K&K any comments?

I have owned my K&K with Lundahl trannies since 2003 and I love it to this day.

Shakey

Like Shakey, I've been enjoying my K&K since 2003 too. I built it as a kit. I've also added the two upgrade kits.

About a month ago I installed the new Lundahl LL1931 step-ups and they are another excellent "step up".

If anyone gets the new transformers, I highly recommend using the "reverse input" break-in method running a CD level source for 100+ hours through the transformers. I had mine attached to my office system, kind of like a "one tap" TVC. I could hear the sound change quite a bit over the break-in period. A low level moving coil source might never break them in well.

Im wondering how you can evaluate any phono stage with one cartridge, especially an mc. Every phono stage is going to behave diffrently with various cartridges. In my opinion there is no superior phono pre for all cartridges the trick is finding the right match (and step up) to get the sound you want from the cartridge you like. I dont like the same stage for my 103d as I like for my insider and they dont use the same step up. Whether or not the K&K sounds good with Pedrillo's sumiko will be a matter of his expectations and doesnt reflect on the relative quality of the K&K.

I am starting to think that this is a phono stage I can live with. Doe sit lack in any way? What would it take to beat the K&K and how would it be better? Also I leave mine on all the time is that ok?

I don't think it is the best phono stage there is, I do at the price. I have compared it wwith a number of other stages recently, including the Whest 20. It was comprehensively better, more musical, deeper base quiet. i also compared it with the Tron in an all tron system. The Tron was quieter, a little more dynamic, not much in it, but it is about twice the cost. It has tubes in it, so I do'nt leave mine on. It does'nt seem to take long to warm up, half an hour maybe. I hope that is helpful.