Test 2 Integrated Amps - class AB vs class A - Kinki EX-M1 vs Luxman L-590AXii

Kinki EX-M1 215W x2 (8ohm) class A/B
Luxman L-590AXii 30W x2 (8ohm) class A
Song : Sukiyaki - instruments
Artist : Lhin &​ Oletar
Album : Memoir​ of​ Japanese​ Oldies​

[@johnb6677]

Unfortunately after sales service at Kinki Studio leaves a lot to be desired. My EX-M1+ amp, only a few months old, developed nasty distortion on every channel. All Kinki has done is to blame it on my cables. I have checked my cables on two other systems and they are in perfect condition. Kinki refuses to swap out the amp. For that reason I have to recommend you avoid Kinki Studio products at least for now.

[@GeneralLao]

I had the Kinki amp, I added the Sparkos OP Amp kit, and it was a game changer. Sounded as close to class A as you could get. I only sold it to buy a demo Sugden IA-4 pure class A amp. Or I would still have the Kinki amp They are an a mazing amp For $3200.00 Cdn

[@patricksmith1026]

In case this is helpful to anyone else: I was on fence about spending the extra money on Luxman when this Kinki seemed to have considerably better soundstaging and a delightfully smooth nature in this video. I found a great deal on the Luxman L-590ax II, so I went for it. Using the various DDF filters on my Wandla DAC paired with the voltage adjustments of its Hypsos power supply, I can 100 percent confirm I am getting the perceived soundstage I heard from the Kinki along with the meatier sound of the Luxman. And I am using the same speakers. This is not a very scientific take considering all of the variables, but I will say it is possible to get a relatively impressive soundstage out of this Luxman / MoFi pairing (since neither is known for wide soundstage), while not losing the other liquid, pinpoint imaging and meaty attributes they are known for.

[@photoshopaction7418]

Class A is in a different league.If you use Class A for a long time, then Other Class Won't Satisfy you

[@DaveGava]

I'm a big fan of most Luxman's pieces. Sometimes when two good pieces are compared it comes down to the synergy they have with a given speaker . Sometimes it can be dramatic

[@dontcare563]

The Luxman definitely sounds better, and this was only a 30-watt amplifier. I hear the new Luxman L-507Z is an excellent match for Audiovector speakers!

[@markphilpot8734]

No contest, Luxman for the win. We all have opinions. Civility can still exist. We don’t always agree, but we can be civil. Thank you!

[@aussie8114]

I will have to audition this Luxman. It has a lot to offer, including balance control, tone control, and tape loop. And all things considered it’s priced ok. To my very average ears this sounded nicer than the other amp. And Luxman would be easier to get serviced vs a Chinese amp. Just wish it had mid tone adjustment, and those tone controls could be adjusted on the remote. But that’s asking for a lot.

[@fiddlix]

Luxman gets my vote 100%. 🎸🎻👍😀

[@shuntachi]

Kinki has wider and deeper soundstage. Very accurate and more truthful to its recording. Luxman on the other hand, feel like fuller sound but it's colored, somehow unnatural.

[@alphaniner3770]

Kinki will indeed have less tendency to 'stamp' it's own sound on the music. This can be seen as both a good or a bad thing, depending on the quality of the recording and the character of other components, especially the speakers. Most people will like the Luxman sound, because it sounds warmer, more forgiving, which most will call 'musical'. That's fine I guess, and I guess Luxman is pretty good at 'stamping' it's own sound in a subtle way (compared to other less sophisticated consumer products). Kinki has a different concept - it will just amplify - and with it easily draw out flaws in the recording and the rest of the chain.

[@portwill]

@@alphaniner3770 Good summary, it is a matter of taste really (and also matching speakers to amps). Don't forget you can roll opamps in the M1/M1+ to have even more clarity or just more color

[@sandorbenny3251]

Luxman more air, separation, better soundstage, more 3d like sound and better bass quality.

[@georgecav]

Luxman sounds like its set louder, possibly sounds a little more compressed than the Kinki but need to listen through a better system. Update, through a better system Luxman is defs louder an old sales trick. I thought the Kinki sounds more natural, relaxed and nuanced but having heard the Luxman in the flesh it sounds different to here

[@labalo5]

Luxman is dark and has details. Funny the 595 moves a bit away from it and sounds more like the kinki but still with a dark tone just not as dark as the 590.

