DK Design VS.1 Reference mkII - Optimization

Mullard CV2492 gold pin cryo tubes . Somebody talk to me who has rolled a set of these into the preamp. I presently have a set of Tungsram E88CC/6922 and did not see a substantial change from stock tubes. What cha got there...?

I do most of my serious listening with vinyl and did a phase test with the Shure test recording TTR-110 through the phono and input A and the phase was reversed. I flipped my speaker cables red to black, black to red,to correct this. FYI- I use Silver Sonic Q-10 speaker cable presently connected to full range dipole speakers (Hunt Janni Tombstones-DIY). I am looking for my test CD to check the input I use for CD play (mostly background music as my setup is in my living room......

Hello Malbor,
You mentioned you have a friend that has done the Parts Connexion Upgrade to his DK. I have been considering having this done for quite some time and have never, until now, found someone who can give me their opinion with the outcome. Without being rude, is it possible to pass on my email to your friend? Thanks.

Oh, and just so that you know, I was one of the first to buy the DK (and I don't mean that in an Al Gore/internet kind of way) but was very pleased with its sound right away. And in the early and quiet beginnings of this amp had many conversations with Daniel. And while listening to his enthusiam about using the supplied powercord and interconnects, those items didn't make it a day beyond their break-in with my system. While this is a beautiful amp, it's not a plug and play amp and, as with any personalized audio system and component, will greatly benefit from a thread like this.

I had Parts Connexion modify a DK VS1mkII a while ago. It was a great improvement over the stock amp. If I didn't have problems with changing gear every couple months I would have probably kept it & been happy. It sounded killer. I think it was money well spent. The quality of work by Parts Connexion was absolutely 1st class all the way. I wouldn't hesitate to deal with them again in the future. I have since gone back to separates and am chasing my tail again. I sold the amp on Agon and the new owner is absolutely thrilled with the sound and that was with some inexpensive tubes in the pre section. He also got my cryoed CV2492 Mullard tubes to plug in when he is ready. The DK is a nice amp that never really got a fair shake due to marketing/shill and all the crazy threads and arguments. It isn't the last word in amps/preamps but for the money it is a great value.

Thanks for the feedback on the Parts Connexion Upgrade, Nicksgem. I have dealt with Chris in the past, just not on a project of this size (literally with the DK!).

I agree with you about the (past) Audiogon climate concerning this amp. I think it got ridiculous on both ends of the extreme. What a shame to move away from insightful and balanced discussion as we are all (hopefully) music lovers and the equipment is just a means to an end.

Take care and wish me luck as I prepare to pack this beast up without any harm to my body.