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Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Wolf Ear Audio => Topic started by: Wolf Ear Audio on 13 Jan 2016, 09:29 pm

Title: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 13 Jan 2016, 09:29 pm
Hello everyone. We are a new audio business specializing in vacuum tube audio.

While we are very new and only just released our first new product, we expect this to be an exciting new year for us with some additional product releases in the near future.

Some information about us:
- We are an aboriginal business locally owned and operated out of Siksika, Alberta, Canada
- All parts are sourced locally when possible, with almost all coming from within North America
- We design and lovingly hand build all our amplifiers in house and will all be point to point wired for the foreseeable future
- We specialized in SET amplifiers that match well with high efficiency loudspeakers
- We intend to be as active in the community as possible

Our website is: http://www.wolfearaudio.ca (http://www.wolfearaudio.ca)


Here is the current tour list w/ impressions/reviews:

Pstrisik (Impressions HERE (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140086.msg1504269#msg1504269))
OzarkTom (Impressinos HERE (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140086.msg1514884#msg1514884))
ZLS
seikosha (Impressions HERE (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140086.msg1519920#msg1519920))

Other Impressions
Mike_W (Impressions HERE (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140086.msg1510401#msg1510401))
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: rockadanny on 13 Jan 2016, 09:41 pm
Greetings Wolf Ear Audio.

I see you have just one product (thus far) - a 1.5 watt tube amplifier.
Would you mind listing current production speakers you have had success with using your amp?
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Phil A on 13 Jan 2016, 09:54 pm
Welcome to AC!
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 13 Jan 2016, 09:58 pm
Greetings Wolf Ear Audio.

I see you have just one product (thus far) - a 1.5 watt tube amplifier.
Would you mind listing current production speakers you have had success with using your amp?
No problem :)
My personal favorites so far have been my Alnico monitors from Omega Loudspeakers and the Max 1 from Unison audio. Anything from Zu Audio is good too, though the Omegas are the most affordable by far.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 13 Jan 2016, 09:59 pm
Welcome to AC!
Thanks, I'm happy to take part :)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: RDavidson on 13 Jan 2016, 10:15 pm
Welcome Wolf Ear Audio. :D
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: ArthurDent on 14 Jan 2016, 05:30 am
Greetings & Welcome to AC Wolf Ear Audio  :thumb:
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Guy 13 on 14 Jan 2016, 10:01 am
A warm welcome to AudioCircle Wolf Ear Audio

Guy 13
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: borism on 14 Jan 2016, 01:16 pm
Welcome! I like your quality over quantity approach (in addition to making it affordable).

Boris
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Guy 13 on 14 Jan 2016, 01:18 pm
Hi (Again) Wolf Ear Audio.
Is it possible to see the back and under the hood picture of your Kitoki amplifier.
Thanks.

Guy 13
By the way, I am a French Canadian from Quebec.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Letitroll98 on 14 Jan 2016, 01:41 pm
Welcome to AC, but this thread should be moved to Industry Introductions.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Blackmore on 14 Jan 2016, 02:15 pm
Glad to have a new manufacturer joining us. I live in the "under 10 watt" realm and your product looks great to me.  Thanks for joining.

Mark
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: mcgsxr on 14 Jan 2016, 02:58 pm
Welcome to AC, nice to see another Canadian firm around!

Years ago when I ran higher efficiency OB speakers your amp would have been interesting to consider.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 14 Jan 2016, 07:14 pm
Thanks for all the warm welcomes :)

Hi (Again) Wolf Ear Audio.
Is it possible to see the back and under the hood picture of your Kitoki amplifier.
Thanks.

Guy 13
By the way, I am a French Canadian from Quebec.

I'll see about getting an under the hood picture up later tonight. There is a picture of the back in the product page for the amp.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 18 Jan 2016, 06:43 pm
Sorry I haven't messaged back yet, but I haven't had a working camera (or phone) for a few days now, but I have a new one in the mail and will get those pictures for anyone interested up by the end of the week :)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 20 Jan 2016, 08:12 am
Got my first positive review, check it out :)

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140245.0
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 21 Jan 2016, 09:05 pm
Before I get all crazy working on something new I want, is there any particular type of product that anyone else would be interested in?
I am nearing completion if my transformer coupled headphone amplifier prototype, and should have a working production unit in the next couple months.
So before I start on anything else I thought I would ask what people are interested in  (an OTL headphone amplifier perhaps? Or maybe something different?)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: RDavidson on 21 Jan 2016, 10:43 pm
A preamp with adjustable gain would be useful to many, I think. Most preamps I've seen with this feature are VERY expensive. Any way to do something like that...maybe class A tube based, without being too complex or expensive?
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 21 Jan 2016, 11:05 pm
A preamp with adjustable gain would be useful to many, I think. Most preamps I've seen with this feature are VERY expensive.
Usually this done with a transformer, which is quite an expensive option.
What if it was a tube rollable preamp using any of these: 12AU7, 12AT7 or 12AX7 (your choice) for different amounts of gain?
Or would something that uses a volume pot and a high-medium-low gain switch be more to your liking? Or something else entirely?
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: NIGHTFALL1970 on 22 Jan 2016, 12:07 am
Welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 22 Jan 2016, 06:00 pm
To anyone that was interested in seeing the insides of the amp, here a bad picture taken with my phone. It doesn't show everything though because many things are layered over each other.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=135655)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Guy 13 on 22 Jan 2016, 07:12 pm
Wow !
It's sure crowded under that hood,
look like 400 HP motor in a Honda Civic.  :lol:
That's not important,
what is important is the sound coming out of under the hood.
Keep the good work and thanks for the (Bad) picture.
You wrote it, I am only repeating it...  :lol:

Guy 13
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 22 Jan 2016, 07:23 pm
Wow !
It's sure crowded under that hood,
look like 400 HP motor in a Honda Civic.  :lol:
That's not important,
what is important is the sound coming out of under the hood.
Keep the good work and thanks for the (Bad) picture.
You wrote it, I am only repeating it...  :lol:

Guy 13
There's a reason I don't want (can't?) to do my own photography ;)
But I designed this to take advantage of all the space in the chassis. But don't worry, it is all very well ventilated, with vent holes all around the tube sockets and all under the bottom of the chassis. It's a heavy little amp too, at almost 17lbs.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 25 Jan 2016, 10:11 pm
For anyone willing to do a written review (either on here or any other message board), I can upgrade your amp with a 24 step ladder attenuator free of charge (this is a $250CAD upgrade. I will be adding its product page to my website in the next couple weeks with its specifics)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 25 Jan 2016, 10:28 pm
I thought I would mention this as well. All my prices are in Canadian Dollars, which is great for American buyers, since their dollar is much higher than ours. After shipping, the Kitoki shipped anywhere in the USA is under 1200USD.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 1 Feb 2016, 04:23 am
FYI, I just added some interconnect options to my product list for a very modest price.
Check it out: http://www.wolfearaudio.ca/products/aohkii-high-quality-interconnects

It is named Aohkii, which means water in Blackfoot, to represent the clear sound it will reproduce.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour and Registration
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 4 Feb 2016, 05:05 pm
As requested by a few members on this forum, I decided that I will do a small product tour for anyone interested. Please post here if interested and what equipment you would use with the amp.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour and Registration
Post by: pstrisik on 4 Feb 2016, 05:28 pm
As requested by a few members on this forum, I decided that I will do a small product tour for anyone interested. Please post here if interested and what equipment you would use with the amp.

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for taking us up on requests for a tour.  As I said over on the Omega forum, I would love to give your SET amp a trial.  I currently have a Dennis Had SEP amp running at about 10 watts and powering Super Alnico Monitors.  I've never listened to a SET in my system and would welcome the opportunity!

.......Peter


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=136080)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: seikosha on 4 Feb 2016, 05:57 pm
I would love to be included on the tour.  I've got Omegas with the RS5 driver (desktops and Super 3xrs) and Alnicos on the way. 

Thanks!

Pete
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: OzarkTom on 4 Feb 2016, 06:37 pm
Sign me  up. :thumb:

I have  Zellaton Emotion speakers that I listen to at very low leels.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Guy 13 on 4 Feb 2016, 06:47 pm
Hi,
it's too bad I cannot register,
because soon I will be back on planet Vietnam
where my audio stuff is.
Your amplifier would be a good match for my Omega 7F OBDP set up.
I have now a Decware SE84C+
Anxious to read the reviews of AudioCircle members.
When I buy something, I always try to buy Canadian,
then second choice US made, then all the other ones
and if I have no other choice, then Made in China.
Of course, prices always have something to do in the decision.
Thanks.

Guy 13

What the '' eh '' means in...?
Made in Canada, eh
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 4 Feb 2016, 06:56 pm
Hi,
it's too bad I cannot register,
because soon I will be back on planet Vietnam
where my audio stuff is.
Your amplifier would be a good match for my Omega 7F OBDP set up.
I have now a Decware SE84C+
Anxious to read the reviews of AudioCircle members.
When I buy something, I always try to buy Canadian,
then second choice US made, then all the other ones
and if I have no other choice, then Made in China.
Of course, prices always have something to do in the decision.
Thanks.

Guy 13

It's too bad you won't be able to join in the tour. If you happen to be in Calgary sometime before you leave, you can always come try it out!
The USD to CAD exchange rate doesn't hurt either, if buying from the states.

To Everyone who has or will respond today: I will be contacting everyone at the end of the day to collect info for the tour by private message.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: ZLS on 4 Feb 2016, 09:22 pm
    I'm in, if you will have me.

    As I usually listen to Solid State Amps, it will be interesting to compare and contrast.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Guy 13 on 5 Feb 2016, 01:51 am
It's too bad you won't be able to join in the tour. If you happen to be in Calgary sometime before you leave, you can always come try it out!
The USD to CAD exchange rate doesn't hurt either, if buying from the states.

To Everyone who has or will respond today: I will be contacting everyone at the end of the day to collect info for the tour by private message.

