| DK Design Group VS-1 Mk II integrated amplifier by Constantine Soo June 3, 2005 |
Type: Solid State amp/Vacuum Tube preamp
Configuration: Dual Mono (partial)
Rate Power (RMS): 150W+150W (8Ω), 320W+320W (4Ω)
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 1 watt): < 0.05%
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 150 watts): < 0.1%
Damping Factor: > 200
Signal-to-noise Ratio: 94dB @ full power
Maximum Output Voltage: 32 Volts
Maximum Current – Peak: 18 amperes
Maximum Current – Continuous: 10 amperes
IMD: unmeasurable
Recommended Loading Impedance: 4-8Ω
Frequency Response: 20Hz -20kHz ±0.1dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz -32kHz ±1dB
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 95kHz -2db/-3dB
Channel Separation: -66dB (1KHz)
Input Impedance: 47kΩ
Input Sensitivity: 300mV - 3.3V RMS (analog), ≥4mV (phono)
Overload Signal Level : ≥2 V
Input Terminals: XLR x 1, RCA x 3, phono x 1
Power Supply Transformer: 0.7kVA
Power Supply Capacitance: 50,000µF
Class of operation – Preamplifier: Pure Class A
Class of operation – Amplifier: Pure Class A
Input Device Types – Preamplifier: 6922
Power Consumption @ idle: 85 Watts
AC Power Requirements: 120V / 60Hz 240V / 50Hz
Dimensions: 430(W) X 235(H) X 480(D) mm
Net Weight: 77 lb
Available Faceplate Finish: Silver
Standard Remote Control: All-Aluminum Simple Function
Warranty: 5 Years
MSRP: $2,995
Configuration: Dual Mono (partial)
Rate Power (RMS): 150W+150W (8Ω), 320W+320W (4Ω)
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 1 watt): < 0.05%
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 150 watts): < 0.1%
Damping Factor: > 200
Signal-to-noise Ratio: 94dB @ full power
Maximum Output Voltage: 32 Volts
Maximum Current – Peak: 18 amperes
Maximum Current – Continuous: 10 amperes
IMD: unmeasurable
Recommended Loading Impedance: 4-8Ω
Frequency Response: 20Hz -20kHz ±0.1dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz -32kHz ±1dB
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 95kHz -2db/-3dB
Channel Separation: -66dB (1KHz)
Input Impedance: 47kΩ
Input Sensitivity: 300mV - 3.3V RMS (analog), ≥4mV (phono)
Overload Signal Level : ≥2 V
Input Terminals: XLR x 1, RCA x 3, phono x 1
Power Supply Transformer: 0.7kVA
Power Supply Capacitance: 50,000µF
Class of operation – Preamplifier: Pure Class A
Class of operation – Amplifier: Pure Class A
Input Device Types – Preamplifier: 6922
Power Consumption @ idle: 85 Watts
AC Power Requirements: 120V / 60Hz 240V / 50Hz
Dimensions: 430(W) X 235(H) X 480(D) mm
Net Weight: 77 lb
Available Faceplate Finish: Silver
Standard Remote Control: All-Aluminum Simple Function
Warranty: 5 Years
MSRP: $2,995
| Manufacturer: DK Design Group, Inc. 1983 Markus Av, Suite 206 Lake Success, NY 11042 tel. 1-646-485-0754 fax. 1-646-219-2572 website: www.dkdesigngroup.com |
| Associated Equipment: Digital Front End 47 Laboratory 4704 PiTracer CD transport Accustic Arts Drive I Accustic Arts DAC I Mk 3 Audio Note DAC One 1.1x Signature Audio Note DAC 5 Special Amplification 47 Laboratory 4706 dual mono Gaincard S with DACT24 & Cardas posts Audion Silver Night PSE 300B monoblocks DK Design VS-1 Mk II Integrated Decware SE84C GamuT Audio D3 preamplifier GamuT Audio D200 Mk III Harmonix Reimyo PAT-777 300B stereo amplifier Linn Klimax Twin Loth X JI300 integrated amplifier Monarchy Audio SM-70Pro monoblocks