Good review as always. Direct sales and produced in China, they can offer a great product for a price no one can match. That's a win win for audiophiles. Large transformer with low capacitor output is odd choice. I'd like to hear something from the brand some day.
I very much value your honesty and experience, and appreciate that you are focussing on elements that can effect equipment pairing highly. And, I want all three! I know, too much to ask.
Honestly, I’ve been at this for over 25 years and you are by far the best reviewer. This might not just be my opinion. I’m pretty sure most people that come across your reviews feel the same. You’re thorough, honest, insightful and at no point come across as an elitist. Keep up the great work. I appreciate your time and effort. Thank you.
I have to agree. Tarun & Hans are the two, IMO, who best deliver real-world reviews that make fine, we'll-expressed distinctions, among the equipment they review.
Agreed! Audiophile reviewers can get a bad wrap, sometimes because of their condescending or elitist nature, wild theories, biased opinions and polarised views. But you'll not find that here. Just good, honest advice and thoughtful, intelligent views. Thanks 👍
Hi Tarun. I bought one of these units to use while I wait for some new components to arrive. Funny enough I’m using it with my PMC mb2se speakers. It actually does well with them. I’d say it’s well worth the money for what it is. It just plays music.
Hi Tarun, another refreshingly honest review. For me, it’s also tonality as a primary preference. I listen to spoken words as much as music so a natural voicing is my main objective.
Wow! Bringing me awesome gear that I've never heard of. That's why I value your channel. If you wore a tuxedo and said Bond, Tarun Bond, I would totally buy it.
The reason I subscribe to your YT channel is reviews like this. You clearly state what you like and dislike about products. And btw, this is a great looking amp. Years ago, I heard and fell in love with British B&W speakers. Then partnered with valve amplification I found the sound I was seeking. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a great thing about this hobby is that one can build a system that presents their music the way they like to hear it.
Honesty - an admirable trait, alas all too often a becoming more and more absent among some others - is very much appreciated by those of us following you Tarun. Thank you!! 👍😁👍
I received mine about a week ago. Paired with a Denafrips Enyo and KLH Model 3’s. It does take a few days to break in, after that it seemed to really open up.
Thank you very much Tarun for the review. Had I waited one week I would have probably not jumped into the choco sound emei as I did. I’ll be pairing it with monitor audio gold 100. Hope they’re not so fussy as you found out some speakers to be. Keep up the great and impartial work your doing. Cheers
Kinki studio is one of the best bargains in audio. I own a Kinki ex-m7 and comparing it to this amp, the ex-m7 is at another level, but it also costs more.😂
I have an EX M7 too, with a passive pre-amp. I am very happy with it, and indeed seems to be at another level (based on the review here, as I haven't listened to a CHoko), M7 doesn't seem to have tone or clarity concessions.
Alpha Audio is currently doing some interesting measurements on their channel. A week ago they measured the effect of grid noise on this CHoko Emei. Quite surprising results - perhaps worth checking this out, and it could indeed even relate to your review Tarun, especially the lack of filter capacitors!
Here in Brighton the mains can be dreadful making my two systems sound hard, mushy and plain fatiguing. On good days/times it's fine and sings along nicely. Just for the record.
Thanks Tarun , I actually don't chase after a certain sound charter I chase after them all s😊 but if I had to choose 1 it would be liquedy Netural or Something like me Master restored and Resto modded Sansui Au 717' by Prime Hifi (utuber) Thay amp is so powerful clean n smooth and yet detailed ' and I wouldn't call it antlitikle sounding either ' and the bass is very good in 1978 the au717 had the widest freq response of any amp avaliable from 0 hz to 200khz amazing amp but butt pickey with speaker pairing !!!
I know that this is not the subject here, but i want to share with you my discovers: Here are my top ten hifi listenings: ALBUMS: 1. PATRICIA BARBER: Café blue or Clique! (32 bits or 4xDSD, a standard on hifi shows); 2. SHELBY LYNNE: Just a little lovin' (so in love...); 3. DIANA KRALL: Turn up the quiet (her voice so well recorded, microphone near her mouth...); 4. NILS LOFGREN: Acoustic live (the guitars so well recorded, another standard on hifi shows); 5. KEITH GREENINGER: Close to the soul (a pure DSD record); SONGS: 6. FINK: Perfect darkness (the subtlety of the percussion, the soft acoustic guitar, the relaxed voice... a delight!); 7. BRIAN BROMBERG: Elephants on ice skates (the bass and drum... just wow!); 8. GHOST RIDER: Make us stronger (a spectacular song for everyones who want to know the power of bass/electronic); 9. YELLO: Till tomorrow (bass and trumpet... at their best!); 10. THE FAIRFIELD FOUR: These bones (just for the fun to listen the lower bass voice you will ever listen to! 100% sure). Have fun!
Thanks once again for another great review. Any plans to review Hegel h390 in the near future? And it would be great to see you review the new Sonus faber Duetto.
👌I got quite excited when I saw you were reviewing the CHoco Emei. I've certainly heard some positive "rave" reviews regarding this amp but now that I've heard your take Tarun - I am much clearer as to what the sound quality of this amp is all about. Yes, the looks (to me) are stunning and I could see myself enjoying this amp with certain speakers and specific genres of music BUT overall I think I would be much happier with the Musical Fidelity A1 you reviewed a while back. I do hope that the heat "thing" does not become an issue (for the A1's longevity - not my room as I I live in Canada). Anyways, yes, the CHoco is a looker but I am not impressed with the inner construction at all. Excellent review as usual.
Thank you. The CHoco Sound Emei is a good option for the right type of listener and partnering speakers. The A1 is a very special sounding amp, though 🙂
thank you very much for asking what my preference is. I could hardly wait for it anymore; I find that many of us audiophiles listen in a way that is not mine. Am I no longer an audiophile? no idea. I currently own a Denafrips Pontus2 with new FW. A Hestia Pre and, most importantly for me, a Hermes DDC. The mono blocks were made by Guido Tent and have not come onto the market, but I am happy with them. (Guido Tent is known from Grimm Audio). Because I attach great importance to quality components, my Audio Physic Speakers have new crossovers with Jantzen and Mundorf parts. I don't really listen to depth, dispersion, etc. For me it has to sound super realistic. I want to hear a cello. And not a Cello by Speakers. I want to hear reality when I'm standing in the kitchen, and not just when I'm sitting motionless right between the speakers at the right distance. I have 2 REL subs for left and right channels, to create a musical foundation. When I have visitors and we are having dinner, there is sometimes silence because the visitors are distracted by the live-like sound. That's what I want to hear.
The new Arcam amps seems to be quite good, or the Danish Gato 150 AE. Can you get your hands on those, or the Sugden 50A? Thanks anyway for this objective review!
Maybe I missed it but is there a way to adjust the display brightness? It looked pretty dull in the video which I’m assuming is from the lighting you have to use to record this
Thanks Tarun, A usual I keep my socks on until I hear your opinion. Our systems and tastes are quite aligned. Vocals and tonal naturally are my benchmarks. Get that right and I'm happy, By the way, What's with the Capitalized H in CHocco Sound. Are we going phonetic?
