Given its price point I would want compare it to a luxman directly. If that is a toss up on performance, then move onto other "better" amps. Given Accuphase is twice the price of a luxman. They would be hard to choose over other amps. Esoteric,Ayer and others. Is this a modern version of the NAD 3020?
It's as good for 1/4 of the price
An Englishman, a Chinese man & an American guy all go into a bar & they had an amiable chat where each one told how they appreciated the better hi-if products from their fellow guy's home-countries. I particularly like the better Chinese products plus they show us the way in sanity-based pricing. I've bought many individual Chinese hi-fi products for myself & family members (easily 2 system's worth + by now) & never been ripped-off or had faulty arrivals & all through the trustworthy "China Hi-Fi" online. This Kinki has a superb damping factor for class-AB. of it's price & before class-D's escalating success of which very many bought in a much averagely higher damping factor (like N-core's 3K+ & ice-power's 2K) i'd seen leading class A & A/B power-amps specifying damping factors of 50 & up, big Yammy p/amps sometimes reached a 600 D.F. & they bragged about it back then, they wouldn't do now. A D.F. of 2000 will, should & ought to control bass drivers & bass panels extremely well ...it's my current issue (pardon unintended pun) & i may want to get kinki
Good review! Thanks for taking roads not the norm, venturing off into other offerings not heavily lobbied for. I’m sure those that know what I refer to will agree.
Thanks for the review 😀. Any thoughts on trying different Opamp options? Sounds like it's pretty amazing as is.
Great review Ron. Some of your colleagues have gone on about the mono blocks and a few other SKU's, so....it would seem the stuff is both well intentioned and well executed. Makes me curious about the dearer stuff in the line.
I agree
I tried for almost 4 minutes to watch your video, I felt like I was sitting in the first row at a movie theater and everything was blurry, why?
It’s me being artistic. It’s not for everyone. Thanks!
@@Newrecordday2013 hahaha best answer ever!! You are the man!
Thanks Ron. This is definitely one to consider. Especially as it's around the same price as other leading hifi company products. Would be interesting to see a shootout with some of those, like the Naim Supernait 3, for one.
I own this amp and IT IS WONDERFUL!!
It's circuit is AFAIK a no compromise copy of a goldmund amp, which is why it's such a great amplifier, of course it also shows how overpriced said Swiss hifi products are. The build quality and components is amazing on these Kinki amps.
I have KEF LS 50 original speakers is this a match? Thanks.
Add the Burson V7 Vivid op-amps and it can compete with just about any amp.
Really nice! Still not cheap though. Personally, I'd choose second hand or new-with-less- features, for as long as I can trust it in the long term. Would appreciate long term tests of the EX-M1+.
if you think not cheap check the prices of modwright and pass integrated
Thanks for the video. I am gonna receive this exm1+ in couple of days as a power amp to boost up my Elac 403 speakers. Pre amp is Onmia from Audiolab. Hope the exm1+ rocks! \m/
Cayin is an Audiophile grade Audiosystem brand. A Chinese product but it's very great .
Yes, I just purchased the mt 35 and it’s a stunner
Same factory that makes Prima Luna
I am considering getting this amp
But after reading all the comments
Of people that own this amp,they all seem to mod it with op amps !
Some say to makes it more musical
Some say it’s dry sounding
Very little comments saying it’s set and forget ?
If the op amps are so good
Why has kinky them selves not
Put them in prior to selling the unit ?
Anyone out there that just likes the amp how it’s is ?
to keep it neutral and balanced but for some maybe to neutral that's why some role some op-amps to voice the amp to their liking
I own a Chinese tube amp. The wiring is extremely tidy and well laid out. There are plenty of pictures on the interwebs of the guts of even cheaper amps, and almost invariably the wiring gets a lot of attention. So, one could say the distaste for Chinese made electronics is fading away, and so it should. There are some beautifully made Chinese amplifiers out there. There is some shite as well, and the reviewer noted this....
