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Model: Kandy ka-1 mkiii Category: Integrated Amplifier (SS) Suggested Retail Price: $1000 Description: 115 Watt/Ch. no frills integrated amplifier Manufacturer URL: Roksan Manufacturer URL: Roksan
Review by Drlutes (A) on December 22, 2002 at 10:46:14
IP Address: 198.81.26.232Add Your Review
for the Kandy ka-1 mkiiiSeveral months ago I started looking to upgrade my system. My main interest was to eliminate many of the sonic artifacts I associate with electronic processing through many different internal components--straight wire with gain phgilosophy. At the same time, price is an important issue. Prior tp purchase I auditioned other components (Rotel, Sony, Denon, Arcam, Musical Fidelity, Yamaha) in several configurations (stereo rec., A/V rec., integrated and separate pre/power stereo units). My absolute price was $1,500 but I'm always happy to spend less if all else is equal.None of the products I auditioned quite did it, although the MF A3.2 was extremely fine as well being as on the threshold of my budget. I did not have the Roksan on my initial short list after repeated attempts to locate a unit for audition failed. Instead, after finding a demo unit at a good discount ($700) I did what I've never done before and bought a component sight unseen (or hearing unheard) thinking it would be easy to dump if not satisfied. What a deal!
Except for the MF A3.2, this integrated has more to offer of what I was looking for than any of the other products. It has more than enough power reserves to placate the somewhat demanding Dynaudio A70's. Frequency response across the musical spectrum seems open, broad and balanced; resolution of subtle details and timing are extraordinary--at all volumes I can achieve without pain in my dedicated 20x14x8 listening room. I do not plan to part with the Roksan any time soon. Even my wife, usually quite immune to audio equipment lust, remarked on the very big improvement over the previous Sony 8ES.
At this price I would be hard pressed to think that there is a much better buy out there. I admit to liking a relatively neutral if not clinical presentation in my listening. My taste for classical and acoustic music may also color my perception of what's "right", but I think I have done alright in assembling a good system at about $4,000--I can point to a number of friends that have done far worse for more money. If your limits and lusts are at all similar to mine, the Kandy MKIII is very much worth your consideration--very fine performance at a very good price.
Product Weakness: You get no control with this thing, not even a balance adjustment. I see this as a strength, others may not. Product Strengths: Overall sonic presentation--doesn't add/subtract to the musical content, no patina of processing around flutes or other high pitched instruments. Major power reserves for tricky/complex signals.
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: Roksan Kandy MIII Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony 7ES Speakers: Dynaudio A70's, Paradigm pw2200 Cables/Interconnects: Monster mk iv Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, acoustic blues, older rock Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 14 x 8 Time Period/Length of Audition: >100 hours Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Roksan Kandy ka-1 mkiii Integrated Amplifier (SS) - Drlutes 10:46:14 12/22/02 (0)
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