Kinki Studio EX-B7 Monoblock amplifier review !

I have been featuring these in practically all of my amplifier reviews and speaker reviews and they have somewhat become my reference for the past month.
The Kinki Studio B7 amplifiers have always been compared to high end audio amplifiers in the $15,000 - $20,000 category. I paired this amplifier with many audiophile speakers - both high end and budget speakers. In this video, we see if it stands up to its hype.
Kinki studio B7: www.kinki-stud...
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#audiophile #amplifier #highendaudio

[@Jayiyagi]

Kinki studio B7: www.kinki-studio.com/product-page/ex-b7 for more info on our Reviewer info, patreon, and personal interest in our reviews: nbtsmedia.com/about-us/

[@gerrymartan6168]

Internally balanced or not?

[@dfknyc78]

I would love to pair these Kinki amps with a Schiit DAC, I think it would be some awesome Kinki Schiit. 🤣

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Epic win.

[@GSNLYT]

Nicee😂😂

[@Frequincy100]

This prolly won't be read but well I have to do it now lol

[@prabinpaudel5572]

These plus Freya plus would actually be amazing kinky shit

[@bobb.9917]

Jay....Thanks so much for YOUR "transparency" regarding this review and Kinki Studio in general. I have watched MANY of your posts and "get" your taste in sound (which is slightly different than mine), so in understanding what YOU like it gives your posts great relevance to the products that you discuss. ....but in this review, your background from working in a high-end audio shop was extremely helpful here, not from the sound awareness standpoint, but from the business end. We are not seeing these products in the forefront of the audio world because of the LOW MARGINS for dealers. THAT explains a LOT! I am in the USA and I ordered an EX-M7 from Singapore today. I have no doubt that I will be pleased.

[@ThujanK]

For a humble guy like myself, these are my endgames.

[@audiostanton]

Awesome Review. You hit the sound signature right on the nose. You only forgot one thing. These run Ice Cold to the feel and even at Rock level sound they barely warm up. Had some class A amps that just heated my room up and did not even sound as good. Kinki seems to be bullet proof so far. Good review, keep it up!

[@oleksiifilippov68]

Great review! Thanks for highlighting those fine details!

[@cameronkrause4712]

good review, but I still feel that some might prefer the McIntosh depending on their speakers, but it is wonderful to see high quality gear like Kinki that can be so competitive.

[@tzenlip]

I have the M7 , no doubt the sound is great for its price , but disappointingly it could not drive my low sensitivity speakers to its full potential , it would constantly trip the speaker protection when playing low frequency tracks slightly louder . The only way they could fix it is raising the DC threshold (as we speak im waiting for my third control board to solve the issue ), I feel the solution really compromise the safety of protecting the speaker from un-detected DC Offset. Interested to see if the B7 suffer the same fate or not . PS*on a positive note I glad I bought from the Singapore distributor , which so far has not given up helping me to solve this problem.

[@rapht9515]

keep us updated , keen to hear if they doing any different on the third control board

[@markw7303]

this comment needs to not be ignored

[@Jayiyagi]

Personally I did not have this issue but as you have said; the Singapore distributor will have no problem solving this issue with the customers if there is a problem - they have very good customer service

[@VinshineAudio]