Thanks for the video. I would like to know, how does model five work with Kinki EX-M1+? Thank you
Excellent review Dave. I use their monos and pre for my daily driver. I love them!
No idea who Dave is but I’ll accept the compliment! Thanks man!
@@Newrecordday2013 Sorry Ron, to my brain you are Dave. Long story short when i first started to watch your videos a fee years back I thought you were saying “New Record Dave” so I just assumed your name was Dave for the longest time until I heard other people refer to you as Ron so even though I know your actual name my brain still defaults to Dave LOL.
@@NemoPropaganda I do the same thing lol
Great review Ron - got to love that volume knob, and the inside of that amp is beautiful😁
Can you make same for EX-M7? Also heard it is better so a lot of people are interesting...
This was an amazing review. Very detailed and unbiased! This is also very exciting as China is in its infancy stage in building higher quality integrated amps. Considering the hyper competition they have there development will be just as intense. Just look at what they've done with headphone amps and DACs! I'm looking forward to purchasing a Chinese integrated amp in the near future or ideally component system. Too many interests but only finite amount of time and money. :S
Just wondering how it compares to tube amps? In your opinion that is.....
What a superb review. If only corporate media reviews of consumer products were as good as this.
would like a comparison to the Marantz Model 30. Similar price and functions
Just picked up the Kinki integrated amp and wanted to ask what your favorite top 3 speaker pairings are. Thanks for your amazingly detailed reviews. You are now my go to audio guy on the Tube. Cheers 🥂
What speaker did you end up pairing it with?
@@denizekintanrsever4749 I am still in search of. Fritz and Ryan are on my radar.
@@Temmplehey did you end up finding a good speaker match? I'm about to pull the trigger on the fritz Carrera Be's
@@Gpray75 I ended up with the CSS 1TDX but still want to audition the Ryan R610 and the Fritz Carbon.
What speakers do you like with this? Would Klipsch pair with this?
I appreciate if you get to point, the preachienes at the front end was a turn-off. Thanks for the review.
Ok.
I agree, preachiness is a drag.
@@Newrecordday2013 Actually, this is the first video I've seen from you. Very very well done. Subscribed. The so-called 'preachiness' is understandable in today's internet where (as I'm sure you've noticed) EVERYONE wants to bring their politics to EVERYTHING. The message was short and to the point.
Shipping to Canada: $9,999.99. Seems like they aren't really looking to sell internationally.
Because they want you contact dealer in Toronto. Last I checked they have local distributor.
Yeah, that would be Charisma Audio
@@bluemoonj9350 Why not just say that on the website? That's frankly a stupid way to communicate they have a local distributor.
What the fuck?
How it can be compared to another damping champion Hegel, aka h120 or h190 for example? They aso have clean detailed presentation with nice engaging holographic presentation
Do you think it will go well with my Pioneer TAD S1EX speaker ? Thanks for this wonderful review 🙏🏽
@@wa2368 thanks 🙏🏽
I never thought I would say this, but the Chinese have been hitting it out of the park with some of these high end offerings! I own a Denafrips dac and couldn't be more pleased.
Is denafrips Chinese or Malaysia?
@@dannyjonze Denafrips is based out of Guangzhou, China where design and manufacturing takes place but the global distributor is Singaporean.
@@infn OK I see.
Just ordered one and a set of op amps (1 duals and 4 singles) all’s from Staccato in Poland. I think the hidden talent is the ability to op amp roll; this will be a nice addition. Great reviews, be safe.
Thanks!
Hi.
Have a new version of Kinki? Is there a sound change after using Staccato?
@@wiatr911 Very much so. The OP Amp’s can be rolled to customize the sound signature you want. I need to burn the amp in more, but do find it Dry and not as musical. Roll the op amps and you can get musicality back to this amp. 😍
@@kevinpuloski Did you change all opamps in NEW version of Kinki? Did you need risers for Staccato?
