DK Design Review


Strange silence on the recent DK Design review considering all the comments previously about this integrated.
emorawski
I don't own and have never heard a DK Design amp, but it has been interesting to read the DK threads for what they reveal about the hi-end business and the personalities of the posters. My only reason for my getting involved at this point, in the most minor way, is a clarification.

Until now, I thought all the DK (LSA Group) integrateds sold for around $3,000. Certainly the perceived quality of the DK integrated relative to its price has been one of the main points argued in its favor from the beginning of this debate about a year ago. The recent Bound for Sound review of the DK Signature alerted me to the fact that he MSRP for that model is $6,000. There is nothing wrong with DK selling a one model for twice the price of its standard offering, but it does alter the value equation. Some of the posters to this thread seem to glossed over the price differential in generalizing about the value represented by DK amps, especially when they refer to the Bound for Sound review.
Jmcgrogan, thanks I am glad you enjoy my posts :). Let me make something clear, I am NOT a DK dealer. However, I was a DK dealer about a year ago until the former owner (Daniel Khesin) terminated our relationship because I was selling DK amps on the internet. After taking over the company, Larry Staples offered to re-instate my dealership, but alas I am no longer in the business.

So I really have nothing to gain financially with any of my posts.
I wouldn't pay $6k for an integrated amp regardless of who made it. There are some separate used monoblocks that I would pay $6k for, but then I'd have to upgrade everything in my system from PC/IC/speaker cables, Preamp, Front End, speakers and room treatments. I would budget about $15-20k to get everything set up properly.

Then I would contact a locksmith to get the doors to my house open because my wife would have changed the locks.

That would give me an opportunity to get my system out of the house. Now where to set it up because it won't fit in the car I'll be sleeping in. ;-)

I think the price point for these amps on the used market is right where they belong. In fact, I think they're a good bargain at that price, though I've seen some used 300B tube amps at that price that are REALLY attractive! Some people who haven't heard the amp may get a chance to sample them and flip them right away (if they didn't like it) for a pretty cheap price. Or, some folks may find "better" sounding amps for the same price as these are used. That Creek model for $1500 (the same price as these are going for used) would be a great A/B test.

My recommendation: Judge your ears and not someone else's words. They got you this far.

Regards,
Mark
Dougmc, Actually they offer 3 integrateds. The Standard at $3200, the Signature at $6000 and the Statement (which is just being released) at $9000. I have heard all 3, and believe they are all good values at their respective price points. The Standards value is not diminished by the companies other offerings. Like many other manufacturers, LSA/DK offers the potential customer several choices
>>I think all the DK bashers in this thread are crippled by fear in the face of greatness<<

Quaking in our boots, shaking with fear, and overwhelmed with their greatness.