It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve finally been able to hear the difference between a KDS/2 driving a power amp directly, using the inbuilt digital volume control (DVC), and a KDS/2 combined with a Klimax Kontrol/2 pre-amplifier.
The demo was kindly arranged by Neil at Hidden Systems (Midlands) in Kidderminster. He’s got a fab new shop, with loads of free parking and coffee by the bucket load. I thought the dem room had a great sound, which made listening to the differences really easy. This, combined with Neil's relaxed approach made for a very enjoyable morning.
The KDS/2 was running the latest release of Davaar (34) and when listening to the KDS/2 + KK/2 combo, the DVC was switched to fixed output.
I’m familiar with the sound of a KDS/2 with, and without, an Akurate Kontrol/1, and for me, the KDS/2’s DVC easily outperforms the AK/1. It’s not a difficult comparison at all: the DVC is much more tuneful and the sound is improved too. I'm not aware of anything to be gained by putting the AK/1 into the circuit. But, as has been said before, the AK ain't no KK.
To be honest, I was really surprised by the magnitude of the difference between the KDS/2 with and without the Klimax Kontrol. For me, the DVC very easily out performed the KK/2. With the KK, everything sounded out of tune - even voices, which also struggled with range. The differentiation between the pitch of notes appeared to be severely limited and instruments were presented as individual sounds, having no relationship with the other instruments.
Removing the KK improved the musicality no end. Reggae had that all so necessary characteristic infectious rhythm instead of sounding like a Caribbean cacophony. I could recognise the tune when Barb Jungar sang Man in a Long Black Coat, and it changed from something quite embarrassing (she was murdering a great song) to something really quite interesting. Timing was greatly improved and I thought that removing the KK allowed instruments to sound much more realistic too. A piano sounded as though it was being played in front of me, rather than listening to a recording of a piano in another room.
Only on one track, did I hear why I think some forum members have said they prefer to use a pre-amp with the KDS. It was a Clash track which sounded a bit harsh using the DVC and the KK smoothed things off a bit, making it slightly more listenable. However, this wasn't enough to convince me that a KDS/2 needs a pre-amp for the majority of listening. If the KDS makes the Clash sound a bit raw, then so be it - we're talking about the Clash for goodness sake, not Andre Rieu!
In the interests of fairness, I have to say that Neil didn't agree with me. His preference was for the KK in the system. We talked about what we were both hearing and agreed to disagree. If anything, I think this just highlights the need to "just listen" for ourselves and not let the forum consensus choose our systems for us.
Thanks again to Neil for putting on the dem and for being such an affable host.
The demo was kindly arranged by Neil at Hidden Systems (Midlands) in Kidderminster. He’s got a fab new shop, with loads of free parking and coffee by the bucket load. I thought the dem room had a great sound, which made listening to the differences really easy. This, combined with Neil's relaxed approach made for a very enjoyable morning.
The KDS/2 was running the latest release of Davaar (34) and when listening to the KDS/2 + KK/2 combo, the DVC was switched to fixed output.
I’m familiar with the sound of a KDS/2 with, and without, an Akurate Kontrol/1, and for me, the KDS/2’s DVC easily outperforms the AK/1. It’s not a difficult comparison at all: the DVC is much more tuneful and the sound is improved too. I'm not aware of anything to be gained by putting the AK/1 into the circuit. But, as has been said before, the AK ain't no KK.
To be honest, I was really surprised by the magnitude of the difference between the KDS/2 with and without the Klimax Kontrol. For me, the DVC very easily out performed the KK/2. With the KK, everything sounded out of tune - even voices, which also struggled with range. The differentiation between the pitch of notes appeared to be severely limited and instruments were presented as individual sounds, having no relationship with the other instruments.
Removing the KK improved the musicality no end. Reggae had that all so necessary characteristic infectious rhythm instead of sounding like a Caribbean cacophony. I could recognise the tune when Barb Jungar sang Man in a Long Black Coat, and it changed from something quite embarrassing (she was murdering a great song) to something really quite interesting. Timing was greatly improved and I thought that removing the KK allowed instruments to sound much more realistic too. A piano sounded as though it was being played in front of me, rather than listening to a recording of a piano in another room.
Only on one track, did I hear why I think some forum members have said they prefer to use a pre-amp with the KDS. It was a Clash track which sounded a bit harsh using the DVC and the KK smoothed things off a bit, making it slightly more listenable. However, this wasn't enough to convince me that a KDS/2 needs a pre-amp for the majority of listening. If the KDS makes the Clash sound a bit raw, then so be it - we're talking about the Clash for goodness sake, not Andre Rieu!
In the interests of fairness, I have to say that Neil didn't agree with me. His preference was for the KK in the system. We talked about what we were both hearing and agreed to disagree. If anything, I think this just highlights the need to "just listen" for ourselves and not let the forum consensus choose our systems for us.
Thanks again to Neil for putting on the dem and for being such an affable host.
![[Image: laugh.jpg]](http://s20.postimg.org/8jmfa3p4t/laugh.jpg)
