Oct 6, 202114 min read

KINKI STUDIO EX-P27 and EX-B7 (Extreme Combo Set) - Comprehensive Review From Sound Rebels !

Kinki Studio's complete pre-power set offers energy that is so important to the mass and freedom of creating the world of music !

Unbox Photos of EX-P27

Unbox Photos of EX-B7

It is only US$2,898 for EX-P27 Preamplifier With HT Bypass

and US$ 3,498 for EX-B7 Mono Blocks.

Option 1

First of all, let's take monoblocks, the previous incarnation of which caused silent admiration both in their partial buyers and reviewers scattered all over the world, and the current one goes even further in its uncompromising nature. For example, the power section, previously consisting of a dozen 1500μF Vishay BC electrolytes and two (for a monoblock!) British AMPLIMO toroids with a total power of 600VA, was replaced by OEMs ordered from the sub-supplier according to the Kinki Studio specification and their branded capacitors with a capacity of 2200μF and individual, but already 750VA by luck. In addition, the control and protection sections have been redesigned and an input stage has been added to increase the compatibility of monos with commercially available preamplifiers. The output stage, in turn, was based on four English Exicon Mosfets. The dual mono preamplifier, whose fully discrete input and output stages work in class A, was treated with equal care, the volume control is handled by an advanced, microprocessor-controlled 95 step relay choke R2R, and in the power section there are three toroidal transformers, one for powering the display , volume, buffer and gain controls. The output stage, in turn, was based on four English Exicon Mosfets. The dual mono preamplifier, whose fully discrete input and output stages work in class A, was treated with equal care, the volume control is handled by an advanced, microprocessor-controlled 95 step relay choke R2R, and in the power section there are three toroidal transformers, one for powering the display , volume, buffer and gain controls. The output stage, in turn, was based on four English Exicon Mosfets. The dual mono preamplifier, whose fully discrete input and output stages work in class A, was treated with equal care, the volume control is handled by an advanced, microprocessor-controlled 95 step relay choke R2R, and in the power section there are three toroidal transformers, one for powering the display , volume, buffer and gain controls.

When starting critical listening sessions, apart from the obvious 300-hour warm-up of the equipment, it is worth taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations suggesting at least a 20-45-minute warm-up, during which the sound clearly cools down and acquires resolution. During these three quarters of an hour, the bowels of the set should stabilize both electrically and thermally - at 40 ° C. However, while such a temperature in the audience could mean a state close to fainting, for the Kinki trio it turned out to be the starting point for a journey through their own, original microcosm of round, dense and addictive sounds, more than walking in the swamps. At the outset, I did not mention the disappearance or transparency of Chinese amplification, because its presence in the track is perfectly audible, although the longer we interact with it, all the more it seems desirable from our point of view. For example on"Avalon"Roxy Music can perfectly hear the timeless elegance and sublimation of this almost forty-year-old realization, which was additionally "emotionally burned" with great taste, Bryan Ferry's vocal was brought closer and slightly enlarged, which significantly improved tangibility. So we have an example of an obvious departure from the idea of the proverbial "wire with amplification", but as long as we are looking for ... music in music and not individual sounds, we will agree to such a narrative very quickly. However, there are no attempts to simplify the message in favor of its apparent, postcard attractiveness, because the Chinese division with noticeable commitment makes sure that no second or third nuance is lost to us, however, instead of pushing them forward and artificially distracting attention from the essence and coherence of the performance, it perfectly integrates them into the whole. Therefore, we have a situation where the priority is given to this extremely coherent set of components, and not each of them separately. The above manner was also great for all sorts of so-called illustrative music, or popular soundtracks, not far away"Avengers: Age of Ultron" by Brian Tyler and Danny Elfman, where the great symphonic music is intertwined with a jagged, climate-building "companionship" and the orchestral tutti tears moments of disturbing silence. In a word, sudden jumps in dynamics, extensive arrangements, and in a Hollywood, slightly exaggerated version, killer for some systems. Meanwhile, the Kinks played their thing with a truly stoic calm, focusing on color and juiciness, while easily following the intricate paces. It is true that the lowest components were drawn with a noticeably thicker line than both my Bryston 4B³ on duty and, surprisingly, even the younger siblings of our heroes, i.e. EX-M1 +However, you have to do them justice and admit that in terms of saturation, this more contoured competition cannot be compared with the EX-P27 & EX-B7, i.e. a classic compromise - something for something.