Cant wait until you lend your ears to one of the new integrated from Arcam, Tarun,, 😅 They have dropped the Qasimodo look for something, in my humble opinion, more friendly to the eyes. 🤪 I hope they have not lost the Arcam sound signature,, 😱. Cheers and have an excellent weekend, friend,, 🍻😎👍👍
Hi Tarun, another insightful review. In my efforts to improve vintage gear I tend to focus on lowering the noise floor. That means higher quality components, switching noise suppression and, yes, larger smoothing caps. The result is generally a reduction in treble distortion, which manifests as sibilance, and a corresponding increase in fine detail resolution. No surprise that my priorities are detail, tone and then dynamics. I’ve refurbished amps that were monsters in the bass, in terms of output and control, and they just didn’t stay long in my system.
Appreciate this review. Interesting in all respects. Troubling to find from this upper mid range to be as you reviewed. I always was curious about the two capacitors per side but could never get a response from CHoco. 4400 microfarads per side is terribly low. I rarely find anyone pairing this amp with floor standers. Thank you. Bruce Anderson.
I value, tone, clarity and sound stage, scale and dynamics! I want them all! But id probably agree that id put them in that order as well. I may, on occassion lean to clarity and soundstage at the top spot. I combine those two because i feel like separation and clarity is what equals soundstage
at 5:55 I would have thought the 2 standing up T0-220 devices are linear LDO regulators - the circuitry on the left would be to set the output voltage of the regulator - the black device in the middle of the 4 caps on the right would be a full wave rectifier device (4 diodes to AC / DC convert) with decoupling caps - I would have thought that power supply is something like +/- 15v for the opamps. Another reason I don't like all the SMT is it's harder to service - THT boards are much easier to service and re-cap or mod, but THT is not in line with seemingly everyone's desire to make everything smaller! I'm sure it's a nice sounding amp but it's not for me, I like big hot class A or A/B amps which I can take to pieces and mess with. As always an enjoyable review - thank you!
Thank you Matt. Good points, well articulated. I believe from the website it is directly coupled between stages with no coupling caps in the signal path. I would like to find out a little more about the design choices from the manufacturer 🙂
Was looking forward to this review since I saw the unit in the background, thank You! Can you give us a hint how it may compare to the Marantz Model 40N you reviewed not too long ago? I believe revealing detail was also not the strength of the Marantz. I consider the EMEI but after your review I am puzzled about detail reproduction and clarity..... Cheers
The 40N has a very different sound, warm but not the last work in resolving details. The Emei has better macro details, i.e. detail in obvious areas but the lack of refinement in the midrange can be a a little harsh at times 😊
Another great review Tarun! I enjoy good imaging, sound staging, and tone the most I guess. I like to pick out the instruments on the stage. I also love to hear the pluck and bite of a bass guitar, the throaty sizzle of a saxophone, and smooth throaty vocals. Overly analytical definitely not my cup of tea! Dynamics is great if you can manage that also. I want it all of course! 😊
Lifted direct from their site...................... "The exaggerated output power of 138 watts per channel (8ohms) in stereo is unbelievable!" lol Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Tarun, I’m confused - these relatively new companies keep churning out product after product that gets quite highly acclaimed, whereas Sugden and Croft and others spent decades learning and earning their acclaim. Peter Comeau spends loads of time before each speaker launch and Paul McGowan’s Aspen took so long that I thought poor Paul may be hallucinating. So what’s going on? Are the European and American companies just incompetent/inefficient? But everything thing I own (Dali, Exposure, RME) tells me otherwise. And if the newbies are so quick, shouldn’t they be cheaper, cos where’s the time spent in R&D? Your thoughts, please.
That is a can of worms, Jeremy. Some companies will only bring out a new model when there is a significant development. Others are happy to churn out a new model every time there is a component or software change. I bet you can guess which approach focuses on short-term financial gain and which is conducive to establishing long-term brand value and customer loyalty 😉
I get the kind of sound I want from my current setup (big, spatious, holographic, detailed, accurate tonality, yada yada yada). Two questions are: "do I want significantlty more of that?" (yes), and "could I afford it?" (maybe). Which brings up a third question, "would the outcome be worth the extra outlay?". Depends, I suppose; maybe not if I'd have to spend twice as much as I already have, but if only a fraction of that, it'd be a much more attractive option. Two things I've done recently for around £250 have been worthwhile -- getting a USB purifier and (as you recommendes a while back), an AC purifier, both from ifi. Frankly, I'd be loth to change any major item lest I diminish what I've got. Certainly not my pre/power combo for the Emei integrated bearing in mind your caveat about speaker matching in particular.
Hi Tarun, Since you have experienced Yamaha A-S1200, how you find the difference between Choco and Yamaha amp? Your advice is much appreciated. Thanks.
Just discovered your channel, I like your presentation, style and delivery, detailed analysis without boring the pants off me 👍extremely informative and no bs, thank you. I have been out of the Hi-Fi loop for nearly twenty years now, mainly because I became obsessed with upgrading my equipement, which my wife named as suffering from 'Upgradeitis' which turned out to be an expensive disease! So stepped back and went into rehabilitation lol. But having said that I am now showing signs of a return to this Hi-Fi world, and thinking it's time to upgrade from my present set-up which is now 20 years old, an Arcam DiVA A85 pre-power set-up, with by-wiring, speaker cables from the power amp fed directly into the bass section (by-passing the crossover) with twin bass speakers, had a custom designed crossover which I made myself to feed the signal directly from the preamp (using Jenson caps) to the tweeter and mid-range speakers only, Good sound, but can be a little shrill on certain CDs while others sounds amazing, seems the sound depends on the quality of the recording, it seems to amplify poor recordings which is annoying especially if it's one of my favourite artists ! Overall, I like a slightly warm sound over clarity any day of the week, preferably both, but hate high end treble that's hard on my ears ! I would like to upgrade to a similar set-up (Prepower & Power amps) so that I can still use my by-wired floor standing speakers (which I upgraded myself with higher quality Mid-range and Tweeter units) I started by buying a pair of standard 'Canton Ergo 100' floor standing speakers, So, would be interested to see what set-ups you might recommend from what is available today, (short list) while at the same time improving the bass and warmth of the speakers I have, don't want to change them as they are a masterpiece of design, beautifully veneered cabinet, loads of presence and look far more expensive than their actual cost (£1000 in 2004) plus I've put so much effort into them with upgrading of the components !
I been leaning towards getting one of those but I got a little worried when you mentioned the midrange issues. Everyone else talked it up quite a bit. It seems like you have a technical background so I trust your judgement
Good review Tarun . I echo the comments of so many others that your channel is excellent . For me, the end goal is to play music and forget the system is there . An impossible dream perhaps !
There is always a trade off some where, bit I have a feeling it is bit too much in this one, at least for audiophile purposes. I think one just needs different systems for different use cases.
Hello Tarun again! I searched the Denafrips website to find out which phase was recommended. Also, nothing about the LED above the phase button. 1. When do we have a negative (-) phase or a positive (+) phase? 2. Which phase is recommended? 3. Which phase sounds better? 4. Should my amp be on during the 200 hours burning period? 5. Do I have to play different pieces of music or can I play the same one over and over again? Thank you for answering me. Already, Pontus 2, 12th anniv. ed. offers much greater musicality than the Ares 2, but after the burning period, you say that the sound will be even better. I'm hurry to listen to then...
