My KWA 150 arrived Friday evening and I've now had the opportunity to put a few hours on it, and can give some initial feedback.
This is not intended to be a review, or detailed feedback, but my initial reaction to how the amp performs in my system. My system comprises a Modwright Transporter (Hyper Drive, Bybee's, EML 5U4G, TS Round Plate 6SN7's), Musical Fidelity KW500, Salk HT3's. The KW500 is integrated with a tubed preamp and 500 watt/channel power amp, along with separate power supply. The psu was upgraded by John Sampson (ex-MF Service Manager), who considers the original psu to be the Achilles heel, the upgrade also included cap modifications to the preamp section. The upgrades made to the KW500 were claimed to significantly improve the bottom end, enhance the mid-range and smooth out the top end - which they did. In order to AB the KWA with other commercial amps I sent my KW500 to Dan and his team for a direct comparison. Dan can confirm that I flatly refused (in a very direct way
) to accept any feedback on how my KW500 compared with the KWA150, this was solely to eliminate any preconceived perceptions I might have. The preamp section of the KW500 is now being used to drive the KWA.
Down to the meat - My biggest concern was the ability for the KWA to effectively drive the HT3's, as on paper the KWA looks under powered for these speakers. My concerns were unfounded, the KWA drives my HT3's with ease. Other amps I, and others, have tried struggle to control the HT3's - so a great start and a feather in the cap for the KWA
. For me realistic reproduction of music has to include solid deep bass, many systems I've heard are severely lacking in this area....the KWA's have the
deepest, tightest and most articulate bass I've heard (far superior than the KW500 even after the mods carried out on the psu). One of my favorite tracks for bass is Piano Smasher from Blue Man Group, the bass from the KWA hits you in the chest - which it should. At the same time I need an amp that combines the slam of Mike Tyson with the grace of a ballerina, many amps can accomplish these seperately but few can do it at the same time - the KWA 150 is an amp that can combine these tasks simultaneously. Going to the other end of the audio spectrum I associate the ability to extract as much detail from the recording as possible, with a quality system. Yet again the KWA significantly outperforms my KW500, but does so without sounding harsh or bright.
I now need to put a few more hours on the KWA and also allow my ears/brain to become acclimatized to the change in sonic signature before making any further comments.
One thing I need to add is the build quality, the pictures Marco posted are impossible to match but the amp looks even better in the flesh and the build quality is exceptional. My UPS guy was able to carry it under his arm when he delivered it, in comparison I struggled with handling 85lbs the way he did
Back to the music.
Phil