However, when dealing with the classic 2 + 1, or rather 1 + 2, i.e. the preamplifier and monos, which I did not undertake not to separate and test only in a proprietary configuration, I would not be myself if I did not perform the obvious changes during the listening sessions. And as soon as I joined them, it turned out that it was getting even more interesting, because the EX-P27 is shocking with its resolution, dynamics and the ability to create a holographic space with a more solid embedding in the mass not only than the already mentioned EX-M1 + integrated, which is even more important to everyone. Bryston BR-20. Surprised? If so, what should I say? The EX-B7, on the other hand, turned out to be an oasis of stoic peace and a slightly dim, caramel sweetness. Half-heartedly, they could even be considered an ideal panacea wherever someone overdid the analytical approach, or the system is prone to nervousness. This does not mean, however, that we are dealing with classic silters, but only with amplification capable of slightly toning down and calming down the sound. The title endings represent a school of playing similar to, inter alia, to what we were enchanted by the native Circle Audio A200 integrated in our timeSo if some of you liked this hybrid, but you were not entirely convinced of it due to the vampered topology, then the fully solid-state Kinka monos should be on your listening list as soon as possible.

Interestingly, both manners not only complement each other perfectly, which are also checked during solo performances. Even on the unpredictable, inspired by the spontaneous reactions of the concert audience, "Do Your Dance!"Kenny Garrett, it was hard for me to decide which point of view best suited my tastes. The company set EX-P27 & EX-B7, although rounding it up a bit and adding to it, made it dependent on the first bars with musicality. The EX-P27 with Bryston went into phenomenal resolution and studio, almost obsessive fidelity to the original, and was a model of the reviewer's dream tool, for the Ayon CD-35 with the EX-B7 to soothe shattered nerves after a day of hard corporate plowing. In a word, three colors, four flavors and every listener who knows what he wants from the above elements in life should easily make a set that will fulfill his innermost dreams. And the proverbial litmus test can be successfully used to open the above-mentioned album over eight minutes "Philly"starting with a treacherously lyrical piano intro by Vernell Brown Jr., followed by the proper strictly jazzy ride with the leader's alto drilling into synapses, not too delicately treated piano and an extremely ecstatic rhythm section (double bass in the arms of Corcoran Holt + smitten by Ronald Bruner Jr. drums).

Well, it's high time for a little summary. We expected that the Kinki Studio EX-P27 & EX-B7 set would represent a higher class of sound than the great EX-M1 + integrated and… at least I was not disappointed. The tangibility, refinement and coherence of the presentation improved, which at the same time found a better embedding in the mass and acquired very nice "body" ears. Can it be better? No problem, but not only different, what is better and much better, I feel something in my bones that you will have to multiply the amounts calculated for EX-P27 & EX-B7 at least twice or more. However, if, in addition to hearing, you also follow the purchasing decisions with the remnants of common sense, you should look for less, or more targeted amplification, I suggest starting with the title exotic trio. The property may not cost, but the pleasure of using it, ranging from purely visual to sonic qualities, I estimate as remarkably above average.

Equipment Used For This Evaluation :

- CD / DAC: Ayon CD-35 (Preamp + Signature) + Finite Elemente Cerabase compact

- File player: Lumin U1 Mini + IO Data Soundgenic HDL-RA4TB

- Digital source selector: Audio Authority 1177

- Turntable: Kuzma Stabi S + Kuzma Stogi + Dynavector DV-10X5

- Phono preamplifier: Tellurium Q Iridium MM / MC Phono Pre Amp

- Power amplifier: Bryston 4B³ + Graphite Audio IC-35 Isolation Cones

- Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Contour 30 + Acoustic Revive SPU-8 pads + Base Audio quartz platforms