[@ganck1147]

No contest here. The Luxman is way better in every aspect of audio performance.

[@martinmbokazi8372]

I am feeling Kinky already

[@mythos5809]

Both very nice but Luxman way smoother and sweeter.

[@trunks3333]

Change the op amps in the Kinki ex-m1. The stock ones sound like garbage. I hated the thin sound. Upgraded to full staccato op amps . Night and day difference.

[@dab9742]

Try the Kinky with SPARKOS LABS SS2590 AOP, it's a gap more ! 😉

[@squallnine]

請問換那一顆OPAMP合適？

[@johnb6677]

Yes, my understanding is that $200-$300 spent on op amps can dramatically improve the sound of the EX-M1+.

[@enricocavallotti4345]

Luxman for me as well, even if the price for the Kinki is around €2900 while for the Luxman is €8900😬 The difference between the 2 is not justified by such a great amount of money!

[@Pierre-Leloup]

Ok, I compared with the original track and both amps sound very bad, the Luxman yes better overall but louder and stereo image is not close compared to original track. Now, I presume you recorded this with your phone's integrated microphones ? If yes, it's like discribing the colors of a landscape when wearing sunglasses ;-)

[@DirectDrive33]

The Luxman has a much fuller sound! It's much more natural. Luxman is better.

[@杰辉叶]

Bestbuy for luxman

[@johnholmes912]

The second one sounds like someone pressed the loudness button, the sound was quite distressing!!!!

[@johnb6677]

Upgrade the EX-M1+ op amps to Burson V7 Vivid and I would take it over the Luxman.

[@chrisgibson7591]

Luxnan all day

[@derekmann857]

Luxman 24/7

[@MrShaggy789]

Luxman clear winner

[@rainman3269]

Luxman ... Not even close

[@Sergio83Hi-resAudio]

very low sound level !

[@mozart9052]

😀😃

[@ZVM600]

Luxman

[@RobertSchmitt-u7l]

silicon is waste of time and money

[@maritzaManrara]

The first thing you should have done was to point out the price difference between the two amplifiers, I believe the Luxman is 3 times the price of the Kinki, and it is a class A vs a class AB amplifier, so you are not only comparing at different price levels, but also different amp classes. the manufacturers of Kinki should be proud of themselves.

[@irigormo]

I watched this before and just came back and was thinking that Luxman makes some lovely gear but it has to be more $. And really wow, it is up there about $9k msrp. If anything though, it is nice to hear a difference, even through you tube. There are some that say all amps are the same at the same output as long as no distortion.

[@ralphede5918]

The Luxman has more meat on the bones but Kinki seems to have more soundstage depth.

[@tommcmurdo6181]

Luxman for me. 👋👋👋👋

[@Jil8840]

Me too.

[@dmd7472]

Really! They same exactly the same. How are your 50 year old ear 👴 discerning a difference

[@Harrisongrey19]

@@dmd7472same exactly the same wtf?

[@Badassvidsz]

@@dmd7472 i'm 56 and yes Luxman is better

[@DiCarpio-yk9pd]

Luxman is for the novice 😂🥲Try Accuphase duh! And you’ll know what “sound” is 🤣🤣🤣

[@ocme9210]

I have the Luxman L-590AX MKII paired with Holo Audio May DAC KTE and Focal Sopra No1 speakers. I stream Tidal via Roon to Holo RED streamer. My rig makes the most beautiful music I've ever heard in the 40 years of being in the hobby. I honestly feel I've reached the pinicle of sound reproduction.

[@joshuabrain9751]

Try HQPlayer with it if you have a decent PC. I have the Spring 3 KTE dac and HQ player absolutely transformed it, I rarely listen in NOS mode now.

[@FJBx100]

Hi, do you not have way too much bass into the Sopra 1s from the 590axII? Are you using the Focal foam bungs with the Sopras? Finally, would you mind sharing which speaker cables you're currently using? Many thanks.