I am in Montreal now, when I get back to Vietnam I will be going via Chicago, then Hong Kong,
so I cannot make it, but who knows what the future will bring ????
Thanks for your comments.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 5 Feb 2016, 04:15 am
I've sent PMs to everyone who is joining the tour. There is still a bit of room for a couple other people to join if anyone wants to join after tonight.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 5 Feb 2016, 04:57 pm
I'm just waiting on a couple more people to get back to me before I post the order in which the tour will happen.
Thanks for your patience!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: werd on 5 Feb 2016, 08:38 pm
Usually this done with a transformer, which is quite an expensive option.
What if it was a tube rollable preamp using any of these: 12AU7, 12AT7 or 12AX7 (your choice) for different amounts of gain?
Or would something that uses a volume pot and a high-medium-low gain switch be more to your liking? Or something else entirely?

How possible is it to put a pre amp out on this integrated?
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 5 Feb 2016, 08:43 pm
How possible is it to put a pre amp out on this integrated?
A preamp out is possible, but will not likely happen, though I will be releasing a tube preamp with multiple outputs in a few months time (hopefully).
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 5 Feb 2016, 10:29 pm
Ok, the list has been posted for the order of participants. I will message the first to receive now.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio
Post by: werd on 6 Feb 2016, 03:36 am
A preamp out is possible, but will not likely happen, though I will be releasing a tube preamp with multiple outputs in a few months time (hopefully).

What I would do (if I was you)  :D. I would put a preamp out on this and build a more powerful amp as an up grade.  I love integrateds with preamps. Their power supplies are usually overkill, maybe not here but it is still a good idea.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 9 Feb 2016, 12:41 am
The tour unit has been sent to the first in line! I'm excited to hear the impressions!
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Ultralight on 9 Feb 2016, 04:53 am
What is the size?  Does it fit in a standard USPS Large Flat Rate Box?

Put me next in line to whoever is last.

I've had Omega Alnico briefly, as pair of Super 3i, and currently run a bipole RS5 Omega.

Thanks!
UL
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: pstrisik on 9 Feb 2016, 05:23 am
It's a comin' my way as we speak.. er, type!  Will likely be a week before it's here though.

....Peter

Hey UL!  :wave:

Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 9 Feb 2016, 03:34 pm
What is the size?  Does it fit in a standard USPS Large Flat Rate Box?

Put me next in line to whoever is last.

I've had Omega Alnico briefly, as pair of Super 3i, and currently run a bipole RS5 Omega.

Thanks!
UL
It comes with its own shipping box (reusable).
I can add you to the tour (I'll send you a PM)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: bakalovb on 16 Feb 2016, 02:57 pm
Hi everyone!
I'm brand new to AC.
I recently ordered 98 db Omega speakers, so, naturally, became interested in this SET amp.
I don't see any reviews/first impressions. Is that me, being unfamiliar with AC, or they are still pending?
Thanks and have a great day to everyone.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: pstrisik on 16 Feb 2016, 04:04 pm
Hi everyone!
I'm brand new to AC.
I recently ordered 98 db Omega speakers, so, naturally, became interested in this SET amp.
I don't see any reviews/first impressions. Is that me, being unfamiliar with AC, or they are still pending?
Thanks and have a great day to everyone.

Welcome bakalovb!

Still pending.  The amp is on its way to me.  Since it came from Canada into the US, it takes a bit longer due to customs clearance.  Tracking says it should arrive tomorrow.  I will have a couple of days to give it some hours.  Andrew tells me the amp has 48 hours so far but all tubes are brand new.  So my review will probably be towards the end of this coming weekend.

.........Peter

Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: pstrisik on 18 Feb 2016, 04:21 pm
(Sorry for the duplication in posts for those reading both here and on the Omega forum.)

I've been letting the amp and tubes break in.  Did some listening last night.  Initial indications are that we have a very special little amp here!  I'll write more in some days.

In the first photo, you can see the Kitoki sitting where my Inspire was.  The Inspire is observing from the shelf on the right, looking worried!  And, of course, my beloved new Omega "speaker system."   :beer:

Initially, I have the Kitoki taking the place of the Inspire without other changes except for gain levels.  This means I have the Inspire LP-2 pre in the chain.  Volume is all the way up on the solid feeling stepped attenuator in the Kitoki.  Volume is controlled by my Cambridge Audio Azur 851N streamer/DAC (middle shelf on the left).  I will later give it a try with the DAC in full output mode, no pre, controlling the volume with the Kitoki (no remote though). 

I also have the signal split before the amp by the Marchand XM66 active xover at 110Hz (behind the tray of tubes).  So the Kitoki is getting a line level signal from 110Hz up.  The self-powered woofer modules cover 50-110 and the subs 50 and lower.  I will later also try running the SAM's full range bypassing the woofer modules to see how the amp does on its own.

The Omegas are being fed from the 8ohm output.  I'll also try the 4ohm output along the way.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=137484)


In this second photo, more of a close up.  You can see the second set of output tubes that Andrew provided behind.  The EL84's are warmer/smoother.  The 6P15P-EV's are more forward.  Good contrast and covers those of us that prefer each of the primary presentations.

