what is the REAL deal with DK

It is simply the best integrated amplifier on the market period. I have been a serious audiophile for 15 years and this component virtually does it all. I would say that it is in the same leage with many expensive separates and I know some people who replaced Audio Research and Krell separates. I highly recommend that you audition one.

Echo TVAD's initial comments. I did an in home demo of the MKII and it is a nice sounding int-amp, and for the used price is a major steal. I found it had plenty of power, had a good sound staging, and had great dynamics and bass. It was a bit congested in the mids and highs. Could have been the tubes I suppose.

I've had some mails from Larry,regarding questions I had on non DK related matters.
His input has helped me immensly.I really think this is a man you can trust and whose products you can buy with confidence.

I own a DK VS-1 MKII, but am currently using an Almarro A205A MKII as my 2 channel driver. I have heard the DK MKIII and the Signature model at recent CES/THEshow. At home compared to my mid-line Nakamichi receiver it is sonically superior in all aspects. At my local high end audio store when compared to any tube amplifier with a MSRP of equal or greater value it does not compare as well. Changing the 6922 input tubes to better quality and a decent power cord with a properly matched power conditioner helps (of course) but in my opinion is required as a minimum for use. Today we tried the DK VS-1 on some Soundlab speakers which are known to be an extremly dificult load for transistor amps and actually the DK did pretty good, not like a Wolcott of course, but acceptable for a transistor amp. My recent listen to MKIII and Signature models I actually prefer my own VS-1, but keep in mind there are/were many problems at THEShow to get best sound out of demoe'd components. At CES/SHOW, IF audio memory serves correctly there are several small popular integrated amps that are good, maybe even better than the DK but do not have phono input or quite the rated power. I have found I personally prefer the "quality" of the single-ended triode type amps versus the typical transistor amp, thus my opinion is somewhat biased in that direction. Closing-up I think the DK price-point is correct, possibly good value considering the phono-stage. Used DK in the $1500-$2000 range a better choice. Helps this helps, just my opinon, Mike

Well, hell, I guess I will jump in on this one. I am not an ole' timer audiophile guy, but my ears know excellent sound when they hear it and the DK DELIVERS!(Like the Grateful Dead did on one of their better nights) I do own the DK since August and love what this baby does in combination with my other components(Reimer Wind River custom speakers, Consonance CD-120, DK supplied interconnects, reality speaker cables, and new since Christmas, the BrickWall conditioner. The amp has probably too much power and I have not passed the halfway line since I'de like to keep my ears from bleeding. The sound is crystal clear from every volume thus far. Watch out,this is one HEAVY mother. It took a lot out of me to hump it onto my rack but there it sits in all its glory. My more seasoned audiophile buddies are like "Holy s___, that sucker looks mean! Simply put, it sounds even better than it looks and it is so impressive. I can personally vouch for Larry Staples, the new owner of DK as being one of the most honest,honorable, up-front square deal business people I've ever come across. The support is the best, and no, I do not work for him nor do I have any association other than being the proud owner of this product. Yeah, he purchased the DK business in July, but with intentions of delivering a superior amp along with his speaker line. You call them and you WILL get service, done!I think they should advertise more but hey, it's not "my" business. I have not yet began the "tube rolling' bit yet but I will in the near future and to me that's another plus. Solid state amp and tube pre-amp -best of both worlds. Good luck there, and if I were you, I would jump on one of these baby's and take it for a ride. enjoy the music.. Frank