Seems to have a number of flaws, like the Kinki Studio EX-M1 I owned (transformer hum, crazy high gain, inaccurate volume control). I feel the company should spend a bit more time on quality control before they send their products to market.
high turin i always love your comments on gear .ive upgraded my t 2 rotel 850 b amplifiers with rotel 1590 preamplifier which i took from canada a few years ago with the AKM CHIPSET but thinking of a new amplifier would this amplifier fit the bill many thanks .😊
Wonder what effect it would have if they fixed the issues you identified. The capacitors and the cheap thin wire on the power connectors. Would that get some of the fine detail back i wonder?
What is the gain of this amplifier? At what volume level , it’s reaching 80 db ? ..did you feed high volts signal via xlrs inputs ? I observed high gain amps sounds full with the bass and we miss everything else .i had issues with kink studio as its reaching very loud at just under 10 points ..i had issues same issue you mentioned like female voices, electronic guitars etc finally I gave up on kinki
Early on I took the chance and bought a pair of powerful Kinki Mono Blocs. They were sold in a month (at great financial distress 🥹)…YES…too lean. I bought a MacIntosh, perhaps to over compensate… but I've been smiling ever since. 😀 Thanks for your usual internal tour…and in this case, not a lot to be impressed with. Thanks for your "qualified" discussion of the sound and pairing speakers…much appreciated. I do love my Pontus II DAC! 😀👍🏼
I acquired this EMEI amplifier in August 2023 to replace my prior $7,000 amplifier. The instrument separation and micro-details are astounding, coupled with my Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 speakers and Audioquest Robin Hood BiWire COMBO speaker cables - I believe cables make a difference. I'm picking up nuances in the upper midrange that I never noticed when using my Swedish amp. You're correct about the importance of the right speaker pairing. If this amplifier were produced in the US, it could easily command a price of over $4,000. I also find your videos to be highly engaging and informative!
Hello again Mr British Audiophile, hope youre doing great. Im looking to buy my firts DAC. Im worried if a R2R DAC ( musical,warm) is going to be too much of the same sonic characteristic, combined with this CHoco or maybe is better match a Digital amp from the likes of topping D90? Please advise, i don't want to buy blind 😊. Im very comfortable with "musical and warm" but i want to balance my CHoco Sound with a good match DAC. My speakers are mostly neutral. Thanks again.
Hello Mr British Audiophile, can you please guide me if this amplifier is an upgrade over my Audiolab 6000a? The Audiolab is my first two channel amplifier and i know next to nothing in audio. (At one time i got some money and i started buying gear based on reviews 😅) This amplifier got my attention not only by the opinions but for the "warm" tone, as i don't like like Klipsch speakers because i got tired of music very fast with them. The other thing is that this CHoco is at my maximum budget. Thanks, and thanks for always being so clear to explain things as im not that good at speaking English. 😊 Edit: Only to share with you, i manage to get a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 300. Sound nice to me but still learning about what are my preferences.
Hello Tarun, I like your presentation/ reviews. On this one (CHoco Sound Emei), it's not as glowing as the other two reviews I've watched (maybe those reviewers get a commission from units sold?!?, or they have different likes/ preferences than yours?!?). One thing is for sure, this hobby is "very" subjective, and "for me" I have my likes/ needs which are certainly different than others, as others are different than mine.
I really like that zero-tolerance approach 🙂. The tolerace as such of course is present, but I don't like when every piece of gear is branded "the-next-big-thing, giant-killing steal-of-the-century". British Audiophile approach is much more useful
Metallic sheen...reminds me of the Cambridge 840c CD player I made the big mistake of buying. What I want most from my system is a lack of obvious colouration; I don't think that 80s mantra will ever leave me.
My main criterion for judging a system and setup is (1) frequency response; can it go low? How do the highs sound? Tinny, or sparklely? A close second is sound stage: is it wide? Is it deep? Is it ‘tall’ in that must my head be at a certain level to hear the sound stage, or can I stand up?, etc. Finally, the quality of the sound is important, but as your review points up, the quality, or nature, of the sound can be frequency dependent, and may be due to speaker design and placement as much as preamp or amplifier design or implementation. For instance, I prefer the quality of the bass from an acoustic suspension design over a ported one. As clear as the ported design might be over the sometimes muffled (or muddy) tones of an acoustic suspension, the inevitable ‘booming’ at the resonant frequency drives me nuts and keeps me from cranking it up when I very much want to do so. I also find I don’t like the sound of aluminum domed tweeters: they all sound tinny to me. I prefer to listen to acoustic instruments, and prefer female vocalists; I want to hear the double bass descend to the lowest note. I grew up listening to electric guitars over tube-powered recording and reproduction; their tone is very different when reproduced with solid state amplification. As you can tell, I’m still exploring this aspect of my preferences and I have built five different systems (including two home theater type with television) with seven sets of speakers installed (plus one ‘project pair) thus far in an effort to accommodate them. I really need to stop accumulating gear and settle down and really listen to some quality tracks in order to hone my listening skills. One more preamp (with tubes) and a quality phono stage ought to do it, but then there is that new DAC I simply must have, and a CDROM player/transport that seems irresistible. Oh stop, stop, I must put the brakes on. Love your review listened once, watched once.
Hi Tarun… Thank You for yet another interesting review. Please review Kinki studio EX M1+ if possible. Very much interested to hear your views on the said Amp. Thinking of buying it for quiet some time now and not bold enough to take the step. There’s a slight suspicion that it might sound a bit thin and lean if I pair it with my Topping D90 SE Dac. Give me one name that emits details very high dynamics and tonally rich sound. Thanks a lot for all your efforts and contributions to Hifi World ❤❤❤
How well would these drive the ATC SCM40s you recently reviewed, especially at high volumes? Would they typically match neutral speakers such as the ATCs?
Hi Tarun, I've enjoyed watching your channel for years, and I know why. You can either read my mind, or we are very much alike. I've owned the original Hugo, Hugo2, and the Original Pontus for the last few years. I have monoblocks too. Not quite the same ProAcs, but I have had many, many small British monitors over the years before moving to a larger pair. I can't wait to see what you’ll pick .🤣🤣🤣
What do people want from a rig? It’s not the rig… it’s the music that’s played through. It’s the wide spectrum of possibilities that can be delivered to your ears. So many reviewers with so many accounts of personal listening sessions. The consumer…”ME” watches these accounts of so many components. After untold research of reviews? I come back to the place. The reviewer. You rank very highly among them.
Good question, what am I after sonically? Truth is I'm not really sure 😅 . Kit that can help me get lost in the music, any unpleasant elements to the presentation can break the spell, a bit like bad acting in a movie. I guess like so many, I'm chasing that champagne experience with beer money!
Another good review. Heard quite a bit about Kinki amps, although aesthetically not my bag. This CHoco lacks connectivity, and that's a big no no for me. I favour a sound that's flat across all frequencies. Many brands claim that but few actually deliver. If achieved this means no one frequency overpowers another. Leema achieves much of that, which means speaker partnering is easier than some other brands.
Hi Tarun. Thanks for another excellent review. I like a dynamic sound & excellent bass in my system. I currently have a Quad 34 / 405-2 combo and Rel subwoofer with KEF Q5 speakers, fed by Linn LP12 and Marantz cd 67 my 2 cd player. It’s a beautiful system but I get irritated by sibilants on some vocals and I can’t identify where the issue lies so I can’t resolve it! Drives me insane at time, but other recordings are sublime
First comment I have left and I enjoy your reviews. I love the comparisons…. Would love a review of the new Arcam A25. I know they make good/great products and I love the look of the new line.