- IC RCA: Tellurium Q Silver Diamond

- IC XLR: Organic Audio; Vermöuth Audio Reference; Acrolink 7N-A2070 Leggend

- Digital IC: Fadel art DigiLitz; Harmonic Technology Cyberlink Copper; Apogee Wyde Eye; Monster Cable Interlink LightSpeed 200

- USB Cables: Wireworld Starlight; Goldenote Firenze Silver; Fidata HFU2; Vermöuth Audio Reference USB

- Speaker Cables: Signal Projects Hydra; Vermöuth Audio Reference Loudspeaker Cable

- Power cables: Furutech FP-3TS762 / FI-28R / FI-E38R; Organic Audio Power + Furutech CF-080 Damping Ring; Acoustic Zen Gargantua II; Furutech Nanoflux Power NCF

- Power strip: Furutech e-TP60ER + Furutech FP-3TS762 / Fi-50 NCF (R) / FI-50M NCF (R)

- Wall power socket: Furutech FT-SWS (R)

- Anti-vibration platform: Franc Audio Accessories Wood Block Slim Platform

- Switch: Silent Angel Bonn N8 + Silent Angel S28 feet + Silent Angel Forester F1 power supply + Luna Cables Gris DC

- Ethernet cables: Neyton CAT7 +; Audiomica Anort Consequence; Artoc Ultra Reference; Arago Excellence; Furutech LAN-8 NCF

- Rack: Rogoz Audio 4SM

- Acoustic panels: Vicoustic Flat Panel VM

Option 2

Unlike most manufacturers, the line preamplifier and power terminals do not use unified housings. The bowels of the ruler were dressed in a typical size for this type of construction, i.e. a medium-sized rectangular, placed flat, rather wider than deep box, and the stoves half as deep, with a depth similar to the preamplifier, rather narrow, oblong ankles. What is very important, both devices look quite ascetic for the products from your inside. However, in this case, compared to a large group of other Chinese manufacturers, it is ascetically a positive term, because it means a very desirable peace of this type of toys, and not a Christmas tree sparkling with a million lights and manipulators. The obverse of the preamplifier is a mainstay only for two large knobs recessed in the center on its outer edges and a centrally located, very readable display. When it comes to the reverse, this one, meeting the needs of practically every audiomaniac, offers four RCA / XLR line inputs, one RCA / XLR output, a signal loop in the same standards and a life-giving IEC power socket. Naturally, the whole thing is complemented by a neat, and therefore fun, remote control. Writing a few sentences about monoblocks, I hurry to report that the front panel is equipped only with a rectangular, black acrylic window with a switch and a diode informing about the status of the device, oriented at the bottom, and the rear panel, due to the simple task of only amplifying the received signal, with line inputs RCA / XLR, single column terminals and power socket. When it comes to their power performance, according to the manufacturer's data, we have 250 W at 8 Ω at our disposal, which allows a potential buyer to choose the target speakers quite calmly without looking too much for designs with increased efficiency.

