I NEVER Thought an Amplifier Under $2000 Can Do This... Best Bang For Your Buck for Home Audio!

[@Jayiyagi]

*Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by. Thank you so much for the 100k Subs, if you are not already subscribed, consider doing so! You don't want to miss the 100k Special Video Coming soon 😉* *Important update: Kinki studio apologized late last night for the misinformation that was relayed to me. I was sent the new board during my review and was told the price is $150 USD. After the video, Kinki Studio Rep realized the factory was quoting only the shipping and handling costs. The total cost for the upgrade board shipped to you is $494 and while I think it's still well worth the upgrade, it is 3X the price they quoted to me for the review, which is a bit disappointing.* Choco Emei Integrated Amplifier: www.kinki-studio.com/product-page/choco-emei Related Videos: Galion TS A75 Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5S4mIqIpM-VaZI Denafrips Apollo Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIWkYmqEi9aVg6M Kinki Studio EX M1 Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrLiJylhN6ekLssi=cP_rTMi-G_Zts0sr Kinki Studio B7 Monoblocks Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ_Ic5mLaLpghZo Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM 0:00 Intro 1:22 Choco Emei Build Quality Review 9:35 Choco Emei Sound Quality Review 17:21 Best Bang For Your Buck Amplifier!

[@E.T.Persson]

I own a EX-M1 v1. with Burson op amp. Would love to know if Choco can sound even better? Thx ☮️🩶

[@Jayiyagi]

@@E.T.Persson Totally different sound. Kinki studio is more neutral if not a little on the brighter side for some. Thinner sounding but with incredible detail and nuance. Emei is the total opposite as described in the video

[@sarkanyp]

Hi there, would love to hear your opinion vs Musical Fidelity A1, both units have warmer more "tube like" sound with praised SQ, both below 2K USD

[@E.T.Persson]

@@Jayiyagi thx buddy. So i guess they are in the same league and its a matter of taste

[@mrpmj00]

I love my NAD C298 (little brother to the NAD M23, with the same Purifi Eigentakt). source=Apple Music lossless quality.

[@NemoPropaganda]

this is absolutely my favorite and top pick amplifier under $2500, to this day I regret not buying the review sample. I still think about buying one for myself at least once a month lol.

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

What do you think about having to pay $500 to get the "upgrades"? The new production ones come with this board already installed for the same price I paid just last year.

[@Bill.K]

Congrats on hitting 100K subs, Jay. That's a significant achievement, keep up the good work!

[@RickyFlame808]

Thanks for the review on the value side! Aesthetic-wise, the design and jade-ish color blends well with your setup.

[@glennwassermann6972]

I have not watched your video reviews in quite a while, but I am massively impressed with the strides you have made working toward mastering the English language. Really great job, Jay.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Looks really nice. Modular is great.. Love that tech brands have to keep competitive in the market.. and we all benefit from that innovative turn over. Good stuff.🎉

[@hushpuppykl]

I had the EMEI in my system. Darn good for the price really darn good. It’s really great for someone who wants good sound not not spend an arm and a leg.

[@craiggould2882]

I bought a choco and it blew out four times and was a complete nightmare. After the 4th time, and me replacing the board, which was not easy, Choco finally agreed to give my money back. This is after I paid for freight to China. In terms of the sound when it worked, it was decent, but I bought a Heaven 11 Billie and like it a lot better. Also, the Choco remote is garbage and I had to stand about 8' away to get it to work. I could go on, but buyer beware. The only good thing, after literally 200 emails, is that Ken from Kinki did reply to the problems. I might add the that the Billie phono sounds surprisingly great compared to a Mani and IFI.

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks for sharing! Sorry that happened to you, sounds like a true nightmare!

[@cabronesse386]

I have been enjoying your audio journey since the beginning of the channel, congrats on your milestone Jay!

[@kostasjezuz4846]

Nice! Congrats on the 100k subs! Can you please always show us the remote control? It's very important!

[@cakootstra6206]

100k! Congratulations J🎉🎉

[@jimbower4249]

Absolutely love the color and style of this amp. It would look badass with matching colored speakers. Or something that complements it.