Hi guys, I am Alvin, owner of Vinshine Audio. On behalf of my partner Ken ([e-mail]), allow me to provide some of my views on this. Kinki Studio amplifiers are high band width, direct DC coupler. There is no capacitor in the signal path. This design yield low colouration to the sound, high transparency: speed and transient response are exceptional. It is, however, sensitive to DC-offset from the source. If the upstream source (DAC/Player/Preamp) contents DC, the DC will be amplified and output to the loudspeakers - high DC voltage will damage the loudspeakers. To protect the loudspeakers, most manufacturers incorporate speaker protection circuit at the output stage of the amplifier. The protection circuit senses the DC-offset, in the event of high DC-offset is detected, the protection circuit kick-in to cut off the amplifier output to the loudspeakers. This effectively mitigated the potential harmful DC-offset from burning the loudspeakers’ voice coil. (DC applied on voice coils generates heat. Prolonged period, it may burn the voice coil). Some manufacturers like the famous Quad current-dumping amplifier (Queen’s Award), do not use such protection circuit. Instead, there is a DC servo circuitry to adjust the bias on-the-fly. It is a close-loop circuit to control the DC output of the amplifier. If you are interested, here’s the schematic of the Quad 306 - www.audioservicemanuals.com/q/Quad/Quad-306/Quad-306-Service-Data-1.jpg (Credit” audioservicemanuals.com/) Now, back to the original EX-M7 speaker protection circuit. The trigger threshold was configured at an extremely high sensitivity value at 600mVDC. It was too sensitive that it will be triggered easily at loud volume on low sensitivity loudspeakers. Especially so when the low bass note frequency is reproduced, the loudspeakers demand more power from the amplifier, hence, at this instance (if the source contents small DC-offset), the DC offset at the amplifier output may be greater than the trigger-threshold - the speaker protection kick-in. We run through a few tests with Kinki Studio, and decided to set the trigger threshold at 2.2VDC. You may ask, what is the correct threshold value? Is it safe? In our opinion, it certainly is. Should any fault in the amplifier or the upstream sources output DC voltage, it will likely be more than this trigger threshold, the protection will trigger to protect the loudspeaker. YOU ASK: What if there is a constant DC offset of 2VDC (less than the trigger threshold 2.2VDC) at the speaker output? We are audiophile, we are likely known (or rather, need to know) a thing or two of our gears. When the system is turned on, if it produces ‘thump’ sound at the loudspeakers, it is a indication that there is DC offset output to the loudspeakers. If this happen, you might want to check the working condition of the entire chain - to make sure all the equipment is in good working condition. This address the concern of having constant DC-offset lower than the trigger threshold. Some amplifiers (be it solid-state or tube amp), requires bias adjustment every now-and-then to be sure the amplifier is operating as intended by design. For example, the dartzeel NHB-108 requires adjustment of DC offset should the eyes blink, hifisale.ru/nhb10_model_one.pdf (Credit: hifisales.ru). There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key takes away here is to get to know your gears each day as you enjoy them and maintain them like a baby 😊 Many thanks, Alvin Chee www.vinshineaudio.com

[@tzenlip]

@@VinshineAudio Hi Alvin, Thanks for your reply and being transparent and share the details here, and appreciate Ken following with Kinki studio in regards to this problem the past 2 months. I’ve done a lot of research regarding this issue since I got this amp as I’m not getting many questions answered from Kinki early on. I resorted to looking for answers in forums , investigating how speaker protection works , testing with sinewave , even gone as far as buying some oscilloscope to measure when the amp clips etc. , as I do not feel safe using the amp with my expensive speaker. Yes , if the DC voltage is high like 2 volt , a thump maybe evident , but what if the DC voltage is around 0.6 - 1volt, for a low sensitivity speaker may not be evident , and the woofer(without capacitor in place) will get burnt out over time , or worst if you Bi-amp and use it directly connecting to a tweeter(without capacitor) , it will instantly fry it when the DC voltage spikes? There are still questions as to whether the amp can perform to what it advertise , i.e 0 hz to the 20hz range, I think even with the 2.2v threshold it may not be possible if one decided to play it loud ,let alone the rating of 250 watt or 400watt peak performance ,as the dc will spike and trigger the speaker protection , I asked but was never fully address. Not all audiophiles are technical savvy and have a multimeter to measure DC output , to rely on user to detect any DC voltage in the system can be seen quite irresponsible. I suggested to use some smarts to detect genuine DC offset(that constant in the system) implementing duration based detection , i.e if dc voltage is detected for a defined period even in the low range , it should trigger the protection , but it seems that not possible without changing some design on the control board. Also why the M7 amplify DC voltage? Cant it be like the Job225(dc coupled design as well) not amplifying DC voltage? (* Directly from the owner's manual, "the Job 225 is a DC-coupled amp without protection. If it is associated with a badly designed or defective analog preamplifier (often true for tube preamps or some 5-channel processors) the speakers could easily be damaged by DC. The Job 225 doesn't amplify DC but DC applied at the input is passed to the output.") Well it is what it is... and I accept the design of this amp has such flaw that I'll need to constantly monitor for any DC present in the system to have a peace of mind. but would appreciate if one day Kinki found a better solution I'm the first one to test it out. Best regards

[@genkifd]

Kinki Studio and Audio GD both are becoming well know for being great sounding for the dollar. you should review Audio GD mono blocks

[@robvandendolder3157]

Solid comprehensive review. Thanks Jay…and yeah I too am puzzled why these didn’t get an award especially considering sound quality and price. We own McIntosh which you are very familiar with. Cheers 👍😎

[@phantomplastics6582]

This is not hype. The amps really are that good. Great tip Jay! I thought the Kinki M1 was great but these are spectacular.