Reference Line Preeminence Two passive preamplifier Reference Line Preeminence One Signature power amplifier Speakers 47 Laboraotory 4722 Lens minimonitors 47 Laboratory Essence Apogee Duetta Signature Audio Note AN-E SEC Signature Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver Celestion SL700 Ensemble Figura Genesis VI Loth-X BS1 Tannoy Churchill Wideband Tannoy Dimension TD10 Tannoy ST-200 SuperTweeter Cabling Audio Note Sogon digital cable (1m, RCA) Audio Note Sogon interconnect (2m pair, RCA) Audio Note AN-Vx interconnect (1.5m, RCA) Audio Note AN-V silver interconnect (RCA 1m, 2 pairs) Audio Note Sogon LX speaker cable (5 feet, spade/banana, bi-wired) Audio Note AN-SPx speaker cable (2m, bananas, bi-wired) Audio Note AN-La copper speaker cable (8 feet, bi-wired) Boelen Digital-Precise digital cable (1.5m, RCA) Canare L-5CFB 75-ohm digital cable (RCA, 1.5m) Canare D206 110 ohm digital cable (AES/EBU, 1.5m) Cardas Quadlink 5C (8 feet) Ensemble Magaflux Granite Audio #470 silver cables (RCA 1m, 2 pairs) Granite Audio #560 AC Mains (2) Harmonix HS101-SLC speaker cable (1.5m, spade/banana, bi-wired) Harmonix X-DC Studio Master Wattagate 330+350 power cable (2) (1.5m) Illuminations D-60 75 Ohm digital cable (1.5m, RCA) Loth X Van den Hul MCD-352 (8 feet) Accessories Salamander Synergy 20 (2), Twin 30 and Amp Stand ASC Tube Traps and Flat Traps |
| REVIEWS OF OTHER EQUIPMENT MENTIONED: |
| 47 Laboratory 4704 PiTracer CD transport 47 Laboratory 4706 Gaincard S integrated amplifier Audio Note AN-E SEC Silver loudspeaker Linn Klimax Twin stereo power amplifier Tannoy TD10 loudspeaker |
SYSTEM INTERACTION
This auditioning of the VS-1 Mk II was conducted without engaging
its phono stage.
My long term digital reference of the 47 Laboratory PiTracer CD
transport and the Audio Note DAC 5 Special provided front-end
support, while most speakers in my household rotated around the
DK Design Group VS-1 Mk II. Boelen Digital’s Digital-Precise single-
end digital cable connected the DAC 5 Special to the PiTracer,
while Audio Note’s Sogon interconnects sent signals from the DAC
to the integrated amplifier.
Audio Note’s $8k, bi-wired 80-strand 5-foot Sogon LX silver speaker
cable and the $30k AN-E SEC Silver speaker laid bare VS-1 Mk II’s
spectral disposition, imposing upon an otherwise sound and fierce
bottom-end with an indulging, reckless top-end. Consequently,
Dame Kathleen Battle’s vocalization of Strauss’ "Voice Of Spring"
(Deutsche Grammophon Karajan Gold DG 419 616-2 New Year's
Concert from Vienna) was presented with diluted sensuality in
thinly proportions and distressing intonations, albeit the solid
brasses and strings foundations from Vienna Philharmonic.
The incoherency as presented by the VS-1 Mk II/Sogon LX
combination persisted in varying degrees along the rotation of
Genesis’ discontinued, $9K VI, Tannoy’s $8k TD10, Apogee’s $4k
This auditioning of the VS-1 Mk II was conducted without engaging
its phono stage.
My long term digital reference of the 47 Laboratory PiTracer CD
transport and the Audio Note DAC 5 Special provided front-end
support, while most speakers in my household rotated around the
DK Design Group VS-1 Mk II. Boelen Digital’s Digital-Precise single-
end digital cable connected the DAC 5 Special to the PiTracer,
while Audio Note’s Sogon interconnects sent signals from the DAC
to the integrated amplifier.