Note the multi-colored interconnects to the amp.  These are provided by Andrew to try as well.  He has them at custom lengths at reasonable prices on his site.  Very well made and attractive looking, IMO.  He also provided a matching power cord, though I do not have that implemented.  The speaker cables are DIY made from the currently trendy vintage WE11GA (heavier gauge version of the WE16GA).

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=137485)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Ultralight on 18 Feb 2016, 06:44 pm
Thanks for the photos and update. UL
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Charles Xavier on 19 Feb 2016, 08:00 am
Hi
Can you add me to the tour. I am in NY
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 20 Feb 2016, 07:31 am
Hi
Can you add me to the tour. I am in NY
That shouldn't be a problem. I'll message you tomorrow
Title: First Kitoki Tour Review!
Post by: pstrisik on 22 Feb 2016, 08:54 pm
I had a very enjoyable weekend!   Here is the first formal review from the tour.  :thumb:  I look forward to reading others'.  The amp is packed up and ready for instructions from the mother ship for its next destination.

Andrew, let me know if there is a particular place you would like this review.  I am also posting it over on the Omega circle.   ..........Peter



Oh, an amp tour.  What a fun opportunity to hear a different amp and compare to my current favorite.  The difficulty is that this favorite is one I thought would be my last amp ever!  These tours sure can be disruptive!

Mine is a hand crafted single ended pentode designed and built by the famous Dennis Had, an Inspire KT-150.  The amp on tour, Wolf Ear Audio "Kitoki" is a single ended triode designed and built by Andrew Rintoul in Alberta Canada.  Shouldn't be that different!  Source is the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N, their flagship streamer and DAC.  Speakers are Omega Super Alnico Monitors at 93db sensitivity.

As some Omega Circle participants may know, I have a complex system with the Inspire preamp, a Marchand line level 2-way crossover, active woofer modules, active subs, and powered supertweeters.  Testing was with all different combos and is described mostly in comparison to what I am familiar with.  I did also test with source directly input into the amp run full range to Omegas run full range with no woofers/sub/tweeters and compared to the Inspire with the same configuration.

Well... At the very least, the Kitoki matches the Inspire. In one primary way, the Kitoki shines, in one the Inspire.  Both amps are to die for.

The Kitoki added "sparkle" to my system that wasn't there prior.  I don't know if it is simply higher extension or something different, but the knock of a drum stick on a rim, the soft cymbal strike, etc., are more prominent and without adding the slightest bit of irritation.  It may be that the Kitoki does a bit better in imaging/realism, but too close to be confident in that conclusion.  The Inspire has a bit more body or fullness.  Perhaps this is the inverse of the sparkle and imaging advantage the Kitoki seems to have.

The Inspire is currently set up to run at 10 wpc with vintage British KT-77 output tubes (it can be as little as 5 wpc depending on the choice of output tubes).  The Kitoki is a modest 1.5 wpc. The gain difference was negligible and I never felt the amp strain.  I am not a metal or trance fan, so did not push its capabilities in that way.  Volume was easy with a nominal level of 80db (peaks higher) in my fairly large room (4600 cf) and listening distance of 11 ft.

I have largely given up the describing fine audio like fine wine.  All of those descriptions have started to run together and sound largely meaningless.  It all comes down to that sense of "just right"; that feeling that there is nothing in particular that needs to change, sounds not quite good enough or is distracting.  The primary variables for me, other than that most important one, are general smoothness, warm vs. cool, evenness throughout the frequency range, extension up and down, imaging definition, size of soundstage and musicality (technically, probably PRaT).

So, the primary criteria is met!  This amp sounds right.  When I listen and relax, it is transporting.  There isn't anything that calls my attention to a need for change.  When I listen more critically, I find:

General Smoothness - Excellent - no irritation whatsoever

Warm vs. Cool - Pretty balanced really - I wouldn't categorize it as either warm or cool.  However, changing the output tubes from the supplied Tung-Sol EL-84's to the vintage Russian 6N15P-EV demonstrated that the tonal quality can be altered with tube choice.  I found the EL-84's slightly warmer and my preference over the 6N15P's. 

Evenness throughout the frequency range - Excellent

Extension up and down - Up - the nicest, smoothest, sparkliest top end I have ever heard in a tube amp.  Down - bottom end is pleasing, though not quite as full as the Inspire I compared with.

Imaging definition - Excellent

Size of soundstage - Slightly smaller and more focused than the Inspire, though makes up for it in the sense of immediacy and intimacy.

Musicality - Excellent

Andrew told me that these tubes are the basic tubes supplied when purchasing the amp (along with the vintage Russian 6N1P-EV drivers and EZ81 rectifier).  Since my existing amp is a SEP, I didn't have any alternative power tubes to roll in.  I imagine some improvement could be found with carefully chosen EL-84's or equivalents.  I also do not have any alternative rectifiers that would be compatible.  I did, however, try alternative drivers: Russian 1975 Voskhod "Rocket" 6N23P - (single wire, gray shields).  These were an improvement over the 6N1P's just as they were in the Inspire and my opinions are based on using the 6N23P/TS-EL84/EZ81 combo.