[@florianpasch2495]

Waitin for Thomas to say: "Now I have to get one"

[@ryanschipp8513]

Lol

[@dilbyjones]

Ha!

[@bryansu]

how does it compare to DENAFRIPS THALLO POWERAMP

[@TheRealAudioDidact]

and the APOLLO!

[@matthiasschnapka6498]

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A REVIEW OF THE DENAFRIPS ATHENA/APOLLO Pre/Power Amp Combo........the images and description on the denafrips website looks like they are REAL GIANT KILLER........I would say, you have to spent 20k or even more to get the same build and parts quality from one of the European or US Brands

[@Slant88]

Thanks for this. I’ve been interested in Kinki amps for sometime since your and Sean’s reviews of the integrated. Btw, how does it compare to the EX-M1?

[@tchevy99]

Would love to hear this comparison as well, for those of us that would prefer not to go full mono blocks. I know Sean reviewed the M1+ a year ago, but it appears they've been updated since then. Sounds like he thought the midrange signature may have sounded different at the time.

[@howardskeivys4184]

As a follow up to my last comment. I disconnected the P7 and MB7 amps and plumbed back in my old trusty Rega Elicit. Yes, I lost some clarity and fine detail, but regained some acoustic mass and more textured layering, and, surprisingly considering the Rega’s substantially lower power rating, much better performance by volume. Alvin, at Vinshine audio was kind enough to send me the Denafrips Hestia preamp, which he felt would better suit my musical reproduction preference as compared to the staccato of the P7 the Denafrips was very legato. Moving forward, the Denafrips arrived and didn’t work, maybe damaged in shipping. I’m having a local technician look at it. Moving forward. I’ve recently purchased the Audiolab 8300 CDQ, chiefly for it’s DAC! However, it also has preamp functionality. So, I connected it into my system with the B7 monoblocks. I was shocked. Even before allowing for ‘burn in’ if you hold with that hypothesis, the combination was superb. Not perfect, but nothing is! I’m seriously tempted to get hold of a pair of Audiolab 8300 monoblocks for comparison. When the Denafrips preamp comes back from the technician, I will update you, I remain hopeful!

[@robk5745]

Wonderful review, they certainly are not cheap but sounds like you can get most of the way there to a dream amplifier which is a huge win. Jc1 parasound would probably go head to head with these.

[@gerard3797]

Very nice review and comparison. Although you don’t consider the footprint here as a factor. It is much more easy to integrate a Hegel H190 into your interior as is the Naim Supernait. So this would be more of a solution for dedicated listening rooms than the average living room I guess. But very nice looking and powerful equipment and internals, which remind me of the engine bay of a Pagani Huayra.

[@yippie6862]

Jay is all about the Kinki stuff.

[@kuisin88]

Have been looking at these monoblocks ever since I own the kinki vision DAC.

[@NiSHAN256]

Great review!!.

[@bigjay1970]

By the way I'm a huge fan and that comes far and few between! I really don't look up too many people who give me a subjective review regarding if I like Ben & Jerry's ice cream or Haagen-Dazs ice cream which is really what this equates to but I can tell you're a different kind of Good Egg kind of like new record day. I like that guy as well!😇 I actually might have to buy these!🤪🤪😉😇

[@MrJoca72]

Hi Jay, In your opinion would this monoblocks have a good synergy with Magnepans 3.7i ? Love your channel 👍 Best regards from Sweden.

[@Jayiyagi]

In my opinion, yes

[@matt65top]

May you compare Kinki Studio EX-B7 with Kinki EX-M7 please ?