[@blairholmesproductionsinc.9432]

Congrats on 100,000, Jay! Terrific work. Your channel is so helpful and your reviews are thorough and insightful. Thank you.

[@jonpatrick66]

Congratulations Jay! You've come a long ways since I started watching you, and I'm sure you will continue to grow. I enjoy you're show. Appreciate you. Take care.

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

The Emei is quite fantastic! I’ll be getting one soon enough!

[@LostVillageIdiot]

@9:00 Your comment about big ugly logos is spot on and reflects your level of sophistication. You should talk to Thomas.

[@thelowprofile9767]

Yeah, those Galion logos are just hideous.

[@Jayiyagi]

To be absolutely honest, I've committed the same sin by putting the CSS and my logo on the front of the Typhons loudspeakers. (For those of you that do not know, Typhons are a special collaboration speaker project that CSS and I explored together). From feedbacks, I've learnt that logo location is an important part of the entire design's elegance. I am sure Thomas is aware and granted he is new to the HiFi business, he has seen tremendous success and not by accident. I am sure he will continue to take feedbacks seriously and learn from it to bring better designs.

[@xxsauron007xx]

I really really like the design of this unit, definitly comes on my wishlist. It's always great when it's great from outside as well as the inside.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Glad there is more and more green gear out there since it fits to all the plants at home 🍀

[@Evolved_ue7]

Agree, much better than black or black and then there is black ..

[@Miranda-ec3xt]

gr8 video... first time I watched this channel. found it very helpful and I enjoyed watching the content...like it was well written and scripted. congrats on 100K. !!!

[@Jayiyagi]

wow thank you! My videos are not scripted and quite frankly I think I have a lot to improve on but this was very encouraging. Cheers

[@davidrivera2165]

I was mesmerized by the Platimons and the stacked Arendal subs. I'm imagining owning Platimons paired with my SVS SB 3000 subs driven by a Hegel h390. This would be an awesome upgrade to my current Kef R3 meta and Hegel h190. The Choco amp warm sound signature is not for me. Nonetheless, I'm sure is a fine integrated for those who enjoy a darker warm rich sound. I'm about micro details and awesome imaging. Thanks Jay.

[@gamerfinn3634]

Enjoyed this. Always interested to hear about high value components.

[@JD-mm4ub]

Congratulations on having almost 3x the subscribers than that high end store you used to work at.😁

[@joeythedime1838]

Thanks Jay! I've owned a Kinki Studio's EX-M1 and thought that it was very neutral but ultimately sold it because it wasn't analogue enough for me. Sounds like Choco Emei could be worth a try.

[@bruceandt]

Been following this little green purist amp for a few years now. I emailed Kinki studios regarding the low capacitance over a year ago. They responded by telling me they would offer this upgrade. I’m glad to see you use this upgrade in your review. Well done Jay. Not much of a dampening factor on this unit. I agree that you get bang for the buck on this amp. I like the green. What did you pay all in for this Canadian? I live in Bc. Thanks for another great review.

[@Jayiyagi]

Hey Bruce. With most review units, unless I purchase it or state that I have purchased it, it is sent by the company on loan and is sent back upon the completion of the review. I honestly wish I can buy the Emei as the sound is so alluring but I know better to buy everything that comes in for review... especially since I recently decided to purchase the Platimon speakers

[@jdm-uk-yank]

Thanks for helping me choose the Dynaudio Heritage Specials.

[@elbebe1000]

Congratulation Jay's. WE LOVE YOU WORK. Please, keep it.

[@mikelafleur]

Have the EMEI and love it. I saw it in one of your videos like 6 months ago and was wondering if you were going to make a video on it. I was worried about all the hype when it came out but you and Nemo described it perfectly. Mine has better looking binding posts and she’s not as green as it appears in videos/photos. Cheers🎉

[@dilbyjones]

Keep making videos exactly like this & you will be golden. I guess you mean Sapphire Crystal?

[@angelmelo350]

Congrats on hitting 100K subscribers !

[@BostonMike68]

I have been waiting for this one!

[@kjbalog1]

The green looks great, nice construction. Great review

[@BostonMike68]

@@kjbalog1 yes I agree 👍. I have been interested in one and I was hoping Jay would review it. I just wish it had a sub out.

