Kinki Studio EX-M1


I’ve always wanted something simple and not a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to my stereo. KISS (keep it simple, stupid) is something I use in my approach to most things in life. Why overcomplicate? The Kinki EX-M1 is just an integrated, and that’s not meant as a pejorative. There’s no DAC or streaming capabilities, or room correction algorithms built in, and it won’t fold you laundry. There are 4 inputs out back, three unbalanced (RCA) and one balanced (XLR) which I’ve read is a simple and not a true balanced. Either way, it adds another type of input which can come in handy. The binding post are copies of WBT versions and are a joy to work with.

It has a frequency response of 10-150kHz (+/- 3db) and outputs 215W into 8ohms. It retails for approx. $2,200. Here is a link to more specs:
https://www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/kinki-studio-ex-m1

Because of it’s silvery finish it has an imposing appearance but compared to my black Marantz PM-15S2b, it’s about the same size. Personally, I love the look. When they say it’s built like a vault, this is the vault they refer to. The weight is imposing as well (55.12 lbs.) so take care when maneuvering it. You can turn it on with the remote or by pressing in the selector knob on the left. Turning it off is done by pressing and holding the same knob for 5 seconds, or by remote. The default volume setting when turned on is set at 10 so make sure to turn it down to 0 before playing anything unless your speakers are of low sensitivity. A well made manual is supplied but alas, it’s only in Chinese, but Alvin told me they’re making one in English.

Having 255 steps of attenuation gives one extraordinary range to get to exactly where you like to listen. You can go up 10 to 15 steps and not notice much of a change, at first, until something dynamic asserts itself or when you realize that in general, it’s now more impactful. Using the remote allows you to quickly go through the steps and adjust on the fly. I find this most handy and now use it to tailor the song or piece of music to my tastes.

As an integrated, it simply excels in it’s purpose. As verbose as I can tend to be, it leaves me speechless in describing it. It does nothing to detract. It does everything to commend. It’s incredibly fast and yet so utterly smooth. Musical presence is immediate but not etched, hyped or shrill. It’s light on it’s feet but can pounce and stomp when called for.

Liu, the amp’s designer, does not believe in exaggerated base and yet this amp goes lower, tighter and simply growls tone, details and ambience that I haven’t heard before. Lower registers of the piano left me slack jawed as I basked in the reverberations of the soundboard. The same goes for cello, guitar, percussion and massed strings. Imaging is the best I’ve heard in my system. Nothing wavers (unless done in post production) and separation is tops. With The Milk Carton Kids, the two of them finally are completely separated and at a greater distance apart than what I’ve been used to or thought they’d be. Small chamber music pieces have me scanning the soundstage as different pieces play distinctly in their own space. Back up vocals are distinct as well with no smearing. They may harmonize but they are clearly different.

Highs are fully extended, again, beyond what I’m accustomed to hearing. They can go on well into a piece and you can hear the decay even when some bigger play takes center stage. Bells and chimes can tickle like the real thing. And speaking of stage, it’s of one piece, the same no matter where you care to go. All the way left, right, up or down, even as far back as you care to look. The strength of the music lies everywhere you care to listen. The only limits are what was done in the recording.

It has no noise floor that I can detect. On Abdullah Ibrahim’s The Song Is My Story, he’s not up on stage, as usual, but I’m sitting next to him while he plays (I listen in the near field so that helps). The piano is the full width of the soundstage, steady as a rock, and the notes flow out around, up, and beneath me (great mike placement). Notes can and do come out of a completely black background unless the recording is done with less tricks and then you easily hear the venue, the room, the stage, the setting. And, I never thought I’d say this but FM now sounds pretty fantastic, considering it’s limits.

The sound is so pure that it’s reoriented the way I listen to music. I no longer listen analytically but for the sheer pleasure. It’s so rewarding and relaxing. Listening to favorites, I’ve noticed that some sound different enough for me to notice that there was some exaggeration or emphasis of certain parts of the frequency with my older set up. Whether it was the house sound that some say certain brands have or just the limits of the design I can’t rightly say. Maybe it’s all the extra circuitry added to accommodate all the extra features I have no use for. No matter. I’m content. Happy as a puppy with two pee pees.

Also, I have to give thanks to Alvin for his great customer service. He’s the most attentive distributor I’ve dealt with. His response to any question I had were immediate and thorough, as long as one is mindful of the time differences (just check your clock on your smartphone to coordinate appropriate time zones). 👍 He even followed up with shipping notices, delivery times, and any question I had with the unit’s operation or features, which reminds me, since it draws about 30-40 watts when on, make sure to leave it in standby when not is use. It can get very warm to kind of hot, but not hot enough for me to lay my hand on it for any length of time. If I had more space it wouldn’t be a concern (it cools off quickly). That leads me to believe that maybe since my JBL 4319 monitors are 92db, and that it doesn’t take much to make them sing, that the EX-M1, which is a Class A/B design, operates in Class A for the first several watts, which could account for the warmth of the unit along with the wonderful tonal density and texture. Someone with more know how can look into that.