[@HotSause]

Jay. Great review as always. Kinki is now on my short list. Wondering if you plan to review the Benchmark amp? Thanks

[@coreyhill1899]

Purchased a pair because of your review last year! Haven’t used them yet though😹

[@connorduke4619]

Why not?

[@dennisbohner6876]

Time to compare to Benchmark's. Their stereo amp is a bit less and dual monoed for $6K.

[@mekore]

are the xlr inputs true or quasi balanced like the M1?

[@fraddi]

this is a really great channel

[@roccobruno8027]

Given the price point and your glowing review they definitely sound like the amps to beat. I've actually had my eye on the Vincent SP-T700 Class-A Hybrid mono power amplifier for a while now and I'll definitely be adding this amp to my short list.

[@202One]

Sipping green tea, nice review.. 😁🍵✌

[@dougg1075]

Good review man

[@BurtWicks]

Coffee, tea, or BEER!

[@hugocosta179]

Hi, how would you compare this to the Hegel h390 and h590?

[@mickyd3]

I really enjoyed your review. I would definitely like to hear about the Kinki preamp, but also get you input on other pre-amps between $3k - $5k range. I am looking a Musical Fidelity, Balanced Audio Technology, Prima Lune Evo 400, and whatever else you may have to compare. I currently own an Anthem STR Pre and has benefits of Anthem Genesic ARC but I would appreciate your comments as you likely have a lot of experience with various preamps. Thank you in advance.

[@ericharrelson2045]

Excellent review. I'm going to purchase amplifiers and line stage, the price to performance ratio is to good to pass up. Also getting their THR-1 Headphone Amp. Thanks.

[@incanus21]

Does anyone knows if the voltage on this is region specific or worldwide (110v - 240v)?

[@jeromewhitmill733]

I'm curious about reliability and support from manufacturers in something like this.

[@Jayiyagi]

Singpore distributor. Great support and warranty

[@ajip4612]

Better to go with the Singapore distributor , as someone here experienced issue with the M7 and requires factory to adjust the DC threshold.

[@jeffkalina7727]

Jay, I would love to see you get your hands on the Lejonklou Integrated-$4k-40wpc, Class A-B, Swedish. Fredrik LeJonklou- Great product unlike any other you have heard. Compare with Kinky.

[@brunobracke4612]

Great review! I'm ready to order these mono's. One question. Is it wourth the extra money to upgrade the P7 to the P27 pré?

[@robertshorthouse5927]

Great great review.

[@davidjovanoski5190]

heard reports that the little brother M7 has some issues playing low frequency loud , i.e causes the amp to go in to protection mode , maybe worth try to play some low 20hz sinewave loud and see if they go in to protection mode or not. keen to buy either the M7 or B7 but that report made me quite reluctant to dip my feet in

[@ajip4612]

@The Next Best Thing Studio Kinki studio advertised that can go as low as 0 hertz , any chance you guys can try that if it can achieve that without it going in to protection?

[@tzenlip]

Yeah , my M7 has that issue , unfortunately the only solution is to raise the DC threshold , my third control board is coming so will see if that fixes the issue completely or not . Not sure if the issue affects the B7 or not , would be great if Jay could test it out .

[@rapht9515]

doubt that @The Next Best Thing Studio would re visit this amp as he already raved about it.

[@michaelmityok1001]

@@tzenlip hey what are your speakers and what are their specs? Curious to see why they present such a load problem for an amp like the M7 which has a big power supply.

[@tzenlip]

​@@michaelmityok1001 im using ATC SCM40 85 db sensitive. i dont think it is due to load , from what i know so far it is due to low frequency leads to DC voltage spike , so when playing some difficult low frequency music the onboard speaker protection kicks in when DC voltage is higher than the threshold. my third board that is coming would have the threshold set to 2 volt .

[@oluhamilton2121]

Would like these w/Schitt pre/dac.

[@andyrodriguez8705]

Jay thank you so much for all your advice and knowledge on Audio! If I could have a second of your time I recently bought a pair of Klipsch heresy fours I currently have a Yamaha receiver but I would like to get a different integrated amplifier under $1000. I was thinking either the PS audio sprout or the Yamaha As801 integrated amplifier. I do like to add a subwoofer and I mostly play vinyl but once in a while I do stream for simplicity. Any thoughts from you would be most helpful. Thank you so much!!