[@samlee2562]

I think the green colour goes great with plants ☘️💚🌿

[@kinkias]

Congrats on the 100k!

[@Bwstevens1]

100k 🎉 Yeah man! That’s a fantastic achievement and a testament to the quality of your reviews Jay. Well deserved mate. I bought Kinki’s EX-M1+ last year and adore the sound. I have Wharfedale Evo 4.4’s and have just won a pair of Audio Solutions Figaro B2’s through Elite Audio UK 😝👍👌. How would you rate the EMEI vs EX-M1+? Cheers!

[@roynusser5246]

Congratulations and another good review. I would love to hear this amplifier, but to be honest, it looks like an office photocopier.

[@farinhite_4512]

I never understand why it's so surprising that the nation that manufactures most everything we consume could make quality gear. Don't you think there might be a few audiophiles in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, or Hong Kong?

[@Jayiyagi]

Well because there’s a history of cheap, not so good chifi products being exported to the north american market just a few years back

[@Wordsalad69420]

@@JayiyagiI think the question is why did it take them so long to make high quality products?

[@chrisjames483]

i have his amp and find it to be phenomenal.

[@BostonMike68]

Really? I have been going back and forth with it . I have never heard one and most reviewers love it but some said it's too colored for them. I really want to like it because I am thinking about buying one

[@bruceandt]

Please do a review of the revised version. Thanks Jay.

[@zizendorf]

Hey Jay, I'd love it if you decided to do a review of Rogue Audio's Sphinx V3 Magnum. I think you would be significantly impressed. It would surpass the Choco because there are more features on the Sphinx most notably an excellent phono stage built-in. Give it a go...

[@ryanschipp8513]

Hey Jay! Cool to see your take on this affordable integrated. There Was one thing that surprised me though. To me it's the red-headed stepchild in the room. A big crystal display with small digits that don't match. Honestly I think it's a great looking piece but that part of it ruins it for me. I'm the type of guy that needs good sound and good looks at least from my subjective viewpoint

[@Jayiyagi]

fair enough and good points. Cheers

[@riccitone]

I've been interested in going back into a serious integrated amp from separates. Crazy that the Emei can stand agains high dollar parings as you've described. Were there any other SS or tube integrated amps where you would place this toe to toe? Congrats on the 100k subscribers! Very well deserved 👍🙏

[@tylerflores4761]

Thank god! Something more affordable. Even though other people have reviewed products id love to hear your input rather than everything foreign. What about the new svs evolution? Or the arendal bookshelf speakers? Im curious about the arendal bookshelves not being ported. New arcam radia series is coming out, 120 watts, subwoofer output, dirac, & network streaming, all interesting. Thanks buddy!

[@tylerflores4761]

Hey Jay, I have the Arendal Thx monitors the larger ones, & thought about the Eversolo dmp a-8 as a source because of your good review on it. So how is integrating a subwoofer on it? I know it has a nice dsp and etc. but what about low pass filters? I also hear the the lower models like a-6 also have dsp now as well due to some software installs im curious. To see what would be a nice pairing.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@tylerflores4761 The DMP-A8 would work nice with the Arendals. You can add a low pass filter fairly easily with the eversolo as well

[@tylerflores4761]

@@Jayiyagi thank you for the quick response. Nice to know! I appreciate it

[@darrenstrella2986]

Very tempting if I decide not to go down the tube amp path. Thanks for the video!

[@Pksparty2112]

Aspen FR5 in the background. Yes!

[@liamporter1137]

Another great review. Congratulation to your 100k millstone. Look like Emei is pretty well received in general. Oh, I thought you were also going to compare it with Kinki Studio EX-M1+. Which one is better in term of sound quality?

[@Jayiyagi]

Totally different sound. Kinki studio is more neutral if not a little on the brighter side for some. Thinner sounding but with incredible detail and nuance. Emei is the total opposite as described in the video

[@liamporter1137]

​@@Jayiyagi Thanks.

[@hifiandmtb]

Mediocrity (the state or quality of being mediocre) not mediocracy (government or rule by a mediocre person or group). Good review!