Audio Note’s $8k, bi-wired 80-strand 5-foot Sogon LX silver speaker
cable and the $30k AN-E SEC Silver speaker laid bare VS-1 Mk II’s
spectral disposition, imposing upon an otherwise sound and fierce
bottom-end with an indulging, reckless top-end. Consequently,
Dame Kathleen Battle’s vocalization of Strauss’ "Voice Of Spring"
(Deutsche Grammophon Karajan Gold DG 419 616-2 New Year's
Concert from Vienna) was presented with diluted sensuality in
thinly proportions and distressing intonations, albeit the solid
brasses and strings foundations from Vienna Philharmonic.
The incoherency as presented by the VS-1 Mk II/Sogon LX
combination persisted in varying degrees along the rotation of
Genesis’ discontinued, $9K VI, Tannoy’s $8k TD10, Apogee’s $4k
Duetta Signature and Celestion’s $3.4k SL700 minimonitors, thus
decidedly disqualifying the partnership of an otherwise most
resolving speaker cable and the subject of this review.
AN’s own $3k, bi-wired 27-strand 2-meter AN-SPx silver speaker
cable was able to foster a considerably more cordial relationship
between the DK Design Group amplifier and the aforementioned
speakers, as the objectionable sonics mentioned above persisted
to a much lesser degree this time.
At the end, copper seemed to be the most optimal solution in the
form of an eight-foot pair of AN’s $120/meter, bi-wired AN-La large
crystal copper speaker cable, which handled the VS-1 Mk II’s
disposition considerably well in the particular union of the VS-1 Mk
II and the AN-E SEC Silver loudspeaker, as Dame Battle’s iteration
became less aberrant in texturing and tonality, and the top-end
was rid of the obtrusive excessiveness. Hence, the AN-La was
used as the primary speaker cable for this review.
The application of copper speaker cables will be further highlighted
in a pending DAGOGO Review.
Combak Harmonix’s $1,179, 1.5-meter Harmonix X-DC Studio Master
Wattagate 330+350 power cable was also instrumental to the VS-1
Mk II’s performance, as it invoked from the integrated amplifier a
level of dynamic transients more expeditious than any other power
cables I’ve used, further enabling the amplifier’s rein over speakers.
Driven by the VS-1 Mk II, the 86dB/4Ω Apogee Duetta Signature
sounded open, with the ribbon speaker’s inherent soundstaging
and spectral forte augmented by the amplifier’s 320 Wpc/4Ω rated
output, installing instruments from JVC’s 24-bit Super Analog Blow
Up 2 XRCD (JVC JFIS-XR-002) in discrete dimensionality.
Conditioning my senses all these years in driving the Apogees are
my amplification references of the Audio Note M5 preamplifier/
Linn Klimax Twin power amplifier system, and the Reference Line
Preeminence Two passive preamplifier/Preeminence One Signature
power amplifier system. In that regard, costing less than one-sixth
of the $19k AN/Linn system, or less than half of that of the $8k
Reference Line system, the DK Design Group VS-1 Mk II did
manifest less refined instrument textures, facilitating a
soundscape with lesser degree of subtleness in tonal inscriptions.
In this context, Tannoy’s 10-inch Dual-Concentric™ TD10 surprised
by being able to take the DK Design’s strength and to commence a
competent exhibition in dynamics and soundstaging, at the same
time casting forth the speaker’s own signature in spectral
coherency, sans the ultra-discriminating stance of the Apogee in
level of dynamic transients more expeditious than any other power
cables I’ve used, further enabling the amplifier’s rein over speakers.
Driven by the VS-1 Mk II, the 86dB/4Ω Apogee Duetta Signature
sounded open, with the ribbon speaker’s inherent soundstaging
and spectral forte augmented by the amplifier’s 320 Wpc/4Ω rated
output, installing instruments from JVC’s 24-bit Super Analog Blow
Up 2 XRCD (JVC JFIS-XR-002) in discrete dimensionality.
Conditioning my senses all these years in driving the Apogees are
my amplification references of the Audio Note M5 preamplifier/
Linn Klimax Twin power amplifier system, and the Reference Line
Preeminence Two passive preamplifier/Preeminence One Signature
power amplifier system. In that regard, costing less than one-sixth
of the $19k AN/Linn system, or less than half of that of the $8k
Reference Line system, the DK Design Group VS-1 Mk II did
manifest less refined instrument textures, facilitating a
soundscape with lesser degree of subtleness in tonal inscriptions.
