DK Design Group vs. Boulder

I think the point, audioaril, is that for a piece that expensive, you should audition it at home with your gear. Not in a showroom. Only caveat is that I am assumming you are buying new. If you are buying used, then you will have to solicit opinions and/or pony up and take a chance.

For the record I have heard the DK Mk II coupled with some great gear, Usher Dancer 8871's, Esoteric DV-50, Aesthetix preamp (top of the line model - can't recall name) with very high end Synergistic Research cabling.

I still maintain my above position. May be "great" for 5K. IMHO, from what I have heard I don't find the DK worth it's asking price. I actually find it laughable there are so many new "members" that find it superior to proven names in the industry. I may not agree with the esoteric products pricing, however you are paying for the R&D that went into that product as well.

Anyhow, again IMHO there isn't a comparison.

Others have above stated, it is only your ears that matter however, and if you find audio nirvana with the DK congrats. I am not so sure professing it kills other well regarded amps will create any new beleivers.

Audioaril, why not post your system so the rest of us that may be a "bit" skeptical can get an idea of your associated gear.

IMO, if you have the funds buy the Boulders. It's one of the best audio gear you could ever buy. DK is not even in the same league... If Boulders doesn't sound well in your system, keep the Boulders and upgrade the other equipment.

Yes, or at least I beleive so... as I controlled the volume to the Aesthetix via remote. I heard the system with just the DK as well as the Aesthetix just driving the amp section. With the Aesthetix driving the DK, it sounded much better. I don't recall the price of the Aesthetix preamp, however I am quite sure the preamp alone was almost twice the amount of the DK. The preamp was used for both cd and vinyl input...