[@saquibhussain6000]

Jay, plz help us w your perspective, how will you compare this to Hegel H190? Since you owned that too in the past, as a H190 owner, how should I think of this product? Upgrade or different? Have relatively bright bookshelf speakers.

[@Jayiyagi]

Hegel is more spot lit and balanced while emei is warmer and thicker sounding. If you have bright speakers, my personal choice would be the emei

[@justasimplefox]

Great to see the capacitor upgrade but still very limited power supply. Should be fine of course for many (easy) speakers 👍🏻

[@Jayiyagi]

It drove the PS Audio FR5 so I’d say its plenty and not limited to easy speakers

[@justasimplefox]

Still no 4 ohm rating? 🤔

[@Jayiyagi]

@@justasimplefox yea surprisingly no 4 ohm rating

[@zombielandiii2711]

My Q Acoustics Concept 300 have difficult load, and the Choco Sound Emei drive them pretty well. I can't push it more than 70% of the Choco volume because it gets very loud at that point.

[@erics.4113]

​@@justasimplefox4ohm may be about equal to the 8ohm rating if it's power supply limited. I'm not saying this is the case here, but I've seen that with other integrateds

[@Jeroentenhacken]

Hi Jay, thanks for your review. d Do you think the Choco Sound EMEI wil be a good match with the CSS 1-TDX or do you suggest another amp ? Thank you.

[@stimpy1226]

My Pass XP- 22 plays nice with my Galion TS A75. Not poor grammar I mean they play well together like two best friends.

[@twochaudiomg2578]

Jay, please tell me how to adjust the brightness On the screen. Thanks Jay

[@anthonycyr9657]

For some reason, I really like the way it looks, be better in silver or black tho

[@JRVick]

Hi Jay, Great review man. Thanks. What would they do with Magies? 1.7 and the sorts ... ? Thanks for letting me know.

[@jonathanhernandez-pn3uu]

Loved the video and always enjoy your reviews! I am set on getting the platimon vc one but am not sure if I should get the dmp a8 as a streamer/dac paired with this choco amplifier or just the dmp a8 as streamer into the heaven 11 mk2. In your opinion what is the better sounding option? I have similar tastes as you on audio as well.

[@Jayiyagi]

If you watched my heaven11 review, I noted how the internal dac is a bottleneck in my opinion as it sounds so much better with an external dac. So my choice would be the dmpa8 as streamer/dac into choco emei if you are going with the platimons

[@HareDeLune]

Thanks for the review, Jay, and congrats on the milestone! I saw you say in the comments that this amp might not be the best for Maggies. I've heard about their notorious reputation for years, but have never heard anyone say what their actual sensitivity is! The reason I mention this is because my speakers are rated at 6 Ohms and have a sensitivity around 83 or 84. What I would consider pretty difficult to drive. Now, I have pretty much had my heart set on the Heaven 11 Billy amp Mk. II for awhile now. But nothing's set in stone. I would even go for a good pair of monoblocks if I found something interesting. Do you think the Billy amp would be a better choice for my speakers?

[@Jayiyagi]

What are your speakers? Model please

[@HareDeLune]

@@Jayiyagi They're vintage, from the early 1990's. Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble. The OG model, with four cabinets. An unusual design, but still great speakers. The Absolute Sound gave them a glowing review back in the day.

[@Jayiyagi]

Both the emei and heaven11 should be able to drive those speakers. Emei would be warmer and richer and heaven11 would be more balanced in comparison. I think I’d ultimately choose the heaven11 for those speakers if it was my system

[@HareDeLune]

@@Jayiyagi Thank you very much! 🙏

[@Wordsalad69420]

Makes you realize that that expensive equipment is all marketing. This is why I don’t spend more than 1-2K on any one component.

[@poonlionglai4699]

Hi Jay. Great review. Been following your vids for some time now. Congratulations on your 100k subscribers. Question You have done slots of denafrips dac reviews. Have you done any Gustard dac reviews? Specifically the gustard r26 review? Also, what is your opinion about external clocks for dac? Again congratulations and I look forward to more of your reviews to come.