In this context, Tannoy’s 10-inch Dual-Concentric™ TD10 surprised
by being able to take the DK Design’s strength and to commence a
competent exhibition in dynamics and soundstaging, at the same
time casting forth the speaker’s own signature in spectral
coherency, sans the ultra-discriminating stance of the Apogee in
FINAL THOUGHTS
Of the incalculably diverse iterations in inexpensive integrated
amplification, DK Design’s VS-1 Mk II is the most fundamentally
virtuous. Has anyone ever risen to the challenge to market a
sub-$3,000 integrated amplifier this powerful? Did any
manufacturer offer an amplification package so consummate in
practicality? One more time: who has ever created a sub-$3k
integrated amplifier of the VS-1 Mk II’s caliber?
DAGOGO’s readers may find the VS-1 Mk II vastly more conducive
towards driving their own speakers, and yet other readers will
certainly demand more than the ability to drive the 86dB/4Ω
Apogee Duetta Signature and the 82dB/8Ω Celestion SL700; but
many of us will surely find it hard to scrutinize the integrated
amplifier beyond what it already accomplishes.
As for me, having experienced a few $10k+ amplification designs in
the past few years, I am more than twice as encouraged and
relieved for encountering a product such as the DK Design VS-1 Mk
II. For sheer power, a balanced design approach and engineering
thoughtfulness, I reckon that the VS-1 Mk II can not be faulted for
what it can’t do, just as it cannot be faulted for what a $10k
amplifier can do.
DK Design Group is to be commended for offering audiophiles a
powerful solid-state amplification with a tube input stage, and to
be congratulated for the success that is sure to come, for the high-
end community has never seen such accomplishment in a sub-$3k
package.
Of the incalculably diverse iterations in inexpensive integrated
amplification, DK Design’s VS-1 Mk II is the most fundamentally
virtuous. Has anyone ever risen to the challenge to market a
sub-$3,000 integrated amplifier this powerful? Did any
manufacturer offer an amplification package so consummate in
practicality? One more time: who has ever created a sub-$3k
integrated amplifier of the VS-1 Mk II’s caliber?
DAGOGO’s readers may find the VS-1 Mk II vastly more conducive
towards driving their own speakers, and yet other readers will
certainly demand more than the ability to drive the 86dB/4Ω
Apogee Duetta Signature and the 82dB/8Ω Celestion SL700; but
many of us will surely find it hard to scrutinize the integrated
amplifier beyond what it already accomplishes.
As for me, having experienced a few $10k+ amplification designs in
the past few years, I am more than twice as encouraged and
relieved for encountering a product such as the DK Design VS-1 Mk
II. For sheer power, a balanced design approach and engineering
thoughtfulness, I reckon that the VS-1 Mk II can not be faulted for
what it can’t do, just as it cannot be faulted for what a $10k
amplifier can do.
DK Design Group is to be commended for offering audiophiles a
powerful solid-state amplification with a tube input stage, and to
be congratulated for the success that is sure to come, for the high-
end community has never seen such accomplishment in a sub-$3k
package.
Furthermore, DK Design’s ingenuity of making this product look
simultaneously utilitarian and uncompromising invokes ownership
satisfaction. The fondness this integrated amplifier invoked from
the first time it presented itself has not quite subsided even to
this day.
The VS-1 Mk II represents a point near the end of the steadily
rising curve of the rate of return, beyond which the rate of return
becomes increasingly leveled. Improvements one will receive from
investing in an amplifier in the $3000+ range will be more
appreciable in one costing $1500. The fact is, once we reach
beyond the $6k range, some of us will be ushered into the world of
no return. If you don’t plan to go that far in the audio endeavor,
the DK Design Group VS-1 Mk II can be your savior.
On this day henceforth, for audiophiles wanting to avoid investing
substantially into an extra interconnect between preamplifier and
power amplifier, the DK Design VS-1 Mk II is an ideal package
delivering what none other can to this day. If you are planning to
invest into a tube preamplifier and a powerful solid-state power
amplifier system costing near $3,000, it is only sensible that you
should want to check the VK-1 Mk II out first.