Other miscellaneous things......   The volume control is a stepped attenuator which is very solid with prominent clicks. I believe this is an upgrade over the stock Alps Blue Velvet.  Fit and finish is excellent.  Overall aesthetics are subjective.  Andrew prefers a cleaner, more modern look than is traditional with tube amps.  Transformers are contained within the chassis.  The tubes are distributed in a logical manner on the top surface and take prominent visual attention without anything around or behind them.  The resulting tube glow is very nice. 

Supplied with the amp were Wolf Ear Audio made power cable and interconnects.  The interconnects can be purchased on the website in various lengths and at reasonable prices.  They are solidly made and very pretty (again subjective). 

Bottom line opinion is that this is an amp anyone not needing more power would likely love!  I don't know how it would do with multi-driver speakers, but it is a match made in heaven with the Omega Super Alnico Monitors - single drivers at 93db.  At $1600 CAD (currently $1170 US), it's a great buy.



(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=137484)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=137485)


 
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 22 Feb 2016, 09:07 pm
Thanks for the very kind review, pstrisik :) (I'll message the next in line for the tour and contact you later tonight)
If anyone was curious, I handled pretty much everything on my own, from the art and the website, to the chassis and amp design. I also build each one by hand on my own.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: pstrisik on 24 Feb 2016, 11:56 pm
Amp delivered to tourist #2 today - a day early!  Looking forward to some discussion!!


........Peter
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: OzarkTom on 25 Feb 2016, 12:01 am
I am tourist #2. The amp is hooked up and burning in. It came in all the way from Alaska. :thumb:
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: pstrisik on 25 Feb 2016, 03:40 am
I am tourist #2. The amp is hooked up and burning in. It came in all the way from Alaska. :thumb:

Yeah, but mighty quick!

I put about 50 hours on the amp, 40 on the EL-84s, very little on the driver and on the Russian output tubes.  Andrew said he had about 48 hours on it before sending it.  So the amp and EL-84s should be good to go.  The other tubes could use some burn in.

Hope you enjoy as much as I did! 

.......Peter
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: seikosha on 9 Mar 2016, 03:29 pm
Any Updates?
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 9 Mar 2016, 04:18 pm
Any Updates?
There was a small issue with tubes and I had to send out new ones. They should be there today, so  we should hear back son :)
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: mike_w on 15 Mar 2016, 04:40 am
Hello Audio Circle.  I'm new to the board and I was drawn here by the recent discussions on the Wolf Ear Audio Kitoki SET ampflier.  This thread actually convinced me to purchase an amplifier from Andrew along with a pair of the Aohkii interconnects. I thought that I might share my experiences with the Kitoki and hopefully this is of interest for some of you also reading this thread.

Andrew delivered the Kitoki to my home in Calgary last Wednesday and helped me to get it up and running.  This exercise consisted of inserting the correct tubes into the appropriate sockets and plugging in the source, speakers, and power.  The unit itself looks great.  It is sleek with the transformers neatly tucked inside the chassis.  The tubes take prominence on the top and look great with their deep red glow.  I opted for the stepped attenuator in place of the stock potentiometer.  The attenuator has a very solid click from step to step.  Connections for the input and speaker are at the rear, along with plug for AC power.  Binding posts for the speaker wires are solid and easy to access.

I have been using a Linear Acoustics LA V100 solid state integrated amplifier. This amplifier was manufactured in small numbers in northern Germany 20+ years ago. Before that I used a Hafler amp/preamp separates.  Right now, I am using Totem’s Forest speakers.  I am using an Ayre QB-9 DAC with a Mac Mini and Amara as a digital source and a Rega Planar 3 and Elys 2 cartridge for analog material.  I had some concerns about the power output from the Kitoki driving the Forest speakers.  Coming from 100 W solid state to 1 W SET seemed a little risky, especially since the Forests have a rated sensitivity of 87 dB/Wm.  But, Andrew reassured me that as long as I don't routinely play at eardrum busting levels (I don't) and my room is not that large (it isn't – roughly 6 m x 4 m), then this should not be an issue.

The Kitoki is terrifically fun to listen to.  Being my first experience with tubes, I am thrilled with the presentation and character of the music.  The Kitoki is fast.  I am hearing details in the music that I never heard previously.  Subtle things, like the sound of the drumsticks, or a musician drawing in breath, or fingers on the piano are revealed by the amplifier.  These little elements help to draw me into the performance in a way that I was not with the solid state amplifier.  At reasonable volumes, the playback is effortless.  The image created by the Kitoki is engaging.  I wouldn't describe it as expansive, but I find it accurate.  The speakers just disappear.  Placement of the musicians is stable with space between the performers.  The Kitoki is capable of generating bass notes from the Forest speakers, but with less authority than my Linear Acoustic solid state amplifier. However, given how well the Kitoki handles the overall experience, I don't find myself missing anything. I have been listening to a range of music including Oscar Peterson's Night Train, Led Zeppelin's Live Celebration Day, Verdi's Nabucco, Young Galaxy, Radiohead… It's all good.

