How do you like this integrated? Did it sound pretty good out of the box and did it get better with burn in?
The kwi replace a passive preamp+150W tube mono amp (Cayin 800 MK).
out of the box, i could say that i have 80% of music of my previous config:
+ More detail than tube
+ Very good medium (near tube) and very subtil and defined treble
- not so immersive sound
- not so dynamic that i could awaiting for 200W amp (i have heard 30 w class A with more dynamic for exemple)
Now, after burning... and mainly optimization i have 120% of my previous config !
I have had decoupling feet under the kwi:
+ increase of the spectrum response : more bass, more tremble
+ more details in medium and more dynamics response
...If you compare KWI with other modwrigth amp: they have already spike !
I have upgrade power cord. I have very good result with Wireworld Electra 5.2. I have test Supra, and the sound was less natural...and speed !
+ I have the feeling that the sound is louder and more immersive !
+ the bass are deeper and more dynamic
+ a sound more and more detailed and extended with no hash and excessive brilliance.
Finally I have the overall presentation of the tube sound with all the details and extension of a good transistor amp. But i think Moseft amp performance are very sensitive to the quality of the power line whereas tube amp with transformer/high voltage were less impacted...
But with some attention to finalize the installation, the performance could be better than a good tube amp.
Are you familiar with a French speaker line called Atohm? I see the KWI 200 was driving those at a show in Europe.
I have also heard many time Atohm speaker. Very impressive sound : good bass extension and very dynamic and full medium... but i think the tremble is not extended and subtle as my current speaker (BW 805 Diamond).
I would have all individual components built and wiring prepped for install.
Dan, when do you think the upgrade kit will be ready !