First, your channel is great. As an engineer that is losing his hearing with age, I still love the technical and tonal reviews. I too thought that kinki and Denefris were the same company. The videos of kinki workshop looks a little bit like a garage based company. I love the concept of class d amps and I love the dynamic bass slam of big speakers. I bought the Zu audio DW6 with no crossover circuit in the signal path. I am using my Denon AVR which has DSP ie Jazz club output that is sometime fun although not very pure. There is also a pure direct mode for 2 channel listening. Also subwoofer integration is easy with an internal crossover control if desired. Or double bass. The technology and the sound out of the denon is way better than my old Cambridge audio integrated amplifier from the azur line. I was looking at the Kinki M7 amp but it is expensive when compared to the Audiiphonics with purifi modules in monoblock configuration. - you should look at the French product after all the war is long since over as far as I know.
If money is no object and as far as sound quality goes do you prefer this Choco than Hegel H190? Does the $1200 difference justify of what I'm getting from Hegel? Let me know. Im upgrading from a vintage amp (Adcom GFA-555 MK II) and old yamaha receiver. Thanks!
Thanks Tarun, great review (as always). And to answer your question. For me resolution, imaging and soundstage are the most important factors in my system. (Btw are you still planning to review the Exposure 3510 monoblocks?)
Hi Tarun. A rather controversial name , but hay if it creates interest . As a side note it’s amazing how small runs of cable can handle quite large loads . But I still understand your reservation in this regard . Kind regards as always 😀👍
This is over simplified but... Tonal balance: Is your attention drawn to the bass, midrange, high frequencies or balanced between them Clarity: how much information is pulled off the recording Scale and dynamics: The width and depth of the soundstage, and the difference between loud and quiet passages
I was trully thinking same thing about its design when \i saw this thing 1st time,...somewhat spaceship :) I belive many others. Thank you for the review. I have the same prioritisation, was thinking about this unit but I needed different point of view than just rave about its spead and clarity. And yes I have seen review where ex1 was breafly compared to supernait where was sad that supernait has beter texture in midrange....So actually I do have naim xs2 and I love its midrange, to me it sounds just right relistic, it is good but I am having a bit hard time with its upper bass emhasis because I do not find many tover speakers recomendation. I need somewhat able to keep its nice tone, with smitch emphasis on top can be, but at the same tame able to consume/reproduce nicely its base emphasis, because orchestra with various chellos plaing bottom, sometimes sounds bed ......well focal i did not try, and i do not like their components quality speaking about aria because, yes I know they have damn good staff but not for me ($). Do you have any sugestion to try?
Naim amplifiers have a specific sound. The bass emphasis you talk about it very much part of their character. I would look into speakers by Neat Acoustics 🙂
Great review, thanks! Was expecting a lot from this amp, maybe to much. Looks they payed a little to much attention on the outside then on the inside. 4400uF per side is almost bizarre, Alvin is also avoiding to specify these parts what did worry me. Also, why install good quality connectors when connecting them with thin cheap wire inside 😢 I´m starting to lose confidence in these brands and Vinshine audio. 2:31
My dealings with Alvin and Vinshine have been second to none. They are totally committed to supporting their customers. This amp does have some interesting design choices. It would be worth getting their feedback before deciding 🙂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 He seems a nice guy but when closely looking to his reviews/product presentations he´s consistently avoiding critical or specific questions or interpreting them conscious wrong (even worse 😅) I understand it´s part of the game because in the end he´s a dealer.
Good review as always. Direct sales and produced in China, they can offer a great product for a price no one can match. That's a win win for audiophiles. Large transformer with low capacitor output is odd choice. I'd like to hear something from the brand some day.
Yes, it is a nice review though I have no interest whatsoever in this piece.
Thank you 🙂
That combination can work within limits of course in a relatively smaller chassis...but is lower than I would have thought workable.
I never hearrd any mention of it affecting the sound???
I very much value your honesty and experience, and appreciate that you are focussing on elements that can effect equipment pairing highly. And, I want all three! I know, too much to ask.
Thank you. That is very much appreciated 🙂👍
Honestly, I’ve been at this for over 25 years and you are by far the best reviewer. This might not just be my opinion. I’m pretty sure most people that come across your reviews feel the same. You’re thorough, honest, insightful and at no point come across as an elitist. Keep up the great work. I appreciate your time and effort. Thank you.
Totally agree. Please keep going because I'm learning so much because of what you doing... thank you so much
I have to agree. Tarun & Hans are the two, IMO, who best deliver real-world reviews that make fine, we'll-expressed distinctions, among the equipment they review.
Thank you, my friends. It means a lot to get feedback like that 🙂👍
I agree with what u said..especially the balanced approach and tone...really lend extra credibilty..
Agreed! Audiophile reviewers can get a bad wrap, sometimes because of their condescending or elitist nature, wild theories, biased opinions and polarised views. But you'll not find that here. Just good, honest advice and thoughtful, intelligent views. Thanks 👍
Hi Tarun. I bought one of these units to use while I wait for some new components to arrive.
Funny enough I’m using it with my PMC mb2se speakers. It actually does well with them. I’d say it’s well worth the money for what it is. It just plays music.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 🙂
Hi Tarun, another refreshingly honest review. For me, it’s also tonality as a primary preference. I listen to spoken words as much as music so a natural voicing is my main objective.
Thank you kindly 🙂 👍
Wow! Bringing me awesome gear that I've never heard of. That's why I value your channel. If you wore a tuxedo and said Bond, Tarun Bond, I would totally buy it.
I'm very flattered. Thank you 🙂 👍
The reason I subscribe to your YT channel is reviews like this. You clearly state what you like and dislike about products. And btw, this is a great looking amp.
Years ago, I heard and fell in love with British B&W speakers. Then partnered with valve amplification I found the sound I was seeking. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a great thing about this hobby is that one can build a system that presents their music the way they like to hear it.
Thank you. Wise words, my friend 🙂👍
For my taste; it’s an ugly device. The case seems very sturdy and that is a good thing.
Understood 🙂
Honesty - an admirable trait, alas all too often a becoming more and more absent among some others - is very much appreciated by those of us following you Tarun. Thank you!! 👍😁👍
Thank you kindly 🙂 👍
I received mine about a week ago. Paired with a Denafrips Enyo and KLH Model 3’s.
It does take a few days to break in, after that it seemed to really open up.
Cool 😎
Thank you very much Tarun for the review. Had I waited one week I would have probably not jumped into the choco sound emei as I did. I’ll be pairing it with monitor audio gold 100. Hope they’re not so fussy as you found out some speakers to be. Keep up the great and impartial work your doing. Cheers
Thank you, Paul. The amp has a particular sound, you may find bit fits your preferences perfectly 🙂
Kinki studio is one of the best bargains in audio.
I own a Kinki ex-m7 and comparing it to this amp, the ex-m7 is at another level, but it also costs more.😂
Thank you sharing 🙂
I have an EX M7 too, with a passive pre-amp. I am very happy with it, and indeed seems to be at another level (based on the review here, as I haven't listened to a CHoko), M7 doesn't seem to have tone or clarity concessions.
Alpha Audio is currently doing some interesting measurements on their channel. A week ago they measured the effect of grid noise on this CHoko Emei. Quite surprising results - perhaps worth checking this out, and it could indeed even relate to your review Tarun, especially the lack of filter capacitors!
