This Affordable Integrated Amp is ASTOUNDING! Meet CHoco Sound.

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  • čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
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    #HiFi #Audiophile #Stereo
    Written Review: www.stevehuffp...
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    Today I review the CHoco Sound EMEI Integrated Amp from the Kinki Studios brand. CHoco Sound is here and it's a compact yet hefty integrated amp that is a pleasure to look at, use and listen to. For me, it brings some intoxicating music through any speaker I pair with it. Solidity, Slam, Romance and Beauty all in one.
    This looks, feels and sounds like a high end integrated but comes in at under $1,700. Incredible in today's expensive HiFi world.
    This is my full review and thoughts after having it here for two months. Members get an extended cut with a sound demo using the Alexandria Audio monitors!
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    Enjoy!
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Komentáře • 113

  • @roynusser5246
    @roynusser5246 Před rokem +5

    The way you describe it, it sounds like am amp i would admire, but when I first saw it I thought it looked a bit like a photo scanner. I like that it has XLR inputs.

  • @pheunthai
    @pheunthai Před rokem +20

    Sir, I have a similar experience with this manufacturer, with another of its brand. The amplifier I had simply short-circuited and blew my speakers as well. As far as you can tell sir, does this particular manufacturer build in any safety circuitry in their amplifiers?

  • @Woofy-tm8si
    @Woofy-tm8si Před 10 měsíci +2

    Case in point: Denafrips. Their gear is top shelf. Beautifully made. Built like tanks.

  • @robertwang7825
    @robertwang7825 Před rokem +7

    On Taobao in China it sells for around USD1085 , very tempting proposition indeed.

    • @raiflores1833
      @raiflores1833 Před 7 měsíci +1

      You get no warranty if from inside china.

    • @robertwang7825
      @robertwang7825 Před 7 měsíci

      @@raiflores1833 Actually I’m now looking at the Eversolo F2 amp which is way cheaper with 145Watts

  • @mrman7453
    @mrman7453 Před 11 měsíci +2

    One of the biggest lessons I learned certain components I rather buy from an established company .

  • @CarlosPerez-eb5er
    @CarlosPerez-eb5er Před rokem +12

    Any reason why you didn’t show it lit up, turned on?

    • @jorgebravo7980
      @jorgebravo7980 Před rokem +2

      Exactly! It (seems it) has a huge screen and got no idea how it looks like

    • @2HatHudders
      @2HatHudders Před rokem +1

      Must have had an issue with it. He showed it working in one of his shorts from a few weeks back

    • @HiFiHuff
      @HiFiHuff  Před rokem +1

      I did here: czcams.com/users/shortsEp6tDXurpSM?feature=share

    • @HiFiHuff
      @HiFiHuff  Před rokem +1

      @@2HatHudders no issue at all. I’m listening to it right at this moment. Most shots here it was unplugged or in my hands. The members version of the review shows it on before the sound demos. You can also see the display in a previous video here: czcams.com/users/shortsEp6tDXurpSM?feature=share

    • @scrutor7
      @scrutor7 Před rokem

      How is the soundstage and imaging?

  • @fletchermunson6225
    @fletchermunson6225 Před rokem +3

    Nice review on a beautiful piece.

  • @mocomike01
    @mocomike01 Před rokem +15

    So this Choco Sound amp isn't too far from the price of the Heaven 11 Billie Mk2, which I know you are very familiar with. How does Emei stack up to Billie?

    • @jackfalco5351
      @jackfalco5351 Před rokem +2

      Billy has a built-in dac and phono stage

    • @mocomike01
      @mocomike01 Před rokem +1

      @@MasterofPlay7 Emei is approx. $1700, and Billie is $2000

    • @mocomike01
      @mocomike01 Před rokem +5

      @@jackfalco5351 yup. Billie is definitely more feature packed, but I'm curious how they stack up sound wise.

    • @psysword
      @psysword Před rokem +2

      Billie is made in Canada. 'nuff said

    • @kevinwest1607
      @kevinwest1607 Před rokem

      So these two different amplifiers both come from communist countries.

  • @rokodrago
    @rokodrago Před rokem +8

    Question. What’s the difference between EMEI and EX-M1+ in terms of sound performance?