[@Jayiyagi]

I do wish to review more DACs but I have never been particularly interested in Gustard Dacs after testing a few for myself. Maybe that has changed with their newer models and I will look into exploring that brand if time allows. I know from my previous experience working in the high end store that external clocks do offer real benefits at times but I unfortunately don't have much personal experience in my system with external clocks.

[@sureshkv8135]

Thanks a lot for the fantastic review. What would be a good DAC and streamer to go with this, also a good value say under $400 combined?

[@Jayiyagi]

Eversolo DMPA6 or A8 via fixed output. Under $400, you are pretty much limited to wiim

[@sureshkv8135]

@@Jayiyagithanks a lot for replying. Wiim Ultra is within my budget but I feel the Eversolo DMP A6 would do better justice to the Choco EMEI so maybe I will wait till I can afford the whole package. I plan to hook them up to my Gato Audio FM-8 speakers that sound amazing already with their current basic set up

[@blackrachmaninov]

Very nice videos thanks a lot for the information. Would that pair well with LS50 meta?

[@L0st-n0found]

One of the highest value seen in category..... And the others or the actual best would be?

[@paulpaulzadeh6172]

What kind of mosfet they use , lateral mosfet ?

[@laowho]

not my taste of gear, but i can imagine it is a great buy for someone new to this. need to name the koi.. something like Musashi and miyamoto

[@pavelmarchev1468]

I would love to see you review Unison Research Unico hybrid amplifiers and compare them to this one (and others), since they are in similar budget range! Zero Fidelity reviewed the Unico Primo and he only said good things about it, so I believe they will compete. Also, there is the newer Unico Due, so I believe you should give that one a try! Unico amplifiers don't have much reviews online, so that would be beneficial.

[@Jayiyagi]

Noted!

[@erics.4113]

I'll second that. I believe they are a small Italian company out of Venice. They do have a solid US importer and they make some cool pieces. Unico Primo is a standout.

[@peter_in_alaska]

I like the koi fish

[@Jayiyagi]

Thank you. My girlfriend would be very happy to hear that!

[@MH-rl9ep]

Operationally, I assume everything is handled by the one knob. Volume, input switching, anything else? (balance, etc?)

[@mrpmj00]

I love my NAD C298 (little brother to the NAD M23, with the same Purifi Eigentakt). source=Apple Music lossless quality.

[@a0ag2]

How does it compare to the Jungson amp and preamp? Their prices are close

[@vvsousa]

Looking at the price and style I prefer Advance Paris

[@Stephanegoyette]

Thank you for the review! Based on your recollection of Hegel integrated amps, how do you feel they would compare?

[@Jayiyagi]

Hegel is more spot lit. I'd say more texture, bass amount and warmth with the emei

[@antoniopenalopez8884]

Jay, huge fan of Your channel, I'm stuck between this amp or the brunoco terra for My OGYs, how would You describe the diference in soundstage and holography between the two?

[@Jayiyagi]

Hi Antonio! I would recommend the Brunoco Terra if you want a more unique fun sound with lively, airy and spacious presentation and the Choco emei if you want a warmer/lusher experience. Between the two, I'd give the edge to the Brunoco in terms of holographic sound staging but both are quite good with that. Hope that helps!

[@antoniopenalopez8884]

@@Jayiyagi Thankyou for replying so soon, You are the Best! your video on the Brunoco was certainly very inspiring, thank You for sharing your recomendations and experiences, it helps a Lot to people like me who doesn't have the oportunity to try so many equipments on that many levels. Regards!

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks Antonio!

[@JonKron]

Jay, I might have missed it, but did you specify you based your review off of the pre-amp+amp combo only? That was my take away. However, was this unit also intended/could be used as an amp only, or no? Thanks, and congrats on 100K. I've watched since the AE days.

[@Jayiyagi]

Hi Jon. This is an integrated amplifier meant to be used as a pre-amp+amp. It cannot be used as a solo amp (technically you could by maxing out the volume on the amp and controlling volume through another external pre-amp but I do not advise this approach at all)

[@Youevl]

Is that AVR you have an ONKYO RZ50? Would like your opinion how does it stand for stereo music vs integrated amps....