In a way, obligated by readers' entries on internet portals, I preceded the test of the entire set by checking how the amplification and preamplifier sections look like in solo performances. Against the background of the integrated amplifier recently tested in our publication, the monoblocks driven by my converter appeared to be a mainstay of good saturation and weight, but with a noticeable note of too stoic calm. But don't panic, there was no drama, just bearing in mind what this company can present, it immediately came to my mind as if I was unsatisfied with the freedom of presentation in the upper registers. They simply did not sparkle with an unlimited amount of details, but in the service of consistency with the rest of the sub-ranges, they were slightly subdued. Fortunately, after a few songs, such perception lost its clarity, therefore I would not raise a loud cry for this, but rather point out that sometimes it can be a kind of rescue for overly insistent configurations. But let's leave any advice that is too premature, as the linear preamplifier came to the rescue of this presentation. As if by magic, the music suddenly came alive. Not only that, she got the proverbial kick. It was much more compact, energetic and, most importantly, with the breath that removed the sinus congestion, which translated into the freedom and momentum of the presentation. And I assure you, we are not discussing a change at the level of guesswork, but an almost electrifying sonic effect, which the whole test set in the very interesting light described in the next paragraph. that sometimes it can be some kind of rescue for overly intrusive configurations. But let's leave any advice that is too premature, as the linear preamplifier came to the rescue of this presentation. As if by magic, the music suddenly came alive. Not only that, she got the proverbial kick. It was much more compact, energetic and, most importantly, with the breath that removed the sinus congestion, which translated into the freedom and momentum of the presentation. And I assure you, we are not discussing a change at the level of guesswork, but an almost electrifying sonic effect, which the whole test set in the very interesting light described in the next paragraph. that sometimes it can be some kind of rescue for overly intrusive configurations. But let's leave any advice that is too premature, as the linear preamplifier came to the rescue of this presentation. As if by magic, the music suddenly came alive. Not only that, she got the proverbial kick. It was much more compact, energetic and, most importantly, with the breath that removed the sinus congestion, which translated into the freedom and momentum of the presentation. And I assure you, we are not discussing a change at the level of guesswork, but an almost electrifying sonic effect, which the whole test set in the very interesting light described in the next paragraph. As if by magic, the music suddenly came alive. Not only that, she got the proverbial kick. It was much more compact, energetic and, most importantly, with the breath that removed the sinus congestion, which translated into the freedom and momentum of the presentation. And I assure you, we are not discussing a change at the level of guesswork, but an almost electrifying sonic effect, which the whole test set in the very interesting light described in the next paragraph. As if by magic, the music suddenly came alive. Not only that, she got the proverbial kick. It was much more compact, energetic and, most importantly, with the breath that removed the sinus congestion, which translated into the freedom and momentum of the presentation. And I assure you, we are not discussing a change at the level of guesswork, but an almost electrifying sonic effect, which the whole test set in the very interesting light described in the next paragraph.

When we came to the clou of the test, in fact, I must say that I wrote the most important things a moment ago. However, I am asking for peace, because wanting to introduce you to the world of Kinki Studio a bit more precisely, I will be happy to delete a few clarifying its possibilities, quite brief sentences. First of all, the set needed a dozen or so minutes of warm-up. Of course, he played from the proverbial shot, but at the beginning the message was slightly angular. Only after some time it turned out that the initial severity is only a starting condition, not a problem as such. It is about infusing the music with an appropriate package of saturation and vividness, which, together with the good motorics of the set, created a very energetic, nicely balanced in terms of timbre and, of course, freely presenting the highest registers of music. And this is not the end of important information,Dynaudio Consequence Ultimate Edition , which clearly showed that the title Chinese was able to show a lot.

For the first test course, I recently served myself the loudly commented cover with a naked child in the pool - from the initiation of the already grown-up individual, the album "Nevermind" by Nirvana. It was a hard drive to meet the requirements of the musicians. The attack, energy, weight of the sound, and good handling of the clarity of the upper registers meant that I listened to it with a pleasure that is not very common at this level, because the systems often either exaggerate the aggression of music or, in the name of a fight for nice playing, they slow it down a lot. In this case, the Kinki set showed the whole in a very balanced, and therefore interesting, way, because I listened to most of this album.

Another attempt was Jordi Savall with the compilation "El Cant De La Sibil-La: Mallorca / València, 1400-1560". A well-seated multi-person choir on the monastery floor, together with the clearly dominant voice of the late Monserrat Figueras, in addition to confirming the ability to choose the right tone of an emotionally singing female voice, additionally confirmed that our reviewed pre-power set was able to take care of the momentum of their propagation in a large church cubature. I was able to easily catch not only the different distances of individual formations from each other, but also enjoyed the omnipresent, appropriately faded echo, skillfully used by J. Savall. By the way, this is not a piece of cake. Interestingly. Despite avoiding the excessive saturation of the presentation by the Chinese trio, I have not noticed any shortcomings in the domain of plasticity and essence, not only in vocal, but also not very rich,

Finally, a jazz meeting with Tomasz Stanka "Lontano" . It was also a surprisingly interesting test deal. When the material required it, the stage was cut by a single sound, filling with fear, silence, and when the full line-up was strong, the system generated a real cacophony. Yes, far from free jazz, but by describing the material I heard in this way, I wanted to show that there was a touch of performance in it. After obtaining one, I would like to point out that an unexpectedly positive sonic result, with my favorite material in the lead role, I don't think I need to make anyone aware that the plate flew to the very end.