In my experience so far, the Kitoki is proving to be an entertaining amplifier that is providing me with a different (than I am used to) and enjoyable listening experience.  It looks great, sounds fantastic, and is giving me quality time with the music.  Andrew was terrific to deal with.  He was prompt with his communication and the product I received is exactly as advertised.  It was fun to talk to him about the design. He is passionate and knowledgeable about audio.  I understand that there are some more Wolf Ear Audio components on the way.  I can't wait to see what Andrew will come out with next!

Best wishes,
Mike.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 15 Mar 2016, 03:20 pm
Thanks for the kind words and the mini review Mike.
Waiting for OzarkTom to post his impressions here as well. We had a bit of a hiccup with the tubes, but he has new ones now. The tour will continue as planned very soon.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: OzarkTom on 15 Mar 2016, 11:35 pm
I just listened to Halie Loren's Crazy Love, and that is the way I feel about this amp. It is shockingly good.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 16 Mar 2016, 07:02 am
I just listened to Halie Loren's Crazy Love, and that is the way I feel about this amp. It is shockingly good.
I had to check out who that artist was. I'm glad I did, because the music was quite nice to listen to!
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: restrav on 16 Mar 2016, 07:53 am
I am very interested in demoing this amp. I dont have that many posts but I have been a member in diyaudio for years now and here for 2 years. I have already been part of a Grado headphone tour on Headfi.org. I just acquired a very nicely made full range speaker specifically designed for tube amps.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 16 Mar 2016, 03:23 pm
I am very interested in demoing this amp. I dont have that many posts but I have been a member in diyaudio for years now and here for 2 years. I have already been part of a Grado headphone tour on Headfi.org. I just acquired a very nicely made full range speaker specifically designed for tube amps.
At this time I do not think I will be adding anyone else to the tour, as it looks like it run fairly long as it is. If anything changes, I will b sure to post here about it. However, if you are interested in purchasing, all my products come with a 30-day in-home satisfaction guarantee, so if it does not match well with your system you can always return it, less shipping costs.
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: OzarkTom on 17 Mar 2016, 05:09 am
I hate this amp. It is time I send it to the next listener.

Just when I thought I was off of the amplifier merry-go-round, this amp shows up and proves me wrong. Now I must sell some of my excess equipment and buy me one.

I guess it is my fault.  :duh:
Title: Re: Greetings from Wolf Ear Audio. Information on Kitoki Tour Registration and Rules
Post by: mike_w on 19 Mar 2016, 08:23 pm
I just listened to Halie Loren's Crazy Love, and that is the way I feel about this amp. It is shockingly good.

On your recommendation, Ozark Tom, I picked up Halie Loren's Heart First CD.  Amazing disc, thanks for your post!  It is a great performance and sounds amazing on the Kitoki. 

What I did not expect from getting this amplifier is how I would critically start to listen to other parts of the system.  After replacing the integrated amplifier, I had to find a phono preamp.  That arrived a couple of days ago, so I am listening to vinyl now with the Kitoki, which is proving to be fun.  Now, looking at the Rega, I am wondering if I can do better there too for a reasonable cost?  Also, those old speaker wires could probably be improved on...

Ah well, at least I am having a good time with the music and the Kitoki!

Best regards,
Mike.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: OzarkTom on 22 Mar 2016, 03:50 am
The Kitoki amp has left the building. I want to thank Wolf Ear Audio for being on their tour.  This is one tour amp I am seriously going to miss. Review still oming.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 22 Mar 2016, 05:10 am
The Kitoki amp has left the building. I want to thank Wolf Ear Audio for being on their tour.  This is one tour amp I am seriously going to miss. Review still oming.
Thanks for participating. I hope you enjoyed your time with it!

Andrew
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: mresseguie on 22 Mar 2016, 08:23 am
Well, I'm impressed so far.  :thumb:

Any higher wattage models in the pipeline? (18w to 35w)

Regards,

Michael

Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 24 Mar 2016, 04:03 pm
Well, I'm impressed so far.  :thumb:

Any higher wattage models in the pipeline? (18w to 35w)

Regards,

Michael
Sorry for the late reply. I have intentions to do some higher wattage models, but it probably won't be until 2017, realistically. I can't give more info than that at this time. I have a couple new products that I should have ready in the next few months that hopefully will be exciting for headphone users!
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: OzarkTom on 1 Apr 2016, 02:47 am
I should get my review up and running. To make it easy on me, I could copy and paste all of the above reviews. But here are some of my personal notes.

Since I had tube issues that delayed me, I forgot that Andrew had included one of his personal power cords. I had a good power cord hooked up, but Andrew's was even better,  smoother and more dimensional.

The Kitoki, as someone else here mentioned is fast. My Zellaton's has to have a fast amp to sound right. Most tube amps with transformers sounds slow and sluggish.

The Kitoki sounds better plugged straight into the wall than into a line conditioner.

As much fun as the chip amps are, this amp is a few steps up. And as for power, the Kitoki plays my Zellatons as loud as a 25 watt chip amp.