    • @E.T.Persson
      @E.T.Persson Před 11 měsíci

      @@hushpuppykl cool, have you heard them both? side by side? Is the Emei much warmer? thx

    • @E.T.Persson
      @E.T.Persson Před 11 měsíci

      @@hushpuppykl thx very helpful. I have the ex-m1 v1 With an Burson opamp atm playing my Dynaudio sp40. I think I’m moving on from the Kinki to something with more glow and shine. Any recommendations? And can you elaborate on the differences more? (Ex-m1 v emei) 🙏🏼

    • @atulnsingh
      @atulnsingh Před 5 měsíci

      There is no EMEI+ in Choco sound but is there in Kinki Studio. The EXM1+ and the regular are same amps; the + model comes with a pre-out to connect a subwoofer or external power amp. I think that is the only difference.

  • @stimpy1226
    @stimpy1226 Před rokem +19

    Just because something is produced in China does not mean that it's garbage. There are some great designers in China and they will not sacrifice their designs to poor quality construction.

    • @MrShaggy789
      @MrShaggy789 Před rokem +3

      Absolutely. All iPhones are made in Asia. Nobody questions their build quality. Just audiophile snobbery.

    • @gage4375
      @gage4375 Před rokem +1

      China's at war with us

    • @HiFiHuff
      @HiFiHuff  Před rokem +3

      Exactly. I say this all the time. Sadly, there are those who instantly trash anything made in china, even though they use their phones. Computers, television and even clothing made in china. Some of the Best Buy’s in audio are made in China.

    • @jonfoss3437
      @jonfoss3437 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Compared to vintage stuff from japan and usa. It is

  • @bruceandt
    @bruceandt Před 7 měsíci

    Just watched some reviews of the Galion
    TS A 75. This unit is worthy of your review.
    Hope you check out this solid state amp.
    You might like to review this one

  • @HaraHetta
    @HaraHetta Před 11 měsíci

    Your listening room is my dream

  • @HiFiHuff
    @HiFiHuff  Před rokem

    The short I posted weeks ago shows it in silver... czcams.com/users/shortsEp6tDXurpSM?feature=share

  • @petez4608
    @petez4608 Před rokem +1

    I’m just moving up from nice little Cambridge audio integrated. This could be a great candidate, amongst Hegel 95, Sphinx Audio and maybe this are the candidates under $2000 USD. Open to other thoughts from the community here.

  • @allanellis5827
    @allanellis5827 Před rokem +1

    Sounds like a very interesting product. Thanks a lot.

  • @JingoLoBa57
    @JingoLoBa57 Před rokem +6

    So it’s a class A/B?

  • @Pete.across.the.street
    @Pete.across.the.street Před rokem +5

    How did you blow the fuse?

  • @thomasbirdsell840
    @thomasbirdsell840 Před rokem +5

    Is there any type of display, for power output or for input selection?

    • @Jayboulders
      @Jayboulders Před 8 měsíci

      Yea for real. No one has these super unique speakers, and I get the amp pairs magically, but how about a walk through of the Bluetooth remote or the oled screen or whatever. Colorful gushing aside what’s the feature set.

  • @bruceandt
    @bruceandt Před 11 měsíci

    Enjoy your reviews very much.
    These CHoco Emei are an eye grabber. Specs seem impressive. Considering some pairings for speakers. Tekton Lore reference with the upgrade kit. Mid towers are what I’m thinking. Thoughts?

  • @jimfarrell4635
    @jimfarrell4635 Před rokem +2

    I struggle with the lack of inputs. I appreciate the size constraints but it does limit it's use to simple systems.

  • @paulpaulzadeh6172
    @paulpaulzadeh6172 Před rokem +1

    Can you try Sophie Zelmani albums in it .

  • @ibrahim-alani
    @ibrahim-alani Před rokem +1

    I hope you try the HoloAudio - May DAC ( the giants killer)

  • @scrutor7
    @scrutor7 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Sorry for the elementary questions, but with two analog inputs, how am I to connect a streamer or a DAC in addition to my turntable and cd player?

    • @mcpfrid73
      @mcpfrid73 Před 11 měsíci +1

      I think the Eversolo would work

  • @gregsaddie
    @gregsaddie Před rokem

    Yba Integre DT had the magic...

