SET Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Note Kits Kit 2 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by guitardave

Model:	Kit 2
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1299
Description:	12 wpc 6550 SE stereo integrate amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Note Kits
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Note Kits

Review by guitardave ( A ) on December 27, 2005 at 21:00:55
IP Address: 66.227.183.91

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for the Kit 2

Having owned two Kit Ones previously, and a pair of Welborne Laurels, I have been curious about this amp for a while. With my previous 300B based amps, I usually became frustrated by either being very confined in my speaker choices, or frustrated by inadequate drive ability for my normal speakers (Harbeths and Thiels). I do keep a pair of Lowthers around for such purposes, but I still enjoy the other speakers also.
The Kit 2 is on the same chassis as the Kit One, using apparently the same choke and transformers. The difference is the tube choices, with 12AX7's and 6550's in addition to the 6SN7 and the rectifier. My hope was that the Kit 2 would offer me the tremendous intimacy, and directness of the Kit One but with added punch to drive more speakers.
I replaced the stock 6550's with a pair of NOS Sylvanias, for a notable improvement. Also, a Sylvania 6SN7W was the preamp tube. One of the supplied 12AX7's ignited on power up, but I assumed it was the tube, not the workmanship, and put in a pair of EH's which I had, which worked fine.
So, is it a 300B amp on steroids? Yes and no, but mostly yes. It has a very direct, immediate quality that only fine SET amps have, but it has bass out the wazoo, and drives a lot more speaker choices. It does seem to have more than the 12 watts advertised. If it were a PP amp, I would guess about 30 watts. For some reason, SE watts just seem to have more punch. But when it clips, it clips harder than the Kit One, very noticeable, not subtle. And you will clip it, because it is fun to be able to turn up an amp with the SE attributes of openness, transparency, and immediacy.
Back to the bass. It is tight and detailed; the string bass will still be clearly located in the soundstage. It will just have real punch and be able to growl as needed.
The background is totally black. It is a very quiet design. No hum in my system, just a very quiet background, even on Lowthers, for music to emerge.
If memory serves me right, there is a bit more air with the Kit One. BUT this may well be just the newer design having a blacker background than my older Kit One. You can certainly hear the recording venue in the either amp.
Instruments shine through the mix with all the body and fullness that SE amps are famous for. Soundstage, imaging, and depth are all excellent.
It really is pretty much a Kit One with extra punch. For $1299 it is an awesome deal.

Product Weakness: Even 12 watts won't drive all speakers, of course. Clipping is not subtle.
Product Strengths: Inexpensive SET amp which sounds great, has plenty of power, and can be built by the owner to save some cash.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ARC VT-100 Mk2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audioprism Mantissa
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	LP 12, Lyra, Vendetta
Speakers:	Harbeth Compact 7's, Thiel 2.3, Lowther DX-3's
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost SPM, Quattro fil
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	various
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 15 x 18
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Stealth
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	Even 12 watts won't drive all speakers, of course. Clipping is not subtle.
Product Strengths:	Inexpensive SET amp which sounds great, has plenty of power, and can be built by the owner to save some cash.