All in all, it’s the best money I’ve spent and now I have no desire to upgrade to some PC based system. My CDs and SACDs sound fantastic, even the old ones along with the reissues. To think you’re getting a real taste of what the well heeled have been enjoying for a fraction of the price makes this a true bargain if there ever was one. Let me also add that I received no consideration from the manufacturer or distributor and these are my views and opinions.

All the best,
Nonoise






128x128nonoise
Nope. My complaint didn’t deal with the product in the least, or the Singapore seller. Read for substance, Nutz.

If you recall, I was sold on the product, but not the U.S. seller. 
Good idea, but he is Nutz!

Alvin is a stand up guy, and I told him I’m in no hurry, just get a great one built for me. 

I cant comment on the amp, but I can comment on Alvin-great guy. 👍
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@d2girls It was unfortunate you had to delete your own thread, despite giving the heads-up you would do so if the devolution continued.

There were some great posts there, especially on gain, volume control, etc. that @almarg had provided pointers on and that @nonoise and @mboldda1 had provided real experience with.
Initially, I wrote that I could see where this thread was going and decided against it. @d2girls is correct. Please keep it on topic. The topic being a review of the Kinki EX-M1. If anyone's inclined to debate other merits, start your own thread. 👍 

All the best,
Nonoise
Any owners care to comment on whether the amp runs cool, warm or whatever?  I’ve got close quarters in my Salamander and the manual is silent on this. 

Also, how do you find the remote in terms of function?
Mine has been running for close to a hundred hours straight in my Office system breaking in and it is barely warm.  
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Hmm, my McIntosh MC202 never did that and my Rotel RB 1590 doesn’t do that, so I hope the Kinki won’t. 
Mine gets warm after several hours as one can see from the close confines of my media stand. Just a few hours and it's no problem. Proper ventilation is a must. Right now I have a small fan attached to the back of my media stand that I turn on for lengthy listening sessions.

My Marantz never got as warm and I left it on 24/7 for years. But then, it only outputted 90W per channel and not 215W. Maybe that has something to do with it.

I just may relocate it to the lower section where there's more vertical space. That other extra inch would help.

All the best,
Nonoise


Thanks. I’ve got AC Infinity fans in the Salamander so I should be in good shape!
burn in update. in the beginning the highs seemed a little recessed, they have since moved more in line with the rest of the audio spectrum. talk about dynamic, I was in my listening chair while music was playing and surfing the net when all of a sudden a big drum hit comes along. I almost jumped out of my chair, head turning side to side trying to figure out what just happened!!!

300 hrs is a long way to go and I don't know how many hours I have put in, wish I had some type of timer.
I’ve had a few moments like that with my Rotel RB 1590, so I’m glad to hear this, and look forward to it. I intend to supplement my system with the Kinki, with the intent to set up a second system in another room. The “loser” goes to the second system. 

It is startling when when that happens!🙀
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@Jay, this thread is about the amp, not the retail seller or their practices. Please stop this unless you want to invite others’ comments. 👀
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Why does it have to be sarcastic?  The op asked that scope be limited to the amp’s merits, so why not honor this?🙊
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Alvin is a great guy, and there is general agreement on this-what’s the point?🔚
Hey everyone, when Alvin sold this line, he was the one who got the well deserved credit for everything from selling, to follow up, queries, and the like. Now that Mike sells them, there's nothing wrong in acknowledging his contributions as well.

But to pit one against the other with getting the best buy or terms is kind of sad and not keeping with the gist of this thread. 

Celebrate the gear. 👍

All the best,
Nonoise
Geesus, no one is being pitted against anyone else. Some folks are less sanguine about being asked to wrongfully hose a company they’ve used for nearly 20 years than others.

What is wrong is wrong.

I hope to have my amp soon to pit it against my Rotel RB 1590.
Especially the Live Hot Pink Blues Album or the first self titled album. 
Way ahead of you on that one. I have his first, simply titled Keb 'Mo and it's like he's in my living room. That steel string guitar never sounded so authentic. 

If you like that kind of presence, try European Jazz Trio's Saudade. It's so beautifully recorded that I went and ordered two more of their CDs from Japan.  

If all CDs were recorded to that high of a standard, there wouldn't be any discussion, let alone need, for high rez.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise,

A few posts ago you mentioned 3 other cds/specific tracks - what specifc cds and tracks were they ?
My new EX-M1 has been playing for an hour.  At its early infancy, it's already a significant upgrade over the Yamaha AS-801.  It's driving and controlling the Bryston speakers (86 db, 4 ohms) with ease - tight, smooth and dynamic.   More to share after burnin, but I'm smiling now.

I added a pic of the Kinki to my virtual system if you want to check it out.

Note:  I was using the builtin DAC on the AS-801 previously (Saber 9010 I think).  I am now using a new Schiit Modi Multibit dac.  Bought as a placeholder until I can decide on something higher end.  But basically in short, I've made 2 changes to this system.

Nonoise:  Thanks for the European Jazz Trio recommendation.  Check out the title track on the Bolero album - loving it.
I just set up my kinki integrated tonight and have been listening to it for about 7 hours.. I already had a boutique preamp and amp so I wasn't sure how much room for improvement there was but I definitely notice an improvement in speed and tightness with percussion and general transparency.  trying it with my supra silver plated power cord

@facten , I've since changed the toe in on my speakers to where they're closer to my ears than before but the effect is still there though not as far out to the left as before.