@Car Guy daddyo I have it paired new Kikni EX-M1+ 2021 with a set of Monitor Audio Gold 300 5gen and I would like to roll OPAmp for Staccato or Sparkos. I don't know if I need some risers if I would use Staccato? I still not decided what to buy if staccato or sparkos?? Can you advice please some ideas. Many thanks for feedback :)
Emotiva is made in China. Not an issue for me.
At this point in time, most everything we know and love is made in China.
Emotiva is mostly made in America now with some imported parts. As long as a factory meets ISO standards it does not really matter where it's made, as for the Chinese, my OPPO 203 is still going strong after almost five years of heavy use. As for racism, it usually cost the racist more than the people they hate
A lot of western brands build stuff in China. It’s not where it’s made, but WHO makes it.
Nice to see u finally reviewing chinese pieces man! Any chance of u taking a look to willsenton? Doge? Cayin? Ming Da?
Sure!
@@Newrecordday2013 Oh, please get your hands on some Audio-gd gear Ron. Highly recommended R2R DACs and much under-rated preamps, amps and integrated amps.
Hey man I don’t know if you’re checking your messages but I’m just curious to know if you had to choose which unit has better detail retrieval clarity and sound dynamics and hearing every little thing and making out every separate sound quality wise which one is better this device or the Yamaha as2200 I just want to hear the best clarity
If upper midrange and top end clarity is what you crave, the Yamaha is the way to go. If you want all that and more to be relaxed a little, easier for long listening sessions; the kinki is the way to go.
how would this compare to the Black Ice F35
Would this be too much for my klipsch rp8000s?
For me, it’s still a lot of money
Great review Ron! Love the large display and it seems like a great piece of kit!
Ron, I know that you own the Gallo Strada 2. I own a pair of Anthony Gallo 3.5 reference speakers, I wonder how this integrated would sound with the Gallos? I'm looking for a nice integrated amp below $3,000.
Would be a great match!!!
Building good and amps/ Integrated Amplifiers is not rocket science. Anyone can do it if they want to. It's simply about the vision/focus of those making it, and the price point they want to be in. Hence, no surprise at all they made a no corners cut higher end product.
Hello Ron I noticed an old review of yours is this better than the Parasound Hent halo five
What is the measured THD, etc? A PC scope is cheap.
Love my Kinki studio P7&M7 combo!!
@Car Guy daddyo right now Zu Audio dirty weekends....
@Car Guy daddyo impeccable. Holographic with a super wide soundstage. Pinpoint accuracy and very dynamic....
No review of the Marantz Model 30... You didn't like it?
OCD hifi guy played this amp on full volume with no audible distortion. That’s impressive.
OCD hifi guy even claims that the kinki sounds better than the €6.799 Coda CSiB thats impressive
How important is damping factor?
Another great review, Ron! Looking forward to your full NX-Otica review, as well as the review of your Manley tube amps! 👀
Right around the corner dude!
@@Newrecordday2013 HYPED! 🔥
I'm super confused by this amp after seeing it on Next Best Thing Studio. This is an integrated amp? You don't need the monoblocks with it?
Correct. This is an integrated amp.
I like the throwback to the good 'ol days of NRD in this review ;) The glamour footage and well written prose will never go out of style :)
Hey thanks!
Is there a optimal cost vs performance, made overseas or whatever, Class D Eigentakt purifi amp out there?
I have also been interested in an Eigentakt amp. I think this is what I am looking for: vtvamplifier.com/
czcams.com/video/nEL8TtEqrx4/video.html
Does it have sub-put?
Please review the EX-B7 mono blocks as well. Would love to hear your views!😃
See jay sousilk review for that..
@@user-mv2ro9sl1x yes, I have already seen that review.. wanted Ron’s views as well!
Awesome review across the board. Details, pacing, content, b-roll, all of it. Nice work. Seems like a super product. Should I sell my Aegir and Freya?
Is it a Freya + by chance? 😁
@@sean_heisler Freya S... a unicorn at this point.
@@mp29k Ah, gotcha. Yeah it is like a unicorn, it's a good preamp. Can I ask what you are driving with the Aegir?