[@michalryszawy]

Hello Jay Great review!. I want buy amp to pair him with elac vela 407. I heard vela 407 with h390 and it kikcs me away from shoes. But after yours review i think about this Kinki. Which one is more warm sounding h390 or ex-b7 ? Can you say some advantage of h390 or kinki is better in every aspect? Greetings !

[@ohfv9968]

Hi Jay, would these monoblocks be a good match for jbl 4429, which you’ve reviewed ?

[@Jayiyagi]

Yes I believe so

[@paulrose4480]

Do you think these would be a good fit for MartinLogan's? Thank you.

[@alainthomas6449]

Jay thanks for the review it always a pleasure to hear about you. But on the Kinky I have a doubt the element of comparaison is not fair to Naim or Hegel as I understand you cannot compare monoblock with integrated amplifier. Unless you are giving a free advertising to the kinky brand. Sorry for this one you are not right.

[@stephenfrazier1580]

You can easily compare if the monoblocks are much less expensive than an integrated or even comparably priced!

[@backrack01]

Anyone experienced a constant buzz/humm with these monos? Particularly when using xlr.

[@karthikkj1682]

Will they be adequate for driving 802 d floorstanders from Bowers and Wilkins?

[@biffo1960]

How do you set gear up like this it’s ok showing stuff like this but it just looks like metal boxes how do attach turntable and other stuff

[@mf2652]

Thanks for the review. I'm sure other have asked if these can drive Maggie's well? Any incite would be much appreciated. Also, if we're looking at budget minded amps would these best a pair of Vidars? Asking for a friend ;)

[@Jayiyagi]

It would be great with magnepans. It would best a vidar in my opinon

[@cybergod77]

Hey Jay, have u posted your review on the P7 yet?

[@flashhog01]

I wonder how these monoblocks do with Magnepan speakers. I've been looking for something to power my 1.7i.

[@ferdinandbardamu3945]

Do you have access to Goldmund amplifiers? These monos are Goldmund knockoffs, a comparison to the way more expensive original would be interesting. They really look pretty inside.

[@alphonsowalls630]

I like this amp kinki studio

[@johnsweda2999]

Well you have to realise the naim comes with a standard power supply what you can upgrade significantly changing it's grunt and overall performance of course it comes at a price and that is a entry-level amplifier by naim

[@Pranab711]

Thanks Jay for another great review.Could you tell us more about speakers that are best match for these amps apart from Tekton Lore. There were a few clips of alta audio alec speakers as well..do the alec sound great as well with these or would prefer to match naim with them..thanks for your guidance

[@Jayiyagi]

Altas sound good with these as I mentioned in the review of that video as well.

[@Pranab711]

@@Jayiyagi Thanks Jay that helps.

[@jasonpmcqueen]

I'm really tempted to buy a pair of these but also tempted by a pair of Purite/Eigentakt monoblocks. Does anyone have any ideas/views as to how they would compare? Jay mentions that that the Eigentakt runs the Kinkis close and I'd be looking at the March Audio version which has a PSU for each module.

[@epi2045]

Jay can you turn up the lights.

[@matt65top]

Hello, may you evaluate Spectral Audio DMA xxx amplifer ? thanks in advance

[@pennfootball71]

How do they compare to the Hegel H30 monoblocks

[@BrianNavalinsky]

I have a pair of the EX-B7's running with a Bryston BP17 cubed- awesome in many ways, especially with my Denafrips Terminator II. I was wondering if you had paired your EX-B7's with the Doge 8 and found any synergy?

[@bobb.9917]

…or paired them with The Schiit Freya + with NOS tubes.

[@marisruskulis9636]

Hey Jay, what do you think on KEF R11 with this amp?

[@kjbiz]

Thanks for the introduction to Kinki Jay. Wondering how they would pair with my Audiolab 8300A amp now or do I start again 🤣 Food for thought as I wanted to move to mono blocks next

[@erikjohansson1488]

How it's compared to hegel h390?