[@ocme9210]

@@FJBx100 Focal Sopra #1 speakers are well balanced and sound best with Class A amplification. They do best with room to breathe

[@altorre5739]

"I don't like rich people who earn 4000 Euros" - François Hollande (former french President)

[@dab9742]

@@altorre5739 I don't like François Hollande, even if you give me €4,000 a month ! 😁

[@bbfoto7248]

Kinki 0:37 Luxman 1:42 Toggle quickly between these two timestamps repeatedly playing each for about 4 seconds then switch again quickly. Compare the drum stick strikes on the dfferent tom-tom drum's rim or hoops (it sounds like a wood block), and the guitar plucks between the two. Also, there are 3 hand slaps onto the front sound board or body of the guitar (thump, thump, thump) during these timestamps. Listen to the difference in regards to the pitch or note of those hand slaps, the amount of detail, the midbass body/weight, and the transient attack and decay.

[@dab9742]

Congratulations on these two details, and the superiority of Luxmann is clear for all to see - there's no room for debate ! 😉

[@riccitone]

Well done…Tone depth, clarity, transients, decay and realism. It’s all the important stuff that both makes us a bit crazy, but much more rewarded for noticing. Yeah, the Luxman 👍🏼

[@vpconcepts9838]

Luxman sounded much more natural & lifelike, with a closed in soundstage in comparison. Still Luxman all the way 👍💯🎼💎✨

[@SuperTruten]

In my system, the Luxman sounded more sweet, the stage was comparable, the Kinky had a more natural, better timing at the bottom of the range. It all depends on what plays with what. And the price is in favor of Kinka.Ah sorry, I had akinki studio ex m1 plus.Kinki is revelation.

[@markb7550]

Kinki EX-M1 seems to have better transient response and therefore more resolving. I wonder if that alone could make a difference when auditioning full philharmonic orchestra recordings.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Luxman sounds so much richer and fuller. Narrower soundstage but more depth at the same time. Amazed at how different the recording sounds. Was the volume matched carefully. Wondering if Luxman was not a bit louder? Thanks for the video

[@tongton853]

I​ did​ try​ to​ adjust​ both​ volume​ to​ match​ as​ much​ as​ I​ can.., but​ it​ won't​ be​ perfect.. Thanks​ a​ lot​ for​ you​r​ comment..

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

Raise the volume on the kinki sample and it still sounds was worse than the Lux.I hope the owner sold it haha.

[@luigy39]

There are a couple of clicks at 0:12 and at 0:18 when listening to the Kinki Studio amp that distracts from the comparison when listening through my headphones, these should not be there as they take away from the Kinki's presentation. having said that, I prefer the $9,000 Luxman to the $2,400 Kinki's presentation, as a whole it feels more organic, but I do like the soundstage better by the Kinki and its base control. How about matching different speakers to enhance one amp's performance vs the other? I think the winner is Kinki for being compared to an amplifier that costs more than three times as much.

[@Jil8840]

Luxman is in a different league. More live, much more transparent sound.

[@alphaniner3770]

Price is also a different league 😊

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

different planet

[@thomasschafer7268]

😅😅das muss man ja sagen bei soviel Schotter. Beischeissen ist das falsche Wort. Ich sag mal überzogen. Wie bei vielen high end Produkten. 😅😅

[@johnb6677]

Add 4 Burson V7 single op-amps for $300 to the EX-M1+ and compare again.

[@agrik1382]

Yes, no doubt Luxman sounds better, but looking at the prices: Kinki Studio EX M1 $2,898 and Luxman L-590AXII $9,495, you understand that the comparison is not at all correct and there is no choice here, and given what I hear how good Luxman sounds, through the $1,300 amplifier, the question arises: what am I supposed to pay $9,495 for? 🤔

[@Larwiz]

Luxman. Sounds livelier. Both sound detailed tho, but the edge goes to the Luxman.

[@audiolover]

I have class A Luxman 550AX, best amp I ever had. Only Accuphase P-102 class A was on the same level.

