So, I received my "upgraded" KDSM/1 converted from the KDS/1 a few days ago. Some time back, I offered to post my sonic observations since I expected to have the KK/1 and my RDS/1 to compare. Well someone was interested in both units, and I took the opportunity to sell them before I could compare. Now, I can only provide thoughts based on comparative recollection... that's my caveat, take it for what it's worth. I will also add this. I listened to recordings I know inside and out both digital and analog; AND the KDSM/1 has only had two days of burn in, so it's sound signature will change over time.
The KDSM/1 sounds very different to my ears compared to the KDS/1 and KK/1 combo I've used for the past year. I'm using a KCT/d, 212s, a 221 and a Klimax LP12. To my recollection, the combinations have very different sonic signatures.
With respect to the DS portion:
1) bass is more defined, punchy and ultra tight, easy to follow
2) recordings have something new - height. I have to say, I've never experienced defined height to recording, depth and width yes. The sound stage is not as wide as before, but instruments are located very precisely
3) the general sound is more precise, detailed and maybe the timing is better (a couple of recordings sounded extraordinarily quick), BUT the overall sound is more analytical. Notes start and stop more precisely but the musicality... the music doesn't flow as easily as I recall on the KDS/1 KK/1 combination. Maybe, it's just a bit more harsh. Yes, I'm toe tapping, but fatigue may set in depending on the recording.
To summarize the KDSM's DS section compared to the KK/1 KDS/1, the separates may be slightly less detailed, but easier to listen to for long periods. I'm not regretting the change since I'm committed to going the Exakt route. I do have to say the level of precision I'm now getting is pretty neat... I've never been able to pinpoint height before.
As for the LP 12 run through the analog section, the jury is still out. This will get serious attention over the weekend. I listened to one LP and thought it sounded fine, but fine isn't what I'm looking for!
I'll post something over the next few days alternating recordings and quality since I have a large analog and digital music collection. Last night was mainly electronica and rock.... Kraftwerk reissues, Royksopp, Air, Robert Plant, and XTC. I'll crack out the musical varieties over weekend.
The KDSM/1 sounds very different to my ears compared to the KDS/1 and KK/1 combo I've used for the past year. I'm using a KCT/d, 212s, a 221 and a Klimax LP12. To my recollection, the combinations have very different sonic signatures.
With respect to the DS portion:
1) bass is more defined, punchy and ultra tight, easy to follow
2) recordings have something new - height. I have to say, I've never experienced defined height to recording, depth and width yes. The sound stage is not as wide as before, but instruments are located very precisely
3) the general sound is more precise, detailed and maybe the timing is better (a couple of recordings sounded extraordinarily quick), BUT the overall sound is more analytical. Notes start and stop more precisely but the musicality... the music doesn't flow as easily as I recall on the KDS/1 KK/1 combination. Maybe, it's just a bit more harsh. Yes, I'm toe tapping, but fatigue may set in depending on the recording.
To summarize the KDSM's DS section compared to the KK/1 KDS/1, the separates may be slightly less detailed, but easier to listen to for long periods. I'm not regretting the change since I'm committed to going the Exakt route. I do have to say the level of precision I'm now getting is pretty neat... I've never been able to pinpoint height before.
As for the LP 12 run through the analog section, the jury is still out. This will get serious attention over the weekend. I listened to one LP and thought it sounded fine, but fine isn't what I'm looking for!
I'll post something over the next few days alternating recordings and quality since I have a large analog and digital music collection. Last night was mainly electronica and rock.... Kraftwerk reissues, Royksopp, Air, Robert Plant, and XTC. I'll crack out the musical varieties over weekend.