  • @peterw2714
    @peterw2714 Před 10 měsíci

    It would be interesting to hear how this compares with your new reference system the Amber from Daniel Hertz.

    • @HiFiHuff
      @HiFiHuff  Před 10 měsíci

      It doesn't. Nothing I have heard compares to the Amber system, seriously. This amp plays very nice with the Amber speakers though and creates a warmer more tube like sound. For slam, excitement, details, dynamics and even plenty of warmth and body the Maria powers the Ambers as good as they can be powered as they were tuned together by Mark Levinson. I was able to hear three tunings with the Ambers as he was finalizing it all. The final tuning is spectacular. This amp is a sweet amp for almost any speaker though. In fact. it hasn't sounded bad with any speaker I have hooked up to it. I love this amp. It has a little magic inside of it and for me it bests the Kinki EXM1 but it depends on the sound you like.

  • @E.T.Persson
    @E.T.Persson Před 11 měsíci

    great, wonder how it compares with the ex-m1

  • @pchlars5666
    @pchlars5666 Před rokem

    I would like to seesome shots of screen. Kinky Ex m1 has very visable vol which is great.

  • @nc3419
    @nc3419 Před 11 měsíci

    As to the inside components, I've seen two different photos and don't know which is representative of the current model. One has 2 caps, one has 4. One shows one blue encapsulated toroid with a larger black one and one shows 2 blue with a caged PS. Which is it?

  • @joelnorris4064
    @joelnorris4064 Před rokem +1

    Would you recommend buying Daniel Hertz speakers with this amplifier if on a budget?

    • @yantrussart6584
      @yantrussart6584 Před rokem

      Do you know the price of the Daniel Hertz speakers? Maybe you and I don't have the same definition of "budget"...

  • @christiancarranza166
    @christiancarranza166 Před rokem

    What would you rather Have the michi x3 or choco EMEI

  • @JingoLoBa57
    @JingoLoBa57 Před rokem +1

    I bet you haven’t tested the AudioLab 8003a fully balanced amp or can comment on these two? Anyone chime in?

    • @nc3419
      @nc3419 Před 11 měsíci

      I've read the 8300a isn't really fully balanced on the XLR inputs. Now replaced by newer amps which I don't know if fully balanced either.

  • @m.j.s.3838
    @m.j.s.3838 Před rokem

    I was just looking at that one the other day.

  • @jo1512
    @jo1512 Před rokem +2

    4 ohm ?

  • @liamporter1137
    @liamporter1137 Před rokem

    Thanks for sharing.

  • @janulik9535
    @janulik9535 Před 11 měsíci

    So, ..my understanding here is that with alexandria speakers it also does project a bit of depth to soundstage right?, and what about the dynamics? is it ok?

  • @Mikespree-dy4fc
    @Mikespree-dy4fc Před 9 měsíci

    Will this work well with Bowers and Wilkins cm9 s2 speakers 200 w sensitivity 89DB?

  • @jean-michel2489
    @jean-michel2489 Před rokem

    What about the K link on the rear panel ? Shall we expect a complementary product ( DAC or streamer ) ?

    • @brandonwinstead5128
      @brandonwinstead5128 Před 11 měsíci

      They are working on a Bluetooth product that you can play music through your phone or tablet with.

  • @peterborelli3877
    @peterborelli3877 Před rokem

    Where are your Fleetwood DeVille SQs?

  • @Kazsud215
    @Kazsud215 Před rokem

    Will you be reviewing the Kef Reference 1 meta since you reviewed the R3 meta?

    • @HiFiHuff
      @HiFiHuff  Před rokem +1

      Unlikely. KEF has not offered to send me a pair of REF1. If they do I’ll review them. Thanks.

    • @Kazsud215
      @Kazsud215 Před rokem

      @@HiFiHuff I got the ref1 og a few months ago and would love to hear your take w/ your amps which are better than mine. Crossing fingers.

  • @craigosterberg5045
    @craigosterberg5045 Před rokem

    Thanks

  • @bruceandt
    @bruceandt Před rokem

    Could this compliment the Totem Forest.
    Ccs audio TD1x?