@@sean_heisler Tekton Lore OG with upgrades.
I was set on buying Aegir monoblocks and Freya+, but the potential issue with running them mono with 4 ohm speakers concerns me. So now I’m leaning toward the Kinky Studio. I figure the Kinky Studio is the better buy since it will have no problem driving any other speaker I add to my system in the future.
I still want a Freya+ to use with the Kinky in the future but I will have to wait till I can save up for one down the road.
What type of binding posts?
Ever since they started making car 1 din,2din...mp4 players,I quit being sarcastic about chinese products.phones included. I bought 500$ 2 din player 7 years ago for my ford,and works perfectly.also,sound is full,doesn' t lack neither bass or mid or even high sounds.now,my yamaha receiver is on it's dying breath,having some issue with it's digital board which costs about 700$,so I thought to take a gamble and buy some chinese cheaper amp. So,thank you for video.
The M1+ is my first choice for a second "music only" system I'm getting ready to begin building. I haven't heard it for myself, but I've been following reviews on it since the launch of the original M1. It seems to be a lot of amplifier for the money!
Just got the amp and it’s fresh out of the box. The upper mids and lower treble is slightly harsh when volume level is above moderate. How long of a run in does this baby need? My Harbeth speakers are not bright for sure.
40-50 hours it will relax. 200 hours it will be gone.
@@Newrecordday2013 … Thank you ever do much!
@@hushpuppykl did it ever break in?
@@wprimrose … fresh out of the box it was relatively harsh. After 60 hours it did smoothen out. Was obvious because on very familiar tracks, the sibilant etc were no longer present.
@@hushpuppyklhi, is it still a bit harsh up top with louder listening volumes? What speakers are you using? 🙏
what is the difference between the "+" and the EXM 1-other than $500?
I believe it has a home theater bypass.
@@luigy39 thanks!
Good review.. Sounds like a good amp. They're not really giving away at 2,900. So it should be as good as you say. Thanks
That grey cardigan looks like mine
Sounds like these will pair great with the new elacs.
Ron, Kinki is the owner’s wifes name. Lol
I think to upgrade to kinki so I bring my old naim XS amp 80w. Amp to compare end up naim still sound better
Does this company make a separate amp and preamp or is it only offered as an integrated amp?
They offer both.
A balanced version would be cool
Kink Studio compete very well with Audio GD components
And even beter together i have Audio-GD dac and Kinky monoblocks
@@fredrikbarthel4803 im in the middle of getting Audio GD components stack to match my Hulgich Dukes
@@genkifd It should work very well with the satori drivers! King Wa have excellent service
@@genkifd Thank you for the tip on the Hulgich speakers. I live in Sweden and haven't heard that they was co developed here!
@@fredrikbarthel4803 - Kingwa has a set of Dukes as part of his reference system.
Lets dont forget Some US and German Brands has a Factory and employs Chinese Workforce Technicians and Engineers. Anyone thats has the Courage and Discipline to study physics and Chemistry in Tandem with Electronics will Create a better Device.
the way u say it.... that power button reminds me of g-spot... especially how u turn it "on"
Excellence is excellence ! It is no the privilege of a genre, a group of people, a so-called race, or whatever nonsense you come up with.... Thanks for this review. I have been reading great things about Kinki Audio. Apparently their DAC is a fantastic piece of gear for its price as well. Bless up ! Keep feeding us with some non-US excellence like this one.
At first I thought, "those knobs aren't that big," but then I saw your hand. Those are some big ol' knobs.
Haha! Yuuuuge knobs!
I like big knobs
I'll be saving for this based on your review pal...how do u feel?
Do they make a home theater unit ?
This amp is a new front runner for me! Great review
I am buying this thing! You convinced me. Good video. Well done!! 👍
Thanks for the informative review.
Perhaps kinki is Golden Tree. Need to see the Chinese characters to know.
It's the name of the owner's wife.
Another great video Ron.
I think you’re right, Marty!