[@Jayiyagi]

for music... just doesn't cut it (at least for me)

[@greenbeginner3353]

How does your beloved Vincent SV237 MK2 integrated compare? (also reasonably priced and also manufactured in China)

[@yuken8472]

Hi Jay, great review! I am going to get Elac 404 and still looking for an amp to pair with them, what do u suggest 1: Helgo 190 or 2: this amp with eversolo a6/8? Thanks

[@Jayiyagi]

I would recommend #2 because I've owned the Elac Velas and they can be slightly dry in the upper midrange. I think it will benefit more from the liquidity and smoothness of the emei than the spotlit excellent imagery of the Hegel H190

[@yuken8472]

Thanks , very helpful advice!

[@Andrew.Z34]

How does one avail of that new board? It's not on the Vinshine site. I have this amp and just loving it with my Audio Note AN-Js.

[@Jayiyagi]

email kinki studio

[@Andrew.Z34]

​@@Jayiyagi I sent my email after I watched your video. Thanks!

[@Andrew.Z34]

​@@JayiyagiWow. Looks like they increased the price significantly from when you paid for one. It is now on the site and losts for 649 SGD. :(

[@johnshepherd708]

Whatever happened to your friend Thujan?

[@willyhaug549]

hi, a comparison between this and the Kinki Studios EX-M1+?

[@Ed.T-p1b]

How is the sound compared to Kinki Ex-M1+

[@steffenk8581]

Could you say a few words about the comparison with your AGD amplifier. How would you describe the differences in sound? Thank you

[@Jayiyagi]

AGD Audions I have are on a different league in my opinion. It is more neutral and less thick than the Emei but to me it has a more natural tone, better technicalities while retaining an excellent imagery with incredible silkiness refinement in the upper midrange and up. I know I am fan-girling here but there's a reason it has remained as my reference for over a year now

[@HaamRadio54]

When you buy this, is this the gun metal option? I ask because in some videos there looks like there's a grey version as well.

[@Jayiyagi]

7:21

[@antboris]

How would you rate it against the Denafrips Hades/Thallo combo?

[@Jayiyagi]

Apart from the fact that the Denafrips Hades and Thallo is one of my highest recommended combos, it is also approx $3500 in combination. It is more detailed, spacious, transparent, neutral and faster sounding than the Emei (only in comparison). From everything I've listened to, the Hades/Thallo combo falls under the slightly warm from neutral presentation. Emei is thicker, richer, more bass amount and texture. Hope that helps.

[@pauljordan3828]

It’s good to hear every audiophile cliche in just one review !

[@kempfand]

Sounds a bit like a good Sales pitch, but anyhow thanks for the infos.

[@Jayiyagi]

I have no reason to sell you the emei. I’ve outlined the pros and cons from my point of view Thanks!

[@stuartboros7693]

What’s the deal with those stacked Arendal subwoofers? Will you be reviewing them?

[@doogee6157]

Just got to say this , i got some Martin Logan electrostatics in my life.

[@xstensl8823]

not sure how this would compare to my Rega since i am considering going up lthe Rega ladder? can spend up to 5k. if this was not sold dealer direct it would probably retail at $4k? my first love is Classical music. would it pass the strings test like i hear at the Symphony? that's a hard one.

[@Jayiyagi]

Hi! First of all, as someone who has been to a Symphony quite recently (haha, what are the chances), I have to say that no system can mimic that real thing to its full glory. You can get very very close but it can't and won't be the exact replica of real life events. I may be able to point you in the right direction if you can let me know your approx room size and speakers

[@DearSX]

Chinese HiFi is offering incredible bang for the buck. ASR tests show they are doing state of the art for hundreds not 10s of thousands of dollar. Only a matter of time before others catches up, like Schiit Audio. So we should no have to spend a ton of money any more for SOTA. I'm loving my WiiM Ultra and Topping equipment. A new Purifi class D amp problems solved. Next SOTA speakers.

[@dougg1075]

Yep, I have the Willsenton r8 and the Sound Artist LS/35a. Love em.

