Art Audio Vinyl Reference vs Maxxed Out K&K

The Vinyl Ref. will not have the latest mods. That is: current source plate load for the input stage with the new JFET along with changing the series RIAA filter resistor from a series connection to a shunt connection, IXSYS 1N100D/2N100D2 MOSFETs in both current sources (input/output stages) and a different connection for the PS filter choke. These changes make for some rather striking differences. I would certainly recommend the Maxed Out kit over the Vinyl Ref. More so if you opt for the LL1931 input trannies.

I don't think you have to worry about Kevin getting out of the kit business any time soon. The Sonas Venice is too expensive and complex for Kevin to consider offering as a kit. The retail cost of just the transformers is more than a Maxed Out. Having built one, I can hazard a guess that Kevin would not want to deal with all the problems kit builders would encounter. That said, the new version of the Maxed sounds very good. Maybe not as refined as the Venice, but the retail price of the Venice is supposed to be $18k! Does it sound $15,400 better? Not for someone with my bank account. The market for the Venice is not the same as the DIY market. As to where Kevin is heading with his business, check out the new products that he has announced for 2011 on his forum. Doesn't seem like he plans to abandon the DIYers anytime soon.