I could go on and on, on how fun this amp is. It will play your best recordings very  lively, and it will play your bad recordings very listenable. I sure hated  to see this tour amp leave. I need to be like Mike and buy me one.  :thumb:

Thanks Andrew for the tour!
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: G Georgopoulos on 1 Apr 2016, 02:58 am



The Kitoki sounds better plugged straight into the wall than into a line conditioner.



thanks for the tip mate... :thumb:
can you please explain why?
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: OzarkTom on 1 Apr 2016, 03:23 am
thanks for the tip mate... :thumb:
can you please explain why?

It sounded more open and dynamic in my system.

I forgot to mention, I used the IFI Itube as a pre, a great synergy between the two. These two together make a great value.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: mike_w on 1 Apr 2016, 06:31 pm
It sounded more open and dynamic in my system.

I forgot to mention, I used the IFI Itube as a pre, a great synergy between the two. These two together make a great value.

Hi OzarkTom,

I was curious how using the Itube would complement the Kitoki.  Being pretty new when it comes to using tubes, I am wondering if I would notice a difference when running a DAC into the iTube first and then the Kitoki?  If you run the signal through the iTube first, do you use the variable gain stage of the iTube and put the Kitoki volume control at the maximum setting?

Cool to read that you noticed the speed of the amplifier too.  That was one of my first reactions and I didn't expect that from a tube amplifier.  The solid state amp has actually moved from the shelf to the closet...

Thanks,
Mike.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: OzarkTom on 5 Apr 2016, 01:01 am
Hi Mike,

The ITube has a 3D circuit that can be switched in or out. It adds a little pzazz to the imaging.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 14 Apr 2016, 05:05 pm
Just finishing up the chassis layout for my two headphone amps. I'm really excited about it!
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: seikosha on 18 Apr 2016, 05:56 pm
I’ve a had a great time with this Kitoki amp, and have been fortunate to be able to spend quite a bit of time with it since the next person on the list is on vacation until the end of April.  For a few years now, my reference amp has been the little 2 Watt Decware Zen powering Omega Alnico and RS5 monitors.  It’s been a match made in heaven with a lot of synergy, and even though I’ve had numerous amps pass through my listening room the last couple of years, at the end of the day, the Zen always seemed to stay on top.
First some notes, my listening room is small at 10*12.  Having a small room, I quickly learned that I’m never going to be able to have any sort of visceral bass in this space, which is fine because I’m not a bass head anyways.  My priorities are midrange purity, imaging and transparency and these are what I focused on in this writeup.

The Kitoki is the first amp I’ve had that competes with the Zen.  The differences are so slight that there is no way I could pick one over the other.   Both are transparent, fast, dynamic, detailed and image like crazy.  For a first product, Wolf Ear Audio is showing an awful lot of promise.

When I unpacked the amp and set it on the shelf, I instantly got an “oh no” it’s broken experience.  Before turning it on, I wanted to turn the volume all the way down and as I grabbed the nob to gently turn it, nothing happened.  It felt like it was locked in place.  Nope, it was just that the clicks on this volume control are so tight, with such solid and positive steps that you really did need to grip it and turn it.  I liked it!
For the first time ever, when putting an amp in my system, I couldn’t tell within a minute what the differences between it and the Zen were.   After some hours of play, I did start to get a handle on where they differed, which for me, was primarily in the upper midrange.  On some female vocals, the little Zen can exhibit the tiniest amount of glare.  Is it a fault of the Zen or the recording?  I don’t know.  However with the Kitoki in the system, I soon noticed that when this glare was present, the Kitoki took it away;  all of the sudden, some recordings with the slightest bit of glare, now sounded smooth and perfect.  No hint of any glare at all was present.  However, the flip side was that occasionally, with for instance some male vocals, I’d lose just the slightest bit of raspiness that would really make a vocalist come alive; things were smoother, but ever so slight.  I’d compare it with sitting a couple of rows back from a live acoustical (non miked) performance when you were already near the front.

I’ve got a Decware Mini Torii using 6V6/6L6 tubes that does a wonderful job on female vocals, making them seem even smoother than the Kitoki, but there are times with the male vocals that it just sucks the life out of them too much making some recordings unenjoyable.  The Kitoki never did that; I never had the desire to switch it out.

Another area which the Kitoki shined was its quietness.  No question, solid state or tubed, this is the quietest amp I’ve had in my listening room.  With an amp connected and plugged in, I’ve always been able to hear (with my ear next to the driver) either the slightest bit hum or a slight hiss.  It’s the nature of dealing with high efficiency single driver speakers.  The first time I tried this with the Kitoki, I was shocked.  I didn’t hear a sound.  I actually looked over to see if the amp was on.  That was a first in my experience.  Later I tried the same experiment in ultra-quiet early hours of the morning, and I could just barely sense the slightest bit of hum.

During my listening hours with the Kitoki, on more than a few times, I said to myself.  “I think this amp might be giving me a little more of the “blacks” between both the notes and the spaces within the soundstage.”   Perhaps this was an artifact of its quietness.