I hope that I made myself clear with the above text. My point is the fact that Kinki Studio's complete pre-power set offers energy that is so important to the mass and freedom of creating the world of music. Without redrawing in either side, only with adequate depiction of special characters. Who, in my opinion, may be a potential beneficiary of such a statement of the case? With a small "but" - a case of closure for any deviation from your pattern, theoretically each of you. Who do I mean in relation to these conservatives? Relax. The only ones who have to think carefully are lovers of magic and saturation above all else, which the full set is not forced to force. And if they want to force a marriage with a product from this stable, then they should try the monoblocks themselves. As I mentioned at the beginning they are dense and as soon as you skillfully select the rest of the track, anything can happen. The rest of the music-loving rehearsal population with the full Kinki Studio EX-P27 & EX-B7 kit being reviewed today has the green light.

Equipment Used For This Evaluation :

- source: CEC TL 0 3.0 transport

- dCS Vivaldi DAC 2.0 digital / analog converter

- Mutec REF 10 SE-120 reference clock

- Mutec MC-3 reclocker + USB

- Shunyata Research Omega Clock

- Shunyata Sigma V2 NR

- line preamplifier: Robert Koda Takumi K-15

- power amplifier : Gryphon Audio Mephisto Stereo

- streamer Melco N1A / 2EX

- switch Silent Angel Bon n N8

Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Consequence Ultimate Edition

Loudspeaker cables: Tellurium Q Silver Diamond

IC RCA: Hijiri Million "Kiwami "", Vermouth Audio Reference

XLR: Tellurium Q Silver Diamond, Hijiri Million "Kiwami"

Digital IC: Hijiri HDG-X Million

Power cables: Hijiri Takumi Maestro, Furutech NanoFlux NCF, Furutech DPS-4.1 + FI-E50 NCF (R) / FI-50 (R), Hijiri Nagomi, Vermouth Audio Reference Power Cord, Acrolink 8N-PC8100 Performante

Table: SOLID BASE VI

Accessories:

- anti-vibration: Harmonix TU 505EX MK II, Stillpoints ULTRA SS, Stillpoints ULTRA MINI

- SOLID TECH anti-vibration platform

- power supply: Harmonix AC Enacom Improved for 100-240V

- power strip: POWER BASE HIGH END

- Artnovion acoustic panels

Analog track:

- turntable:

drive: SME 30/2 tonearm

: SME V

- cartridge: MIYAJIMA MADAKE

- Step-up Thrax Trajan

- phono preamplifier: RCM Theriaa

Technical data of

Kinki Studio EX-P27 - Frequency response: 0-50kHz (0.1dB), 0-150kHz (1dB), 0-300kHz (3dB) - Distortion THD + N: 0.002% (-80dB) - S / N ratio: > 98dB; > 100dB (average-weighted) - Channel separation:> 106dB - Input sensitivity: 2.25Vrms - 3.6Vrms - Input impedance: 50kΩ - Input connectors: RCA x 4, XLR x 4, HT Bypass x 1 - Output voltage: 2, 25 Vrms - 3.6 Vrms - Maximum output voltage: 16 Vrms - Output impedance: 75 kΩ - Output connectors: RCA x 1, XLR x 1 - Power consumption: 80 W max. - Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 120 x 330 mm - Weight: 15 kg

Kinki Studio EX-B7 - Frequency response: 0-2.5MHz (± 3dB) - Distortion THD + N: <0.05% (-80dB) - S / N ratio:> 110db (0.01Hz- 1MHz),> 130db (A-weighted) - Damping factor: 2,500 - Output power: 250W RMS / 8 Ω, 380W RMS / 4 Ω - Maximum instantaneous power: 400w RMS (8 Ω) - Maximum output voltage: 84VAC, 20A - Rise time voltage: 200 V / µs (rise time <300ns) - Power consumption: 30 W (idle), 800 W (max.) - Input sensitivity: 1.45Vrms - Input impedance: 51kΩ (acceptable range 10k-52kΩ) - Input connectors: RCA x 1, XLR x 1 - Dimensions (W x H x D): 230 x 190 x 330 mm - Weight: 17 kg / pc.