[@smargo77]

of course they offer incredible bang for the buck - and they have for at least 10 years - but the issue with chinese stereo products in general have been the sound quality - the chinese can make and can duplicate mostly any amp for cheaper - but its the sound quality that has always been lacking - this amp apparently addresses that issue

[@DearSX]

@@smargo77 I had the Topping PA7 plus amp, Technics GM700 amp and Parasound A21, and they all sounded about the same to me. My 30 year Luxman amp and Crown amp sounded different, but not the Topping. I think they are there with amps already and measurements verify this, just Hypex, Purifi, NAD and Benchmark etc. are still more powerful and reliable for SOTA.

[@erics.4113]

​@@smargo77I dunno.. I have a 11 year old Line Magnetic that is stunning, startling actually, in sound quality.

[@TWALBEVA]

Hi Jay, The subwoofer's power cable caught my eye. Could you tell me which cable you use and if it fine-tunes the sound? Thanks!

[@Jayiyagi]

I personally use cables from m101 and really love them

[@AllboroLCD]

Not the least bit surprised.... Theres a level of skill needed to design a good circuit for audio of course. Regardless of brand or design, the base formula for the quality product is the same, its not rocket science to realize good components and ample power is all thats really needed.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Affordable is in the synergy 😎

[@h2ophilter]

Jay, where did you order the board upgrade? I dont see it on their site.

[@Jayiyagi]

You have to email kinki studio

[@h2ophilter]

@@Jayiyagi Thanks!

[@Jayiyagi]

*Important update: Kinki studio apologized late last night for the misinformation that was relayed to me. I was sent the new board during my review and was told the price is $150 USD. After the video, Kinki Studio Rep realized the factory was quoting only the shipping and handling costs. The total cost for the upgrade board shipped to you is $494 and while I think it's still well worth the upgrade, it is 3X the price they quoted to me for the review, which is a bit disappointing.*

[@chrislj2890]

That color is sage green, not gunmetal. Whatever, it's a great looking piece of equipment.

[@feggelindh7584]

PLEASE can you test the new RADIANT ACOUSTICS CLARITY 6.2

[@1324390]

Nice review, Jay ! Just for your information : E Mei is named after a well known mountain in Sichuan Province in China and should be pronounced "Uh May".

[@ernestporee3697]

No pre out ? No tape loop ? People still record?

[@jameschan2404]

Can you use it to drive Magnepan?

[@Jayiyagi]

I'd lean more towards Hegel for Magnepans. I've not heard a better integrated amp with Magnepans speakers thus far

[@marklloyd4153]

Hey jay hope u r well

[@ianorigbo7617]

I which this amp is available to buy in Europe.

[@rickvandugteren2952]

It is

[@ianorigbo7617]

@@rickvandugteren2952 nice thx

[@gu1111]

@@rickvandugteren2952 where

[@AudioGuyBrian]

Amps are NOT complicated electronics circuits. It takes exponentially more work and design thought for a simple cassette deck. Amps circuits have been around for over 50 years now. There are lots of easy to afford HiFi amp DIY kits out there too. There is no reason an amp with less than 200 watts RMS output should ever cost more than $500.

[@Jayiyagi]

Can you specify which under $500 kit or product you are referring to?

[@jeanlephunk]

@@Jayiyagii second that, lets say under 1000

[@erics.4113]

I'm sure when you start your revolutionary amp manufacturing business, you will provide us, the naive buyer of expensive HiFi, your game-changing 200+ watt amp for $500 retail. I'll be your first punter!

[@eddietours3728]

Why not review the Musician knight 1

[@Kukkema]

Just a shame that it looks like a compact copying machine

[@HareDeLune]

Oh, God! Why did you have to put that in my head?! 😖

[@Prometheus1979]

lol so we buy components on looks now instead or performance? I think it looks good. I’ll rely performance over looks any day.

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

@@Prometheus1979 Actually, plenty of us actually care about how our equipment looks. I wouldn’t want ugly loudspeakers in my room, and if I have a choice, I prefer nice looking equipment whatever it is. Fortunately, there’s enough choice out there so that you can get something that looks good as well as sounds good .

[@Jayiyagi]

I really hate that you put that in my head 😂

[@Kukkema]

@@Jayiyagi sorry Jay, just had to get it out of my head 😊