[@riccitone]

Thank you for talking about these. What a killin' set of amps! Serious power. Sorry for the uneducated question, but what would be the best/safest approach to pairing these with lower max wattage speakers? As in 6 ohm speakers rated at 120watts max. I was glad to see that they included an upgraded buffer for preamp pairing, but would this still be safe to do with most modern preamps and that much of a difference in speaker wattage handling? Again, super review.

[@SpeedySen]

Hi Jay, I’m planning to put a system together and do you feel that these will be able to drive the Magnepan 1.7i’s without any problems? Also would you recommend these over the PS audio M700 mono blocks which have great reviews? Do let me know? (Would love to see a review of these amps with the Maggies if possible!)

[@Jayiyagi]

Personally I would choose the Kinki studios for magnepans. Cheers

[@brianmcnamara1431]

They have XLR inputs but are they truly balanced? I can’t find those specs on their site and I’m thinking of buying three monoblocks and two of their 2 channel amps for my theater/listening room.

[@stevensullivan5287]

I have the Denafrips Hyperion and is balanced, dont hesitate, they are killer for the wattage and build quality! Period, Ive owned most every high end product and build my own tube amps, equal in every respect, very fine pieces. My next units shall be the Athena and the Apollo units. Last I will purchase to date. Super solid performance.

[@dilbyjones]

A contender !

[@xtctaz]

@The next best thing - any plans to review M7?

[@pomponthebunny]

The m7 have 3times more slew rinse time. What that mean ?

[@drwavedawg]

The rumour mill has these being Goldmund replicas or inspired

[@shawnwu3170]

I have never heard Goldmund and would love to know what its signature sounds like!

[@markw7303]

exactly

[@drwavedawg]

@@matthewyih3302 I could not find it but interesting... can you send the link?

[@nevermification]

interesting video! if you had a pair of Wilson Audio Sabrina’s X, what would you rather connect to them? The Kinki monoblocks or the Hegel H390?

[@Jayiyagi]

Kinkis personally

[@nevermification]

The Next Best Thing Studio did you try them with the sabrinas?

[@34thstreetjohn]

I have the mono Kinkis driving Sabrinas. Haven't heard Hegels with these speakers, but right now I can't imagine anything sounding better than it does right now. I thought my old NuPrime ST-10 sounded great, but this combination is just ridiculous.

[@tchevy99]

Jay do you know a NA (Canadian) distributor for Kinky gear? Was looking into some of their stuff but they don't seem to have a direct channel with warranty here. I also don't see Vineshine carrying Kinky any longer.

[@Jayiyagi]

Vinshine carries them. Check the link in the description box. Cheers

[@tchevy99]

Couldn't seem to find the link for Vinshine but knowing that I sent them an email, thanks. Completely unrelated; I’m consider ordering a CSS Criton 1TD to build and try out. I saw in your interview with them that they were planning on sending you the new tweeter. Wonder if you ended up getting a hold of it and if so any impressions.

[@GRAAmusic]

have you tried the preamp on other amps ?

[@addywong2564]

I don’t know how, but I had heard the old Kinki mono block in China with pairing ATC SCM40 speakers and it was not good at all 👎🏻

[@Jayiyagi]

never tried the ATC speakers with this so I can't comment to that

[@BattleDoll]

ATC is notoriously hard to drive.

[@erichorton6960]

​@@Jayiyagi someone reported that the M7 would always go in to protection mode when playing low frequency tracks, it would be interesting to stress test it on a low sensitivity speaker , maybe they sent Jay an upgraded model which has higher DC threshold set.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@erichorton6960 did not have this problem on my end

[@yuckysamson]

Jay, with respect my only thought here is that you routinely compared the B7's to the Supernait 3 and H190, which is a bit confusing. the B7's are monoblocks, the SN3 and H190 are integrated amplifiers. If we're comparing the Kinki PRE-AMP *and* POWER-AMP as a combination to the naim or hegel boxes, that's fine, but then we're talking about $5,500 USF vs. $3,500 USF (roughly?) for either Naim or Hegel boxes. I realize you mention that the P7 will get it's own review but that being said, I would just posit it makes a lot more sense to compare the B7 to other straight power amps from an unbiased pre (whatever brand) and then stack it up to those. Like how does a pair of B7's compare to a few of the Pass Labs models, etc. I do appreciate the lengths you went to compare the M400's from DD, as that was more telling than the comparisons to the Naim or Hegel. Thanks.