Now, DK Design has every right to embark upon a full, frontal
assault on the amplification design arena and show us what their
$10k product can do; but I hope that the minds behind DK Design
would cherish the excitement its VS-1 Mk II has generated and
exercise discretion instead by making a 50% more expensive Mk III
that can blow separates near this price range out of the water.
simultaneously utilitarian and uncompromising invokes ownership
satisfaction. The fondness this integrated amplifier invoked from
the first time it presented itself has not quite subsided even to
this day.
The VS-1 Mk II represents a point near the end of the steadily
rising curve of the rate of return, beyond which the rate of return
becomes increasingly leveled. Improvements one will receive from
investing in an amplifier in the $3000+ range will be more
appreciable in one costing $1500. The fact is, once we reach
beyond the $6k range, some of us will be ushered into the world of
no return. If you don’t plan to go that far in the audio endeavor,
the DK Design Group VS-1 Mk II can be your savior.
On this day henceforth, for audiophiles wanting to avoid investing
substantially into an extra interconnect between preamplifier and
power amplifier, the DK Design VS-1 Mk II is an ideal package
delivering what none other can to this day. If you are planning to
invest into a tube preamplifier and a powerful solid-state power
amplifier system costing near $3,000, it is only sensible that you
should want to check the VK-1 Mk II out first.
Now, DK Design has every right to embark upon a full, frontal
assault on the amplification design arena and show us what their
$10k product can do; but I hope that the minds behind DK Design
would cherish the excitement its VS-1 Mk II has generated and
exercise discretion instead by making a 50% more expensive Mk III
that can blow separates near this price range out of the water.
INTRODUCTION
The DK Design Group confers several distinctions onto its first
integrated amplifier, the VS-1 Mk II. Its 4-Ohm output of 320 Wpc
attempts to assure its owner of its value in driving less efficient
speakers, and its sizeable dimensions will woe the hearts of the
mainstream, budget-minded audiophiles in U.S. most likely. Also,
the VS-1 Mk II is the first powerful integrated amplifier that does
not look like a 70’s receiver, and instead may appeal to America’s
preference for microwave-oven sized, powerful, class-A-biased
solid-state amplifiers.
The VS-1 Mk II incorporates conventional, proven designs and
technologies that help to minimize the production costs
undoubtedly, with the exception of the unit’s dual-mono circuitry
configuration, which purveys the potentials of an amplifier at a
higher production cost.
Given a 6922 tube preamplification stage to its own transistor
power amplification, the VS-1 Mk II is seemingly harvesting the
best of both worlds in having its powerful, solid-state output stage
accompanied by a tenderer, tube input stage. This cleverness in
design is being demonstrated further in the incorporations of a
phono preamplification stage, a preamplifier-output, and three line
inputs, guaranteeing an extremely broad user appeal.
Construction of the DK Design Group integrated amplifier is
adequate and satisfactorily so, given what it attempts to
accomplish at its MSRP. The relatively thin top chassis allows swift
access to the surface preamplification circuit board for tuberolling,
The DK Design Group confers several distinctions onto its first
integrated amplifier, the VS-1 Mk II. Its 4-Ohm output of 320 Wpc
attempts to assure its owner of its value in driving less efficient
speakers, and its sizeable dimensions will woe the hearts of the
mainstream, budget-minded audiophiles in U.S. most likely. Also,
the VS-1 Mk II is the first powerful integrated amplifier that does
not look like a 70’s receiver, and instead may appeal to America’s
preference for microwave-oven sized, powerful, class-A-biased
solid-state amplifiers.
The VS-1 Mk II incorporates conventional, proven designs and
technologies that help to minimize the production costs
undoubtedly, with the exception of the unit’s dual-mono circuitry
configuration, which purveys the potentials of an amplifier at a
higher production cost.
Given a 6922 tube preamplification stage to its own transistor
power amplification, the VS-1 Mk II is seemingly harvesting the
best of both worlds in having its powerful, solid-state output stage
accompanied by a tenderer, tube input stage. This cleverness in
design is being demonstrated further in the incorporations of a
phono preamplification stage, a preamplifier-output, and three line
inputs, guaranteeing an extremely broad user appeal.