All of the above were my impressions with the SV83 tubes.  I have spent a few hours now auditioning it with the EL84’s. Just as with the Decware, EL84’s are interchangeable in the Kitoki.  In the past, I’d rolled some TAD EL84’s with the Decware and wasn’t super impressed.  The sound became less dynamic, lost volume and just became too polite.  When I threw in the Tung Sol supplied EL84’s into the Kitoki, I smiled.  Yes, the EL84’s seemed less powerful but they were still very dynamic and not soft sounding like they were with the  Decware.  “Ahhh”, I thought….”now here is something really tangible that I can write about explaining how the Kitoki differentiates itself!”  But then I on a whim I figured, I better try these Tung Sols in the Zen as well and sure enough, they showed that it was the tubes, not the amp that had initially turned me off to EL84’s.  Overall, the EL84’s retained much of the SV83 sound just sort of relaxing every thing across the spectrum.  They were nice and very listenable.

So it looks like I have another week before I have to think about shipping this amp out to the next on the list.  As I said, I don’t have much listening on it with the EL84’s so I’ll try to get more time with those tubes  and I have yet to touch the beautiful Power Cord and Interconnects that Andrew included.  I’ll follow up with some impressions when I’m done.

Really all I want to do now is just turn on the amp and enjoy it.  Sometimes when you have a nice amp, it’s not so much fun to “review” it, you’d rather just turn it on and appreciate it which is what you want to do with this Kitoki.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 2 May 2016, 05:22 am
Had a bit of an issue with a customer getting some bad NOS Japanese tubes and thought I would share my thoughts on them.
It took out about half the output stage on both channels of the customers amp. All fixed up now, but, as both the tubes each took out their channel they were plugged into, suggesting it was the run of tubes they came from and not just a single bad tube. I also tried them in my personal amp and it almost instantly fried a bunch of parts in the output stage (the Japanese tubes were sent to me along with the amp so I could check them out).
We only warranty for the matched tubes included with the amp, so I would suggest you be careful about where you get your tubes from (If the 6P15P-EV tubes included aren't your thing, I really like the new production Mullard tubes in this amp and know they work well)
My suggestions for now is just to stay away from NOS Japanese EL84/6BQ5 tubes.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 3 May 2016, 04:07 pm
Just thought I would let everyone know that I have my own circle now!
I am very happy to be a part of this community and thought it was about time to become a bigger part of Audio Circle!
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Tour Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 5 May 2016, 06:30 pm
I have a B-Stock Kitoki unit I will be putting up for sale in the next couple days. There is nothing wrong with it and it is not a used unit, but the anodizing didn't come out as well as the other chassis, so I will be discounting it down to $1500 CAD ($100 off regular price).
I thought I would let everyone here know and get a chance to get it before I post it on my website.
If interested shoot me an e-mail. It can still have the other upgrade options added as well if interested.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 15 Sep 2016, 08:18 pm
I've been tinkering with some pretty serious changes to the driver stages in my spare time and I'm really liking it!

I'm not quite finished playing with it yet, but once I am it will definitely be getting added to the options for the Kitoki on my web page.
This change will not be using the 6N1P for the driver, but instead be using an EL84/6P15P-EV instead!

It is by far my favorite change and adds some pretty serious authority to this already awesome amp and has the desirable side effect of decreasing the overall distortion as well while still remaining an amp that uses no feedback!

As it is not yet available on my web page, if interested, please feel free to send me a message or e-mail.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 9 Oct 2016, 11:35 pm
I updated the web site to reflect all the new changes to the amp, including the optional driver stage upgrade. Also a reminder that the shipping deal ends tomorrow.
If you have any questions, shoot me a message!

Andrew
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: ZLS on 10 Oct 2016, 03:51 pm
    Is it possible to upgrade existing an Kitoki Amplifier?
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 10 Oct 2016, 05:58 pm
    Is it possible to upgrade existing an Kitoki Amplifier?
Unfortunately not, as it would require gutting a large portion of the amplifier.
I wouldn't worry about it too much though, as the standard driver stage is quite good, just a bit different.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: JapanIV on 28 Dec 2016, 03:12 pm
Hello, I don't know you you feel about 6L6 or EL34 tubes, but do you have any plans to build a single ended amp based on a non-miniature tube like these?

Cheers!

Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: Wolf Ear Audio on 29 Dec 2016, 08:15 am
Hello, I don't know you you feel about 6L6 or EL34 tubes, but do you have any plans to build a single ended amp based on a non-miniature tube like these?

Cheers!

Yes, Actually  :wink:
I have something in the works at the moment. More to come later... Aiming for Q2 of 2017.

P.S. anyone still following this thread, I only have a couple of the old chassis left and will be switching away from an anodized finish to a powder-coat for 2017.
Title: Re: The Wolf Ear Audio Thread. Kitoki Impressions and Discussions.
Post by: JapanIV on 29 Dec 2016, 05:32 pm
Yes, Actually  :wink:
I have something in the works at the moment. More to come later... Aiming for Q2 of 2017.

P.S. anyone still following this thread, I only have a couple of the old chassis left and will be switching away from an anodized finish to a powder-coat for 2017.

That's awesome!  I'll be following with interest--love the vibe of your amps   :D