Thank you for the heads up 👍
Here in Brighton the mains can be dreadful making my two systems sound hard, mushy and plain fatiguing.
On good days/times it's fine and sings along nicely.
Just for the record.
Would be cool to have a video about generic things that can cause power grid 'pollution' followed by one about power cleanup gear 😊
Alpha audio does very good reviews imo. Much better then ASR.
@@peterlynn3190 Audiolab DC Block
Beautifully done, sir. I have not heard the amp, but you certainly painted the picture.
@@glennwassermann6972 thank you kindly 😊👍
Thanks Tarun , I actually don't chase after a certain sound charter I chase after them all s😊 but if I had to choose 1 it would be liquedy Netural or Something like me Master restored and Resto modded Sansui Au 717' by Prime Hifi (utuber) Thay amp is so powerful clean n smooth and yet detailed ' and I wouldn't call it antlitikle sounding either ' and the bass is very good in 1978 the au717 had the widest freq response of any amp avaliable from 0 hz to 200khz amazing amp but butt pickey with speaker pairing !!!
Thank you for sharing 🙂
I know that this is not the subject here, but i want to share with you my discovers:
Here are my top ten hifi listenings:
ALBUMS:
1. PATRICIA BARBER: Café blue or Clique! (32 bits or 4xDSD, a standard on hifi shows);
2. SHELBY LYNNE: Just a little lovin' (so in love...);
3. DIANA KRALL: Turn up the quiet (her voice so well recorded, microphone near her mouth...);
4. NILS LOFGREN: Acoustic live (the guitars so well recorded, another standard on hifi shows);
5. KEITH GREENINGER: Close to the soul (a pure DSD record);
SONGS:
6. FINK: Perfect darkness (the subtlety of the percussion, the soft acoustic guitar, the relaxed voice... a delight!);
7. BRIAN BROMBERG: Elephants on ice skates (the bass and drum... just wow!);
8. GHOST RIDER: Make us stronger (a spectacular song for everyones who want to know the power of bass/electronic);
9. YELLO: Till tomorrow (bass and trumpet... at their best!);
10. THE FAIRFIELD FOUR: These bones (just for the fun to listen the lower bass voice you will ever listen to! 100% sure).
Have fun!
Thank you. Some great suggestions and audiophile classics 😊
Thanks once again for another great review. Any plans to review Hegel h390 in the near future? And it would be great to see you review the new Sonus faber Duetto.
Thank you. I am sure I will get to them at some point 🙂
👌I got quite excited when I saw you were reviewing the CHoco Emei. I've certainly
heard some positive "rave" reviews regarding this amp but now that I've heard
your take Tarun - I am much clearer as to what the sound quality of this amp is
all about. Yes, the looks (to me) are stunning and I could see myself enjoying this amp
with certain speakers and specific genres of music BUT overall I think I would be
much happier with the Musical Fidelity A1 you reviewed a while back. I do hope that
the heat "thing" does not become an issue (for the A1's longevity - not my room as I
I live in Canada). Anyways, yes, the CHoco is a looker but I am not impressed with
the inner construction at all. Excellent review as usual.
Thank you. The CHoco Sound Emei is a good option for the right type of listener and partnering speakers. The A1 is a very special sounding amp, though 🙂
Wish it had preouts and sub preouts with bass management.
thank you very much for asking what my preference is. I could hardly wait for it anymore; I find that many of us audiophiles listen in a way that is not mine. Am I no longer an audiophile? no idea. I currently own a Denafrips Pontus2 with new FW. A Hestia Pre and, most importantly for me, a Hermes DDC. The mono blocks were made by Guido Tent and have not come onto the market, but I am happy with them. (Guido Tent is known from Grimm Audio). Because I attach great importance to quality components, my Audio Physic Speakers have new crossovers with Jantzen and Mundorf parts. I don't really listen to depth, dispersion, etc. For me it has to sound super realistic. I want to hear a cello. And not a Cello by Speakers. I want to hear reality when I'm standing in the kitchen, and not just when I'm sitting motionless right between the speakers at the right distance. I have 2 REL subs for left and right channels, to create a musical foundation. When I have visitors and we are having dinner, there is sometimes silence because the visitors are distracted by the live-like sound. That's what I want to hear.
That is great. Thank you for sharing 🙂
i have yet to hear an amp the can reproduce mass strings likie i hear in the concert hall. oh well i will just keep buying those season tickets
The new Arcam amps seems to be quite good, or the Danish Gato 150 AE. Can you get your hands on those, or the Sugden 50A? Thanks anyway for this objective review!
I hope to get to them 🙂
Another vote for Gato 150 AE 😊
FYI, through hole parts are getting very hard to source. Great video. Thank you.
Thank you 🙂
Maybe I missed it but is there a way to adjust the display brightness? It looked pretty dull in the video which I’m assuming is from the lighting you have to use to record this
It can be adjusted and certainly comes out duller when filming 🙂
Thanks Tarun, A usual I keep my socks on until I hear your opinion. Our systems and tastes are quite aligned. Vocals and tonal naturally are my benchmarks. Get that right and I'm happy, By the way, What's with the Capitalized H in CHocco Sound. Are we going phonetic?
Thanks Jim. We definitely seem to like similar stuff. I'm not sure why they have capitalised the H either 🙂
Cant wait until you lend your ears to one of the new integrated from Arcam, Tarun,, 😅
They have dropped the Qasimodo look for something, in my humble opinion, more friendly to the eyes. 🤪
I hope they have not lost the Arcam sound signature,, 😱.
Cheers and have an excellent weekend, friend,, 🍻😎👍👍
Thank you, Irene. I hope to get to them at some point 🙂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 👍😎👍
Actually, of course, it is all hype.
Why not review a CD player occasionally!😃
CD is still the best format if you value sound quality and price. Certain reviewers must be paid by streaming companies not to review CD players!🙂
no trial period. no dealer network. impossible to hear. in all respect please review a product that has a dealer network where we can audition.
A crisp steel like top end and a deep holographic image. As a start.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Tarun, another insightful review. In my efforts to improve vintage gear I tend to focus on lowering the noise floor. That means higher quality components, switching noise suppression and, yes, larger smoothing caps. The result is generally a reduction in treble distortion, which manifests as sibilance, and a corresponding increase in fine detail resolution.
No surprise that my priorities are detail, tone and then dynamics. I’ve refurbished amps that were monsters in the bass, in terms of output and control, and they just didn’t stay long in my system.
Thank you, Mark. As you know, our tastes pretty much align 🙂👍
Thanks Tarun. I’m with you on all three counts. Tonal accuracy first. 😎👍
Thank you Rob 👍
Appreciate this review. Interesting in all respects. Troubling to find from this upper mid range to be as you reviewed. I always was curious about the two capacitors per side but could never get a response from CHoco. 4400 microfarads per side is terribly low. I rarely find anyone pairing this amp with floor standers. Thank you. Bruce Anderson.