[@ryanschipp8513]

You read my mind that's exactly what I was thinking. He's comparing monoblock power amps to integrated amplifiers. I respect J but I was surprised.

[@michaelmityok1001]

He was doing the comparo with integrateds that cost as much or more, so it was based on price not topology or features. I think it is really hard to get a Class AB mono and matching preamp stack from Hegel or Naim or similar quality manufacturer for anywhere near the same money.

[@yuckysamson]

@@michaelmityok1001 Thank you for your reply. The SN3 and the 190 are integrateds which include advanced pre-amps. the M7's are monoblock slave amplifiers. In order to make a functional "pound-for-pound" comparison, a pre-amp (in this case, the P7) has to be added to say "this is item A, this is item B, they do the same things, and now we will compare their performance". Once the P7 is added the price is $5,500 USF for the set, which is significantly more than the SN3 or the 190 (albeit the similar to the 390 which was also mentioned). It is quite easy to find multiple comparable stereo or monoblock amps to stack up against the M7's at $3500 USF. there are a lot of examples. I just felt given Jay's pedigree and astuteness, that the chosen comparison units were odd choices. It would have made a bit more sense to compare the P7/M7 combo to, say, A bryston set, a Moon set, Parasound pre/power, PS audio pre/power, etc. etc. etc.

[@dajikbatarang1]

Have you been able to compare them to Hegel's power amps like the H20?

[@Jayiyagi]

actually yes. Hegel H20 is not better than H190.... in alot of ways it is not the best sounding unit Hegel has

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@Jayiyagi Good to know. Im currently in the market for a poweramp and im using a Hegel preamp.

[@lakaylukas]

Would this pair well with the Magnepan 1.7?

[@michaelfern945]

Not a user by I have Maggie 1.7is. These mono blocks should pair very well with Magnepan as they are high current, high damping factor AB type amplification, as recommended by Magnepan. Just my 2 cents. Am considering them as well as the Hegel H390.

[@veniceog]

Hi Jay, Ive had the experience where you can feel guitars and pianos. This phenomena is impressive but, IMHO, is too much and unreal. I understand that its satisfying, but Im personally trying to avoid getting used to that sound.

[@imosolar]

Please how does it compares to the Firstwatt F7

[@Jayiyagi]

I go into it in the review

[@slackjef]

I am new to all of this. I would be interested in a tutorial on how you setup a system with 2 amps like this. How do you share the source between the 2? A crossover or is there another way?

[@Jayiyagi]

Left amp gets plugged into the left channel only Right amp gets plugged into the right channel only

[@slackjef]

@@Jayiyagi ty btw, I enjoy your reviews. Where I have the dual posts, how would the mono block method compare with a bi amp scenario with the same 2amps? I should have known better by the “mono” terminology but I naively assumed it was the same. Again, very much appreciate your time.

[@dksculpture]

Are they class A, B, D, H ?

[@Jayiyagi]

A/B

[@dksculpture]

@@Jayiyagi Thanks 🙏

[@TheMajorcore]

Can it biwired?

[@thivaharparamasivam7544]

Will these work well with Magnepans ?

[@Jayiyagi]

Yes

[@carlitomelon4610]

Jay: "Who made up these rules?" Mom: "you did!" Hilarious 🤣 (Thomas: Wait, I thought my mom did... ;-) What class of amp are they?

[@Jayiyagi]

That was my girlfriend but... Ok lmaooo

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@Jayiyagi Oh-kay...sowwy

[@fumedtwice8921]

How do they compare to the PS Audio M700 mono blocks?

[@ryanschipp8513]

Good question. Jay?

[@michaelmityok1001]

Had both stacks, Kinki is by far the better choice if tone, midrange density and overall musicality are important to you. Check 6 Moons they are going to release a review of these monos next month, it is a very good source of high quality reviews.

[@GuyUnderTheBridge]

Why is the Internet loaded with hardcore shilling for this brand? They appear nothing special from a design or parts standpoint.