Construction of the DK Design Group integrated amplifier is
adequate and satisfactorily so, given what it attempts to
accomplish at its MSRP. The relatively thin top chassis allows swift
access to the surface preamplification circuit board for tuberolling,
a practice many audiophiles favors for the potential sonic rewards
it offers. Side heat sinks and front panels on the VS-1 Mk II are
sturdy provisions that I have seen only in one other sub-$3k
design, the $2700 Krell KST-100 power amplifier from 1992.
Once the rear panel power switch is at the “on” position, the
integrated amplifier proceeds to remain at the standby mode.
Operational power-on is accessed either via a button on the front
panel, or the button on the remote. Mimicking functions on the
front panel, the remote provides the convenience of input
selection and volume control.
Once powered-on, the front panel LCD VU display becomes fully
lit, with the meter blinking at the rested state for around 20
seconds until the tube preamplification becomes operational.
Interestingly, the LCD meter corresponds to input levels only,
indicating that the functionality of the VU display is connected
only to the tube preamplification stage, rather than to the solid-
state power output stage. This design rationale works for
audiophiles who needs to ascertain output levels of various source
equipment; although it would have had much broader appeal were
the meter to gauge output level instead.
As DK Design Group claims “massive power reserves, high damping
factor, wide bandwidth, unprecedented musicality” as the focal
objectives in creating the VS-1 Mk II, the integrated amplifier
represents a seemingly irresistible value of a powerhouse that no
manufacturer has offered to audiophiles before.
the VS-1 Mk II’s less stellar textural definition.
To this day, the $8k TD10 is the only speaker harnessing a superb
performance envelope that is also invaluably flexible in
accommodating amplifiers of varying calibers, from the M5/Klimax
Twin power amplifier to the $3k DK Design.
The best overall match in speakers for the VS-1 Mk II was obtained
when it drove the comparably-priced, $3.5k Celestion SL700, in
which the 82dB/8Ω minimonitors’ winning traits of breathtaking
dimensionality, consummate spectral coherency and powerful
dynamics were conjured up by the integrated amplifier. Most
unfortunate was the fact that the SL700 has long since been
discontinued, for less scrutinized was the VS-1 Mk II’s textural
reconstruction in this partnership, an area the SL700 did not
manifest as prominently as Apogee and Audio Note did, and instead
displayed the partnership with wholesome spectral replay and
satisfactory dynamics.
Although both the Celestion and Tannoy’s coincidental utilization
of aluminum dome tweeters could well be the determining factor in
coercing good sound from the DK Design, it is also noteworthy that
while Celestion’s tweeter begins rolling off at around 18kHz, the
TD10’s Dual-Concentric™ tweeter cuts off at around 14kHz, regions
safely removed from the outmost top-end.
To this day, the $8k TD10 is the only speaker harnessing a superb
performance envelope that is also invaluably flexible in
accommodating amplifiers of varying calibers, from the M5/Klimax
Twin power amplifier to the $3k DK Design.
The best overall match in speakers for the VS-1 Mk II was obtained
when it drove the comparably-priced, $3.5k Celestion SL700, in
which the 82dB/8Ω minimonitors’ winning traits of breathtaking
dimensionality, consummate spectral coherency and powerful
dynamics were conjured up by the integrated amplifier. Most
unfortunate was the fact that the SL700 has long since been
discontinued, for less scrutinized was the VS-1 Mk II’s textural
reconstruction in this partnership, an area the SL700 did not
manifest as prominently as Apogee and Audio Note did, and instead
displayed the partnership with wholesome spectral replay and
satisfactory dynamics.
Although both the Celestion and Tannoy’s coincidental utilization
of aluminum dome tweeters could well be the determining factor in
coercing good sound from the DK Design, it is also noteworthy that
while Celestion’s tweeter begins rolling off at around 18kHz, the
TD10’s Dual-Concentric™ tweeter cuts off at around 14kHz, regions
safely removed from the outmost top-end.