The music is:
Jacintha, Jacintha is Her Name, track 2, The Thrill is Gone (the one with the xylophone off to the right)

Al-Andalus Ensemble, 21 Strings, on every track the guitar player is off to right and forward of the oud and violin player. I think that's how they were seated when recorded.

Niyaz, self titled CD, track 9, Dilruba, is where that beat is off to the left, on it's own, but now closer to the speaker (about 2' instead of 4' now that the toe in is greater). There's a lot of sampling/recording going on with the instruments and the soundscape travels around a lot. Nicely mixed. 

The reason I increased the toe it was due to the Saudade CD from European Jazz Trio. Although the sonics are first rate, they seem to be situated to the right of center where the just inside the left speaker  seems to be the center point of the recording. Toeing in more lessened the effect. It's the only CD I have where this happens and it befuddles me how such a great recording can be so off centered unless that's where they sat when recorded.

To hear the right side of the soundstage far off to the right of the speaker done correctly is weird but nice that it can be done so convincingly. 

All the best,
Nonoise
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For prodigious base, try

Sotho Blue
by Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya.

Any Breaking Bad soundtrack

Alice Merton, No Roots has a very deep and exacting opening base line

Game of Thrones soundtrack

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack

Really, anything with base down to 40Hz, with the Kinki, should sound all the more present, potent, textured and nuanced than what you'd normally hear. At least, that's my experience. Having 12" pulp paper woofers helps a lot too.  😄

All the best,
Nonoise



Adendum: As wonderful as the Kinki is at imaging, I was still perplexed as to how such a wonderful recording as Suadade is, that they got the staging so far off. Well, it's time for my facepalm moment. 

Looking at the speaker placement was one of those forest for the trees moment and then it dawned on me that I was looking at my "winter" set up. It's to avoid the wall heater when it kicks on. 

With all the cable swapping I've done lately I simply forgot to return the speakers to their Spring, Summer, Fall positions. Having now done so, the drum set is smack dead center with the piano on the right and the base is just to it's right, still outside the right speaker but just as full and ever present as the other two players.

It was only a total of a foot narrower (half a foot per side) but it made all the difference in the world. I'm going to hate it when Winter comes.

All the best,
Nonoise
Hey here's my unboxing photo album for the kinki:
https://imgur.com/a/bv8ZDQw

here's my old system:  Oppo Sonica DAC Ric Schultz modded version, Hattor Active balanced preamp with burson v5 opamps, Folsom TDA7297 15 watt ab amp, New Philharmonitor raal/5.5" revelator bookshelves sitting on isoacoustic aperta stands on a computer desk too close to the wall.

new system is the same but instead of preamp/amp I'm using the kinki!  




Maybe I’m so old I fart dust, but if you guys want to test the bass output, find some good classical organ music....
I just received my Kinki Amp purchased through the American distributor and all went without issue. He was great to deal with. The amp arrived well and all is good. This is a solid piece not a sheet metal box. Though the fit and finishes are very good they are not on par with the very best. For the price of admission however a 10. Only quibbles, no battery for the remote and though the binding posts tighten well I don’t like plastic. 
This amp is replacing my Allnic 300b and is driving Zu Audio via a Bryson Bda 2 Dac. During Initial listening after a few hours of warm up reveals an amp substantially different from my 300b, no surprises there. The Allnic is quite detailed but very colourful. The Kinki drives harder and separates things far better. On tracks where I thought there were two vocalists the Kinki reveals three. The Allnic gives these vocalists a beautiful tone but all seem to have a similar character. The Kinki separates them and they all have quite different voices. This is true for guitars as well. I am hearing instruments separated better and each with its own unique voice. So very early yet to be too critical but I am very happy with the purchase.
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@toetapauiod,
The rest of my system is:
Marantz SA-15S2b SACD player
OPPO BDP-103 Bly Ray player w/linear power board
Marantz ST6000 tuner
JBL 4319 Monitor speakers and Deer Creek speaker stands
Cabledyne Synergy speaker cables
Darwin Ascension interconnects
TWL power cables
Wireworld HDMI cables

All the best,
Nonoise
this says it all.

All I can say is that EX-M1 is STUPIDLY good. One of my friends who happens to be a journo got a loaner and this integrated is a monster.
They are. Looking straight on from the rear, it looks like they simply named them right and left based on that view, and not from the front.

It's just an oversight as none of the music I listen to suddenly flipped positions. 👍

All the best,
Nonoise
d2girls

Brothers of a Feather- Robinson Brothers of the Black Crows

Live at the Roxy-

I have listened to this Album a lot but I embarrassed to say I don’t know the name of all the tracks. Two guitars, two vocalists, two back up female vocalists and the sax player who joins in at times. With the Allnic I had no idea that there are this many on stage as the voices melt together somewhat tonally and spatially. ( hard to describe sorry) . It’s a pretty intimate recording so the separation is nice. I will have another listen tonight to identify the track.