  • @redstarwraith
    @redstarwraith Před rokem +1

    Very cool!

  • @chengo51
    @chengo51 Před rokem +4

    The kind of brand you never heard of and like hundreds of them, it will disappear the way it appeared !

    • @cheveyo2403
      @cheveyo2403 Před rokem

      most people were raving a bout kinki studio a couple of years ago. and this is a subbrand of kinki

    • @chengo51
      @chengo51 Před rokem +1

      @@cheveyo2403 Who raved of what ? Kinki ....never heard of it ....a non-brand ! Let the poor minded jump on any new marketing rubbish. If you are serious with your listening pleasure, get the real proven stuff !

    • @yantrussart6584
      @yantrussart6584 Před rokem +4

      ​@@chengo51Kinki Studio have indeed garnered many accolade from reviewers over the last couple of years. Maybe you should do a bit of research before pissing in the punch bowl...

    • @Yiannis2112
      @Yiannis2112 Před rokem +4

      @@chengo51 The real, proven stuff used to be non-brand at some point in the past.

    • @Jeipr
      @Jeipr Před rokem +2

      ​@@chengo51Well the fact that you havent heard ot it dont mean the company makes bad products or isnt making waves in some audio circles. Kinda of narrowminded opinion.

  • @jameschan2404
    @jameschan2404 Před rokem

    Which colour do you prefer?

  • @HailKingCeezer
    @HailKingCeezer Před rokem

    How many opamps are there?

  • @Tom_the_great
    @Tom_the_great Před rokem +1

    Surprised he bought that DH system

  • @michaellichnovsky8397
    @michaellichnovsky8397 Před rokem +1

    Nice one!

  • @psysword
    @psysword Před rokem

    I can't do class D so far. Love my class As.

    • @Jeipr
      @Jeipr Před rokem

      CHoco is class AB

  • @jakobgooijer
    @jakobgooijer Před rokem

    Very nice amp!
    Looks nice on your very old but great REL sub!

  • @leodesforges161
    @leodesforges161 Před rokem

    The triangles are pronounced: COE-mett

  • @Pete.across.the.street
    @Pete.across.the.street Před rokem +3

    China makes all the best stuff. Looks pretty cool. If I was in the market for a starter system, this would be on my list.

    • @tokobjork
      @tokobjork Před rokem +3

      They still copy o lot. Oppurtunistic behaviour without western standard for the employed and copyright non existent.

    • @jimfarrell4635
      @jimfarrell4635 Před rokem +1

      ​@@tokobjorkKinki, the parent company, did indeed start off life copying Goldmund designs and Goldmund DNA is still apparent in the Ex M1, but they are now designing all their own stuff from scratch.

  • @ricardodiaz1753
    @ricardodiaz1753 Před rokem +2

    Can it handle 4 ohm?

  • @spacejaime
    @spacejaime Před rokem +2

    No sub out. Bummer.

  • @jeffkalina7727
    @jeffkalina7727 Před rokem +1

    So much for fuses. Get some stuff from EU and ditch China. Service available where? Warranty?

  • @HungryEatNow
    @HungryEatNow Před 10 měsíci

    Another month another hype 😂

  • @hi-fiwithgary7532
    @hi-fiwithgary7532 Před rokem

    EMEI is pronounced as Er May, roughly but close

  • @purnimaarong4767
    @purnimaarong4767 Před rokem +1

    Hello sir 18 years boy murdered by jadobpur University hostels older boy's.india west bengal.can you called his soul.current news that is.

  • @peternilsson1645
    @peternilsson1645 Před rokem

    🎯👏👍🙏❤

  • @adotopp1865
    @adotopp1865 Před rokem

    The warranty is not worth the paperwork it's written on if you buy it online.

  • @seanb3303
    @seanb3303 Před rokem +2

    Is this Class D?

  • @YouSoundButtHurt
    @YouSoundButtHurt Před rokem +6

    What about the 4ohm rating? Is there one?

    • @jimfarrell4635
      @jimfarrell4635 Před rokem

      Seemingly it puts out a little over 200 watts into 4 Ohms. Can't remember the exact figure.

    • @mikehuntington4440
      @mikehuntington4440 Před rokem

      6moons says is 180watts into 4ohms