[@dontcare563]

I enjoy the Chinese made audio equipment reviews you do (And you do LOTS of them) but I have serious concerns with purchasing equipment from China, especially now. My main concern is support and repairs especially considering our (USA) current relationship with China and potential future conflicts with them. I'm not only concerned about military conflicts but also about additional product embargos on both sides. This product with its matching Preamp will cost you around $6000 when you consider shipping and tax. I could buy some pretty good integrated products for that price. Also this products quality control is nowhere near that of McIntosh which you tried to compare it to. If you don't believe me just take a look at the pictures on their web page of the back of the EX-P7 preamp and look towards the right were it says "We come fromChina". They can't event get the stenciling correct on their products so I have to wonder what else is wrong!

[@Jayiyagi]

Valid concern. Although this ones warrantied by one of the reputable distribution in singapore. However from my experience. Mcintosh is no better to be honest. One of the most needed for servicing when I worked in retail and little factory defects in lettering or defects. But of course warranty was great.

[@kenjames246]

@@StefanUrkel I believe Bryston has had a 20 year warranty on it's amplifiers for years. Who else does that ?

[@mikegoddard7354]

The M7 o.o

[@Campbell1.]

It wouldn't be hard to beat Mackintosh amplifiers

[@novicatoncic6908]

A giant killer at 3500 USD per unit?? I don’t think so. For the money I would rather go with Moon 330M monobloks. Fantastic amps + 10 years guarantee.

[@Jayiyagi]

Certainly a contender

[@the007p7]

1750 USD per unit , 3500 gets you a pair 😄

[@tamsaiming2003]

Kinki is a Chinese brand. They advertise they have the goldmund sound with a fraction of the price. When I audition kinki mono block with Magico A1, it is a joke. It sounds so boring, not revealing at all. I feel the overstatement from kinki. Price determines quality. Magico A1 is very good with Gryphon Diablo 300 but I end up buying Hegel H390 with high watts, current and damping factor.

[@tamsaiming2003]

The low bass frequency from Diablo is missing, not to mention kinki on Magico A1. Sorry, kinki. It is a joke. The Diablo has the perfect synergy-transparency on Magico A1. The real reason I skipped it is that there are a lot of folks selling Diablo for a short time and they tell me there are many “hidden issues” on Diablo. So, I went for Hegel H390 on Magico A1 and saved money for a decent tube preamp perhaps in the future

[@roberthart9886]

Why did you wait until the end to tell us what they cost? Did you mention whether they are pure balanced or crappy ass rca inputs

[@net_news]

kinki price!

[@markw7303]

if you have small inefficient speakers this is a great buy but there's no drive and no capacitance to handle real floor standers (the original int couldn't push b&w 800s) , (these to the trick relying on quick cap refill, and again what's the class a bias, ie number of drivers in the topology,) especially for the money kinki wants you might as well go for emotiva monos at this point , kinki has a decent house sound its bright with out being to revealing like a low budget clone of luxman or acupahse crossed with a less dry and stringent moon amp its not altogether terrible , i wont shit on these to much because i haven't heard this model but even just the parts breakdown is skimpy at best, cant get water from a stone at least not for free

[@markw7303]

@@StefanUrkel wait wut!!! emotivea are pieces of shit just as well don't get me wrong but Jesus they have been around a lot longer and more successful with amps having better and more parts count the kinky designs ever had, not to mention known and relatively high class A and high(ish) current designs, im not standing up for any of this garbage , its just ppl need to know they have options i don't want anyone coming away from this thinking oh man the kinki is the only thing on the market i can afford that's passable , there just not, look at every comment below with issue let alone any other forum, kinkys are adorable ish knock offs at best and at worse there designated for a trash heap near you,(after they blow your speakers) why why why just because its the newest thing doesn't give it any more credence then a 2 or 5 year old design from any one else

[@bertloan]

What preamp do you recommend with these?

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Doubt that they will be better than Mcintosh

[@TheJosephhomere13]

That’s mostly based opinion. There’s a lot of brands I prefer more McIntosh for less money because I just don’t love the sound.

[@user-vz3ec3ci4o]

Hahaha mac sucks !!

[@wim1983]

USD 3.7K, still very expensive compare to something like Class D Audio SDS 470C with upgraded power supply.

[@pomponthebunny]

I have both ...

[@tonycheung1559]

Not understand why they use the China brand power thing (the 2 big green circle things)