Exactly my thoughts
Thank you. I would be interested to discuss with them some of the design choices 🙂
I value, tone, clarity and sound stage, scale and dynamics! I want them all! But id probably agree that id put them in that order as well. I may, on occassion lean to clarity and soundstage at the top spot. I combine those two because i feel like separation and clarity is what equals soundstage
Thank you for sharing 🙂
at 5:55 I would have thought the 2 standing up T0-220 devices are linear LDO regulators - the circuitry on the left would be to set the output voltage of the regulator - the black device in the middle of the 4 caps on the right would be a full wave rectifier device (4 diodes to AC / DC convert) with decoupling caps - I would have thought that power supply is something like +/- 15v for the opamps. Another reason I don't like all the SMT is it's harder to service - THT boards are much easier to service and re-cap or mod, but THT is not in line with seemingly everyone's desire to make everything smaller! I'm sure it's a nice sounding amp but it's not for me, I like big hot class A or A/B amps which I can take to pieces and mess with. As always an enjoyable review - thank you!
Thank you Matt. Good points, well articulated. I believe from the website it is directly coupled between stages with no coupling caps in the signal path. I would like to find out a little more about the design choices from the manufacturer 🙂
Was looking forward to this review since I saw the unit in the background, thank You!
Can you give us a hint how it may compare to the Marantz Model 40N you reviewed not too long ago?
I believe revealing detail was also not the strength of the Marantz.
I consider the EMEI but after your review I am puzzled about detail reproduction and clarity.....
Cheers
The 40N has a very different sound, warm but not the last work in resolving details. The Emei has better macro details, i.e. detail in obvious areas but the lack of refinement in the midrange can be a a little harsh at times 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you Tarun! Looking forward to your next review!
Another great review Tarun!
I enjoy good imaging, sound staging, and tone the most I guess. I like to pick out the instruments on the stage. I also love to hear the pluck and bite of a bass guitar, the throaty sizzle of a saxophone, and smooth throaty vocals.
Overly analytical definitely not my cup of tea! Dynamics is great if you can manage that also. I want it all of course! 😊
Thank you. Satisfaction in this hobby is sometimes found in where we are prepared to comprise as much as where we won't 🙂
Lifted direct from their site......................
"The exaggerated output power of 138 watts per channel (8ohms) in stereo is unbelievable!" lol
Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Guess they couldn't afford a translator or capacitors as well?
Tarun, I’m confused - these relatively new companies keep churning out product after product that gets quite highly acclaimed, whereas Sugden and Croft and others spent decades learning and earning their acclaim. Peter Comeau spends loads of time before each speaker launch and Paul McGowan’s Aspen took so long that I thought poor Paul may be hallucinating. So what’s going on? Are the European and American companies just incompetent/inefficient? But everything thing I own (Dali, Exposure, RME) tells me otherwise. And if the newbies are so quick, shouldn’t they be cheaper, cos where’s the time spent in R&D? Your thoughts, please.
That is a can of worms, Jeremy. Some companies will only bring out a new model when there is a significant development. Others are happy to churn out a new model every time there is a component or software change. I bet you can guess which approach focuses on short-term financial gain and which is conducive to establishing long-term brand value and customer loyalty 😉
@@abritishaudiophile7314 well said, Tarun
Thanks!
Thank you kindly 🙂 👍
I get the kind of sound I want from my current setup (big, spatious, holographic, detailed, accurate tonality, yada yada yada). Two questions are: "do I want significantlty more of that?" (yes), and "could I afford it?" (maybe).
Which brings up a third question, "would the outcome be worth the extra outlay?". Depends, I suppose; maybe not if I'd have to spend twice as much as I already have, but if only a fraction of that, it'd be a much more attractive option.
Two things I've done recently for around £250 have been worthwhile -- getting a USB purifier and (as you recommendes a while back), an AC purifier, both from ifi.
Frankly, I'd be loth to change any major item lest I diminish what I've got. Certainly not my pre/power combo for the Emei integrated bearing in mind your caveat about speaker matching in particular.
Thank you for sharing John 🙂
Hi Tarun,
Since you have experienced Yamaha A-S1200, how you find the difference between Choco and Yamaha amp? Your advice is much appreciated. Thanks.
The A-S1200 is more consistent in it's sonic presentation 🙂
Just discovered your channel, I like your presentation, style and delivery, detailed analysis without boring the pants off me 👍extremely informative and no bs, thank you.
I have been out of the Hi-Fi loop for nearly twenty years now, mainly because I became obsessed with upgrading my equipement, which my wife named as suffering from 'Upgradeitis' which turned out to be an expensive disease! So stepped back and went into rehabilitation lol.
But having said that I am now showing signs of a return to this Hi-Fi world, and thinking it's time to upgrade from my present set-up which is now 20 years old, an Arcam DiVA A85 pre-power set-up, with by-wiring, speaker cables from the power amp fed directly into the bass section (by-passing the crossover) with twin bass speakers, had a custom designed crossover which I made myself to feed the signal directly from the preamp (using Jenson caps) to the tweeter and mid-range speakers only, Good sound, but can be a little shrill on certain CDs while others sounds amazing, seems the sound depends on the quality of the recording, it seems to amplify poor recordings which is annoying especially if it's one of my favourite artists ! Overall, I like a slightly warm sound over clarity any day of the week, preferably both, but hate high end treble that's hard on my ears !
I would like to upgrade to a similar set-up (Prepower & Power amps) so that I can still use my by-wired floor standing speakers (which I upgraded myself with higher quality Mid-range and Tweeter units) I started by buying a pair of standard 'Canton Ergo 100' floor standing speakers, So, would be interested to see what set-ups you might recommend from what is available today, (short list) while at the same time improving the bass and warmth of the speakers I have, don't want to change them as they are a masterpiece of design, beautifully veneered cabinet, loads of presence and look far more expensive than their actual cost (£1000 in 2004) plus I've put so much effort into them with upgrading of the components !
Thank you Colin. Great to learn about your experiences 🙂
I been leaning towards getting one of those but I got a little worried when you mentioned the midrange issues. Everyone else talked it up quite a bit. It seems like you have a technical background so I trust your judgement
Thank you. I am particularly sensitive to anything unnatural in the midrange 👍
Warmth, engagement, detail, great soundstage, US built, high quality. Asking for a bit much? I like my Pass INT25.
At over 5 times more expensive than this amp, that's a really valid comparison!
Cool 😎
The EMEI is really good for the price. Really good. I enjoyed having it in my system. Interesting chassis design though.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
I got the Sony SCD1 vibes looking at it
@@timleelim9930 … aaaaah! That’s true!
Good review Tarun . I echo the comments of so many others that your channel is excellent . For me, the end goal is to play music and forget the system is there . An impossible dream perhaps !
Thank you Mr Singh 🙂👍
I must say that I dont like the looks of this amp. I would think that it’s looks will be outdated in a few years time.
It can see how the looks may divide opinion 🙂
There is always a trade off some where, bit I have a feeling it is bit too much in this one, at least for audiophile purposes. I think one just needs different systems for different use cases.
Variety is the spice of life. Many people will be happy with this amp 🙂
Interesting product. Looks more like a streaming amp tbh
Interesting to see what components are planned via K-Link 🙂
My brain prioritizes a natural tone and timbre but my heart and thus, my natural impulses and proclivity, crave an immense holographic sound-stage.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Hello Tarun again!
I searched the Denafrips website to find out which phase was recommended.
Also, nothing about the LED above the phase button.
1. When do we have a negative (-) phase or a positive (+) phase?
2. Which phase is recommended?
3. Which phase sounds better?
4. Should my amp be on during the 200 hours burning period?
5. Do I have to play different pieces of music or can I play the same one over and over again?
Thank you for answering me. Already, Pontus 2, 12th anniv. ed. offers much greater musicality than the Ares 2, but after the burning period, you say that the sound will be even better. I'm hurry to listen to then...
Seems to have a number of flaws, like the Kinki Studio EX-M1 I owned (transformer hum, crazy high gain, inaccurate volume control). I feel the company should spend a bit more time on quality control before they send their products to market.
I always look forward to your reviews. It gives me an insight into various components and their sound.
Thank you 🙂 👍
Nice review 👍
Thanks! 👍
high turin i always love your comments on gear .ive upgraded my t
2 rotel 850 b amplifiers with rotel 1590 preamplifier which i took from canada a few years ago with the AKM CHIPSET but thinking of a new amplifier would this amplifier fit the bill many thanks .😊
Excellent review as always!!
Thank you kindly 🙂 👍
Wonder what effect it would have if they fixed the issues you identified. The capacitors and the cheap thin wire on the power connectors. Would that get some of the fine detail back i wonder?
I am thinking yes.
It can only help 🙂
That is interesting. Would there be a DAC that would improve the sound?
It has a particular sound that will suit certain people. The right DAC should play to its strengths 🙂
What is the gain of this amplifier? At what volume level , it’s reaching 80 db ? ..did you feed high volts signal via xlrs inputs ? I observed high gain amps sounds full with the bass and we miss everything else .i had issues with kink studio as its reaching very loud at just under 10 points ..i had issues same issue you mentioned like female voices, electronic guitars etc finally I gave up on kinki
Normally, you would expect about 10-12dB gain on the pre and 26-30dB on the power. I didn't test them individually 🙂
Great review, Tarun, as usual.🙏
Thank you kindly 😊👍
The only problem of this amp is that doesn't sound 😂
Early on I took the chance and bought a pair of powerful Kinki Mono Blocs. They were sold in a month (at great financial distress 🥹)…YES…too lean. I bought a MacIntosh, perhaps to over compensate… but I've been smiling ever since. 😀 Thanks for your usual internal tour…and in this case, not a lot to be impressed with. Thanks for your "qualified" discussion of the sound and pairing speakers…much appreciated.
I do love my Pontus II DAC! 😀👍🏼
Thank you my friend 🙂 👍
I acquired this EMEI amplifier in August 2023 to replace my prior $7,000 amplifier. The instrument separation and micro-details are astounding, coupled with my Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 speakers and Audioquest Robin Hood BiWire COMBO speaker cables - I believe cables make a difference. I'm picking up nuances in the upper midrange that I never noticed when using my Swedish amp. You're correct about the importance of the right speaker pairing. If this amplifier were produced in the US, it could easily command a price of over $4,000. I also find your videos to be highly engaging and informative!
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Good to know they gel well with the 804s 🙂
Out of curiosity, which Swedish amplifier?
Bladelius?
@@patrikbjorling4391 Got you
Hello again Mr British Audiophile, hope youre doing great. Im looking to buy my firts DAC. Im worried if a R2R DAC ( musical,warm) is going to be too much of the same sonic characteristic, combined with this CHoco or maybe is better match a Digital amp from the likes of topping D90? Please advise, i don't want to buy blind 😊.
Im very comfortable with "musical and warm" but i want to balance my CHoco Sound with a good match DAC. My speakers are mostly neutral. Thanks again.
There is a lot to consider in that purchase. It is hard to make a blanket recommendation but Denafrips DACs aren’t overly warm 😊
Thanks for disassembling
You are most welcome 😊
Hello Mr British Audiophile, can you please guide me if this amplifier is an upgrade over my Audiolab 6000a? The Audiolab is my first two channel amplifier and i know next to nothing in audio. (At one time i got some money and i started buying gear based on reviews 😅) This amplifier got my attention not only by the opinions but for the "warm" tone, as i don't like like Klipsch speakers because i got tired of music very fast with them. The other thing is that this CHoco is at my maximum budget. Thanks, and thanks for always being so clear to explain things as im not that good at speaking English. 😊
Edit: Only to share with you, i manage to get a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 300. Sound nice to me but still learning about what are my preferences.
It depends on what you want to achieve from the amplifier upgrade. If you like the current sound characteristics, consider the Audiolab 9000A 😊
Hello Tarun, I like your presentation/ reviews. On this one (CHoco Sound Emei), it's not as glowing as the other two reviews I've watched (maybe those reviewers get a commission from units sold?!?, or they have different likes/ preferences than yours?!?). One thing is for sure, this hobby is "very" subjective, and "for me" I have my likes/ needs which are certainly different than others, as others are different than mine.
Hi Mike, all I can do is speak as I find. As you say, this is my subjective opinion 🙂
Danke!
Danke mein Freund 🙂👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 You're dearly welcome! I really love and appreciate your content.
I really like that zero-tolerance approach 🙂. The tolerace as such of course is present, but I don't like when every piece of gear is branded "the-next-big-thing, giant-killing steal-of-the-century". British Audiophile approach is much more useful
Thank you kindly 🙂 👍
Metallic sheen...reminds me of the Cambridge 840c CD player I made the big mistake of buying. What I want most from my system is a lack of obvious colouration; I don't think that 80s mantra will ever leave me.
Thank you for sharing John 🙂
My main criterion for judging a system and setup is (1) frequency response; can it go low? How do the highs sound? Tinny, or sparklely? A close second is sound stage: is it wide? Is it deep? Is it ‘tall’ in that must my head be at a certain level to hear the sound stage, or can I stand up?, etc. Finally, the quality of the sound is important, but as your review points up, the quality, or nature, of the sound can be frequency dependent, and may be due to speaker design and placement as much as preamp or amplifier design or implementation. For instance, I prefer the quality of the bass from an acoustic suspension design over a ported one. As clear as the ported design might be over the sometimes muffled (or muddy) tones of an acoustic suspension, the inevitable ‘booming’ at the resonant frequency drives me nuts and keeps me from cranking it up when I very much want to do so. I also find I don’t like the sound of aluminum domed tweeters: they all sound tinny to me. I prefer to listen to acoustic instruments, and prefer female vocalists; I want to hear the double bass descend to the lowest note. I grew up listening to electric guitars over tube-powered recording and reproduction; their tone is very different when reproduced with solid state amplification. As you can tell, I’m still exploring this aspect of my preferences and I have built five different systems (including two home theater type with television) with seven sets of speakers installed (plus one ‘project pair) thus far in an effort to accommodate them. I really need to stop accumulating gear and settle down and really listen to some quality tracks in order to hone my listening skills. One more preamp (with tubes) and a quality phono stage ought to do it, but then there is that new DAC I simply must have, and a CDROM player/transport that seems irresistible. Oh stop, stop, I must put the brakes on. Love your review listened once, watched once.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 👍
Hi Tarun…
Thank You for yet another interesting review. Please review Kinki studio EX M1+ if possible. Very much interested to hear your views on the said Amp. Thinking of buying it for quiet some time now and not bold enough to take the step. There’s a slight suspicion that it might sound a bit thin and lean if I pair it with my Topping D90 SE Dac. Give me one name that emits details very high dynamics and tonally rich sound. Thanks a lot for all your efforts and contributions to Hifi World ❤❤❤
Thank you kindly. I appreciate the suggestion 🙂
How well would these drive the ATC SCM40s you recently reviewed, especially at high volumes? Would they typically match neutral speakers such as the ATCs?
The only way to know is to try 😊
Hi Tarun, I've enjoyed watching your channel for years, and I know why. You can either read my mind, or we are very much alike. I've owned the original Hugo, Hugo2, and the Original Pontus for the last few years. I have monoblocks too. Not quite the same ProAcs, but I have had many, many small British monitors over the years before moving to a larger pair. I can't wait to see what you’ll pick .🤣🤣🤣
Thank you my friend 🙂 👍
What do people want from a rig?
It’s not the rig… it’s the music that’s played through. It’s the wide spectrum of possibilities that can be delivered to your ears. So many reviewers with so many accounts of personal listening sessions.
The consumer…”ME” watches these accounts of so many components.
After untold research of reviews?
I come back to the place. The reviewer.
You rank very highly among them.
Thank you kindly 👍
Good question, what am I after sonically? Truth is I'm not really sure 😅 . Kit that can help me get lost in the music, any unpleasant elements to the presentation can break the spell, a bit like bad acting in a movie. I guess like so many, I'm chasing that champagne experience with beer money!
I have that champagne taste beer money problem too 😅
The EMEI is good and also great value for money. Yummy sounding amplifier.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Another good review.
Heard quite a bit about Kinki amps, although aesthetically not my bag.
This CHoco lacks connectivity, and that's a big no no for me.
I favour a sound that's flat across all frequencies. Many brands claim that but few actually deliver. If achieved this means no one frequency overpowers another.
Leema achieves much of that, which means speaker partnering is easier than some other brands.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Tarun. Thanks for another excellent review. I like a dynamic sound & excellent bass in my system. I currently have a Quad 34 / 405-2 combo and Rel subwoofer with KEF Q5 speakers, fed by Linn LP12 and Marantz cd 67 my 2 cd player. It’s a beautiful system but I get irritated by sibilants on some vocals and I can’t identify where the issue lies so I can’t resolve it! Drives me insane at time, but other recordings are sublime
Thank you. Their could be many culprits. Try swoping out one component at a time 🙂
So nothing hear for Exposure Accuphase or NVA to worry about then, Good job Tarun.
Thank you 🙂
First comment I have left and I enjoy your reviews. I love the comparisons…. Would love a review of the new Arcam A25. I know they make good/great products and I love the look of the new line.
Thank you kindly. I hope to do that 🙂
I realy like this review............putting the finger on something other reviewers don't mention ....thank you !
Thank you 🙂
Great review and great balance of your taste and objective characteristics.. especially u pointed out at the end making this review fantastic
Thank you. Much appreciated 🙂👍
First, your channel is great. As an engineer that is losing his hearing with age, I still love the technical and tonal reviews. I too thought that kinki and Denefris were the same company. The videos of kinki workshop looks a little bit like a garage based company. I love the concept of class d amps and I love the dynamic bass slam of big speakers. I bought the Zu audio DW6 with no crossover circuit in the signal path. I am using my Denon AVR which has DSP ie Jazz club output that is sometime fun although not very pure. There is also a pure direct mode for 2 channel listening. Also subwoofer integration is easy with an internal crossover control if desired. Or double bass. The technology and the sound out of the denon is way better than my old Cambridge audio integrated amplifier from the azur line. I was looking at the Kinki M7 amp but it is expensive when compared to the Audiiphonics with purifi modules in monoblock configuration. - you should look at the French product after all the war is long since over as far as I know.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 🙂
If money is no object and as far as sound quality goes do you prefer this Choco than Hegel H190? Does the $1200 difference justify of what I'm getting from Hegel? Let me know. Im upgrading from a vintage amp (Adcom GFA-555 MK II) and old yamaha receiver. Thanks!
I would go for the Hegel 😊
Hello, Tarun. I just want to let you know that I went with the Hegel H190. I got it for $2200 used. Just waiting to get it delivered. Thanks.
Thanks Tarun, great review (as always). And to answer your question. For me resolution, imaging and soundstage are the most important factors in my system. (Btw are you still planning to review the Exposure 3510 monoblocks?)
Thank you. I need to follow up on them, but yes 🙂
Hi Tarun. A rather controversial name , but hay if it creates interest . As a side note it’s amazing how small runs of cable can handle quite large loads . But I still understand your reservation in this regard . Kind regards as always 😀👍
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you! Your conclusion is brilliantly stated and very helpful as I search for a back up to my precious Unison Research Triode 25.
Thank you Richard 🙂 👍
Great looking device. What is sonic priorities exactly, Dont understand well. Could you explain more. tone, clarity , scale-dynamics?
This is over simplified but...
Tonal balance: Is your attention drawn to the bass, midrange, high frequencies or balanced between them
Clarity: how much information is pulled off the recording
Scale and dynamics: The width and depth of the soundstage, and the difference between loud and quiet passages
Exemplary explained ...btw. I did not expect nothing less from from You, anyway !
Emei vs Musical Fidelity A1 any stand out winner?
For me, yes 🙂
Looks like a printer
Not like mine 🤣
@@abritishaudiophile7314i really like the design, I love minimalistic designs. Give me a power button, source, and a volume knob. 😊
Fair and balanced! 👍🏻 In the meantime, ever since you did the Apollon review, I’m waiting for EX-M7 review/comparison! Come on man! 😄
Thank you 🙂
Enjoyed :) - I need something in the middle with the power to Ghost other amps with a little help with a tone control of some sort ;)
Cool 😎
Thank goodness it has an available premium remote… the $120 is worth it
I agree 🙂
I was trully thinking same thing about its design when \i saw this thing 1st time,...somewhat spaceship :) I belive many others. Thank you for the review. I have the same prioritisation, was thinking about this unit but I needed different point of view than just rave about its spead and clarity. And yes I have seen review where ex1 was breafly compared to supernait where was sad that supernait has beter texture in midrange....So actually I do have naim xs2 and I love its midrange, to me it sounds just right relistic, it is good but I am having a bit hard time with its upper bass emhasis because I do not find many tover speakers recomendation. I need somewhat able to keep its nice tone, with smitch emphasis on top can be, but at the same tame able to consume/reproduce nicely its base emphasis, because orchestra with various chellos plaing bottom, sometimes sounds bed ......well focal i did not try, and i do not like their components quality speaking about aria because, yes I know they have damn good staff but not for me ($). Do you have any sugestion to try?
Naim amplifiers have a specific sound. The bass emphasis you talk about it very much part of their character. I would look into speakers by Neat Acoustics 🙂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you :)
Great review, thanks! Was expecting a lot from this amp, maybe to much. Looks they payed a little to much attention on the outside then on the inside. 4400uF per side is almost bizarre, Alvin is also avoiding to specify these parts what did worry me. Also, why install good quality connectors when connecting them with thin cheap wire inside 😢
I´m starting to lose confidence in these brands and Vinshine audio. 2:31
My dealings with Alvin and Vinshine have been second to none. They are totally committed to supporting their customers.
This amp does have some interesting design choices. It would be worth getting their feedback before deciding 🙂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 He seems a nice guy but when closely looking to his reviews/product presentations he´s consistently avoiding critical or specific questions or interpreting them conscious wrong (even worse 😅) I understand it´s part of the game because in the end he´s a dealer.
Choco Sound - for those who don't want their audio to taste vanilla.
Yes, it is not vanilla 🙂
if they had a subwoofer out it would have been really good. I prefer tonality against dynamics but clarity is also important.
Or a set of preouts 🙂
Exactly
Type of amp you show off with that little window
Indeed 🙂
Exactly