[@k-poplover6537]

Grande ottimo Luxman❤

[@aristomenisxv5213]

Luxman for me definitely. It has a fuller bass and it is more detailed up top.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Amazing speakers. I love my R1 Arrete with Gryphon Diablo 120 amplifier

[@luke.boxall]

Can you tell me about the R1 Arrette? Read all the reviews but would like to hear from an owner on what the subtleties and characteristics are

[@ВикторСидоров-и4т]

Luxman win for me🥇

[@АндрейМерон-о1р]

КINKI the best

[@PurpleDreki]

Assuming everything is level-matched-seems close, I prefer the Luxman. Warmer sound. Both amps did well. Put a Yammy A-S801 in there!

[@tongton853]

Audiovector​ R1​Arrete​

[@fabfour289]

Were they set to the same loudness volume? Anyway... it is Luxman for me, 1'12 somewhat bigger soundstage, 1'28 the nylon strings sound fuller and in 1'34 the drum sounds more holographic and defined to me. Just my 2 cents listening from a pair of good btooth headphones i.e. AKG n700 mk2

[@d_dude_is_here]

Kinki is more clear on the top and luxman is authoritative in full spectrum.

[@Boyder91]

I compared the L-590AXii class A to the L509X class A/B and liked the L 509X even more. More dynamic. Of course, it’s always personal taste.

[@garth56]

Luxman it's almost but not quite valve like which is incredible for a solid state amp!!

[@user-eh3qz4zv1o]

I like the Luxman but the Kinki has a little more air.

[@noyan2006]

Luxman

[@kannjikatayama8136]

これぞ、The Luxman　ですね！！　Luxmanの味（魅力）が前面に出てて素晴らしい

[@joanneng9474]

watching this on macbook pro. incredible! audible difference. Luxman 's guitar sound decay rings is incredible

[@waldemarkrawczewski3858]

😮Wow. Beautiful Sound👍👍👍🏆🏆🏆❤️👂👂👂❤️😍😎👌🥰

[@milanulrich]

Wooosh, what a difference. Luxman dictate😱

[@madmusicmad2495]

Luxman is much better no way, same for my brother in blind test ^^

[@d_dude_is_here]

Beautiful selection of test track.

[@veritasfan11]

i like the kinki much better than the luxman.

[@riccitone]

Both are great....But even through here, can note the Luxman as way more full bodied, natural, coherent and non fatiguing. This all providing everything was properly volume matched. So now I want a Luxman. Thank you for posting this!

[@tongton853]

Thank​ you​ for​ your​ comment​ :)​

[@riccitone]

@@tongton853 Love all these equipment pairings and recordings. I wonder how the Kinki Choco amp would compare. Not as high in price class, but many say it gets into tonal nuance very well. Pairing dependent.

[@tongton853]

@@riccitone I never heard of Choco so far, hope someday will get a chance to hear it.

[@1999zrx1100]

That’s the key, less fatiguing, so many times we are impressed with dynamic punch but can’t listen for more the an hour or so. I’ve had the Luxman now for 6 months and find even streaming sounds so much better to my ears. It took me months to find this unit, local dealer demo, 30% discount, after years of McIntosh gear this Luxman is my forever amplifier. 🥰

[@Rascallucci]

Class A, the Luxman just has that much more meat on the bones if you will. The Kinki in comparison just sounded thin.

[@滝暉]

I’m totally amateur at hifi but the second one is just so musical and really animated the sound

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

its bcs they used to better sound, so 'cheaper' might seem bad, but actually not youll get there with upgrades, which is advisable, but str8 yolo top of the line also why not

[@1999zrx1100]

Put a deposit on the last 590 dealer demo in my country. Getting harder to find now that they have been discontinued. Certainly my last intergraded. 🙏

[@michalczarnecki9374]

Thank you for this comparison. Can you also share your opinion about both amps? I was thinking to move to L-590axII or ex-7m and Denafrips preamp for my Vivid B1's. Currently using Devialet 120.

