Art Audio Vinyl Reference vs Maxxed Out K&K

I just recently read on the Art Audio website something to the effect that Kevin Carter either builds the Reference for AA or that he designed it. I think the latter is the case. Or do you know this already? Therefore I would expect the two to sound very similar to each other and any differences could be due to capacitor and resistor choices, differences between and among the various Lundahl transformers used in both units. IOW, nothing that I could not "fix" myself with a soldering gun. You might think that since the new K&K Maxx phono is a later design, it might be a tad better, or not. You might even ask Kevin. He is a straight shooter, as far as I can tell.

Kevin designed and builds the Vinyl References. He'll tell you the differences between it and the Maxxed Out. He is a straight shooter.

The Vinyl Ref. will not have the latest mods. That is: current source plate load for the input stage with the new JFET along with changing the series RIAA filter resistor from a series connection to a shunt connection, IXSYS 1N100D/2N100D2 MOSFETs in both current sources (input/output stages) and a different connection for the PS filter choke. These changes make for some rather striking differences. I would certainly recommend the Maxed Out kit over the Vinyl Ref. More so if you opt for the LL1931 input trannies.

Dear John, Based on another post you recently made elsewhere, I get the impression that there is yet another balanced phono stage designed by Kevin that is either in development or about to be released. Can you tell me/us anything about that one? Thanks.

Lew,

I'm sorry we missed each other earlier this month.

Kevin is launching a company with a retail distribution model - Sonus Veritas. This is likely what you're alluding to.

John fairly well nails it - that the K&K Max will evolve more quickly as Kevin learns more from his explorations into this realm.

It's unrealistic for a retail product to undergo changes as quickly as a product designed for someone with soldering skills. Where changes to the DIY product are welcomed, a manufacturer runs the risk of being perceived as being only interested in improving his cash flow if he offers upgrades too frequently.

Manufacturers have to walk a fine line - much as they'd like everyone to have their current work.

If I were a betting man, I'd guess that the time will come very soon, where Kevin will stop offering a build service for these phono stages - selling them either in kit form or possibly discontinuing them.

I doubt he'd want to compete against his Sonus Veritas line. Of course, if he saves a few "tricks" for the Sonus Veritas line, then he'll have no issue and will be able to address two different markets - the DIY-er and the retail mode.

As has been said before, Kevin is a straight-shooter, and I have never hesitated to send my customers in his direction.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier