DK Design Review

"Just because it is expensive doesn't mean it can't be a good value".

Very true. We all define "good value" differently.

This thread is a "good value."

I just happened on this thread and since I don't have a lot of time being able to surf the threads, I am surprised by back and forth bashing of each other over this brand.

It does remind me of when Odyssey started out with the Stratos. It was the same kind of item. Guys were saying the amp was not good and a lot were saying it was great. I found a large number gave opinions without ever having heard the amp. I felt then that if you are giving an opinion, hear it first before you praise or condemn it.

I have had quite a few systems and have had high end/ low end etc. etc. and on and on.

I had not had an integrated for a number of years so I took a chance and bought one a week ago. I had been using a Cary V12/ Emotive Audio Erato/ Wyetech Labs Onyx mono blocks and Coral preamp. None of them slouches and yes, not as expensive, deemed higher end than some. However, more than decent and expensive for some.

Well, my findings were that the DK Ref Mk ll is not out of place with them. Is it as refined/ warm etc. as the others? Not quite, but not far. I did not like it when I first got it with the stock tubes. As I do with all the amps/ pre's I have owned (except the Wyetech which seems to have great tubes right from the start), I changed them. The DK seems to really be affected by tube rolling and my quick changes of two different 6922/ 7308 tubes resulted in smoother highs, better focus and sound staging. So I really had to toss a coin and I am satisfied with what I purchased and could I live with it? Absolutely. Especially with the ease of use. Limited cabling/ one box etc. etc.

So what if some are beating their chests. I have read threads over the years from others that owned Krells/ Levinson's/ Cary's et al do the same. I am glad they like the preamp. Yes. As their budgets afford and ears/ likes change, they will most likely buy something else. Who does not that takes up the hobby. Are we not forever looking for that little tweak/ upgrade that will get us to the nirvana? Only to find we were closer a year ago, with 5 less changes? Makes it fun.

For all, respect each other in this never ending search. We all started out and our pride of ownership sometimes made us a little exaggerated in our claims boasts. We get over it. They will also realize that their bravado might have been as tipped up as some of the equipment out there. It's like a new speaker. Kind of bright/ edgy when starting out. Over time, it mellows out. Experience will also do that with you.

Anyway, will spend some time with the DK. A pleasant surprise. I tend to side with the reviewers. It's a good buy in audio. There are a lot out there. As we gain experience, we find more. Denon 103 cartridges/ Shelter 501/ Vandy 2's and 3's/ Quicksilver line stages and some of their amps/ and on and on. There are a lot of good buys. My week with the DK makes me feel that DK has something. Maybe just change their supposed marketing and let the owners decide. I respect Bound for Sound with their lack of advertising. It tipped my decision to try one of the integrateds. Maybe the Signature next......
(guess I will never learn. Time to try something new again)

thanks I take no sides as all have their points. I just felt there are some that are abusing the line because of perceived marketing rather than what they are selling. A crime. I also tried some Odyssey. Not bad for the money again. Not the best, but you are getting a lot of amp for the $.

I have sampled a few of the posts on this recent DK thread and one paragraph from Jmcgrogan2 stands out (from my perspective):

"84audio and Johnrob, congrats on your informative posts. They are an act of class from DK users. Perhaps if Audiogon is exposed to more knowledgable and experienced DK owners such as yourselves, DK's reputation can be revived. There is no doubt that LSA is more of a class act than DK was, so there is always hope."

I can appreciate these kind of "bridge building" statements, but I participated in a much earlier DK thread in which Larry Staples (LSA) did not display much class at all. Since my experience with the product (at the time, VS-1 MKII Reference) was completely negative and I said so, Larry seriously called into question my ability to hear. I conceded at the time that I could have had a bad sample, but I my experience was reported honestly and with out malice.

I brought the discussion with Larry off line, and to his credit, he apologized, sincerely--I believe--privately.

I know manufactures get frustrated with the off hand trashing that they feel they unjustifiably sometimes get. They cannot control the situation (system set up) in which their gear is tested, etc. But...I did not report anything that I did not verify with an other listener (with no planting of my impressions first) and cross reference with other gear for comparison.

As a manufacturer, LSA and co need to just take their lumps from people who did not like their product but who did try the product for an extended period of time and gave it every opportunity possible to perform well. Chalk it all up to poor quality control, but to trash someone’s hearing ability in Audio is as close to fightin’ words as it comes.

The bashing did not all come from a gang of anonymous posters intend on ‘…ruining a man’s life work,’ as Larry later complained. It sometimes came directly from those who should know better.

2 points:

1 . why comparing the amps with a 1000usd speaker if he has also a 12000usd speaker standing next to it?
2 . calling a 3200usd amp "a extraordinary value" , while the 1500usd amp sound better..........

I don`t understand the guy (reviewer).