[@tongton853]

They​ both​ are​ very​ nice​ amps.. I​ think​ 590​ provide​s a​ little​ bit​ more​ detail, more​ depth, have​ a​ nice​ balance sound.. Kinki​ has​ a​ little​ bit​ winder sound​stage, a​ nice​ high,​ very​ good​ dianamic... I​ current​ly​ keep​ the​ 590​.. I​ never​ heard​ of​ M7 with​ pre, but​ they​ should​ be​ very​ nice​ for​ you​r​ speaker​s.​ 590​ is​ class​ A​ with​ a​ smaller watts​, to​ get​ its​ best​ you​ may​ have​ to​ turn​ the​ volume a​ bit​ up​ (around​ 10am)​..

[@willmac5642]

Wd be good to listen with Sparkos or Burson ops (Kinki)

[@Senzlez2]

its amazing the difference in pure class a Vs A/b is

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

a prefer the luxman,much more musical and alive

[@theclocker7406]

Luxman, no question, such a significant difference.

[@gw61]

One of these makes interesting sounds. The other one makes music.

[@csabakereszturi945]

Get some full range speakers to the Luxman.

[@mukhin7705]

Luxman is better..more natural sounds and more detail

[@yantrussart6584]

Luxman all the way, not even close actually...

[@ZVM600]

Luxman вынес эту китайскую машинку в одну калитку..

[@techeteri]

The difference too big. Sth wrong with the Kinki

[@juststuff5216]

In the UK, the Luxman is 3 times the price. Is this a fair and balanced comparison? Probably not! *Xavian Premio Esclusivo Pass Labs XP 12 Bryston 4B SST3 Yamaha A S2200* Having said that, I've just heard this near £4,000 Yamaha integrated, hold its own against Pass Lass/Bryston pre/power costing around 4 times the price ... so it is possible … just not for Kinki

[@audiogabby9808]

I'll take the Luxman.

[@philipgardiner2003]

Those Audi Vector Speakers are so good. Luxman for the win.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Awesome 😍

[@kisgabca75]

Hi everybody! The Luxman is the better, but the price is 3x than Kinki. Thank you for this presentation! 🙂

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

I compare Kinki with old Naim XS ( 10 year old amp ) with S400ii speaker. Naim still sound better

[@yoannmad8832]

Luxman the best 🎵🎵🎵

[@willmac5642]

Wow the two amps im considering (if i can still find that Lux model)

[@bcisn]

Both sound the same from what I can hear.

[@theomindschrddr7983]

The Luxman goes well with the bright sound of Audio Vector

[@henriksrensen3220]

Audiovector is not bright sounding

[@philipgardiner2003]

@@henriksrensen3220 You have a good ear but I know what he means. My Focal Electra 1008 BE’s are brighter with a more forward presentation. Paired with my Hegel H90, it’s a match made in sonic heaven.

[@soulfunkjazz]

0:07 1:12 0:29 1:33

[@pascaltonton9000]

Sorry but you can't compare two amps on KZbin. The sound quality depends on a number of factors , the sound processing done by KZbin, our own equipment, the listening environment...It's difficult to appreciate the most subtle details of your equipment.

[@freniq]

Kinki for me - much more texture

[@vpconcepts9838]

Can't find any info anywhere about this CD. You have a link where to buy it?

[@tongton853]

I​ bought it​ in​ Thailand, here​ is​ the​ir site.​ You​ can​ check​ with​ them​ If​ they​ do​ the​ International​ shipping​ to​ where​ you​ are.. www.baichasong.com/product/28611-26399/cd-memoir-of-japanese-oldies-lhinampoletar

[@kinder989yt]

For this test, it is presented Luxman may be better to drive Audiovector, or class A is more suitable for Audiovector, but not means Luxman is better than Kinki.

[@cosplay_hifi]

very nice demo , thz a lot

[@artureff3046]

I ont buy from communist so.....

[@pistollero]

good point😀

[@howardskeivys4184]

I think I’d prefer to watch a blind man compare an IPS panel with a VA panel! I can never comprehend the futility of an audio comparison over the compressed algorithms of KZbin listen to on a 3rd party device.

[@samukkeyrugjitimaparichmon9358]

Luxman great sounding.

[@zoltanvitalis1384]

Kinki sehol nincs😂

[@argemioguirlanda9363]

Não é para ouvir Pablo Vitar

[@RayBeck-e3s]

The Class A is in another league of realism. Music just flows and has weight and harmonic density the AB does not match