I believe DK Designs only uses the existing chassis.
(I own a Reference MK III )
I believe just about every manufacturer out there out-sources their metal work.
I am pretty sure Krell,Cary,Levinson,etc do not build their own chassis.
The Chassis most likely accounts for the largest % cost of the unit.
Have you ever tried to call up and order a new faceplate or top-cover from a manufacturer.
They can cost hundreds.near a thousand in some cases.
If you can get a chassis already built and put your dollars and cents into the internal parts and design,that sounds like a pretty smart idea to me.
The DK internals are/were designed and engineered here in the US.
The new DK Signature Version now has an all new pre-amp section designed by Legendary designer/modifier John Tucker.(Exemplar)
They use something called an "active load circuit"
I am not a designer,but,I believe this circuit allows the tubes to perform at 100% of their potential.
I have also heard that DK has or is working on "Statement"
unit that is intended to to best any amp in the world
regardless of price.
A hefty order,however,based on what the Reference does and what the Signature sounds like(I have a friend who owns one)
This may just be an obtainable feat for an intelligent design team that knows where to spend the money.
(I own a Reference MK III )
I believe just about every manufacturer out there out-sources their metal work.
I am pretty sure Krell,Cary,Levinson,etc do not build their own chassis.
The Chassis most likely accounts for the largest % cost of the unit.
Have you ever tried to call up and order a new faceplate or top-cover from a manufacturer.
They can cost hundreds.near a thousand in some cases.
If you can get a chassis already built and put your dollars and cents into the internal parts and design,that sounds like a pretty smart idea to me.
The DK internals are/were designed and engineered here in the US.
The new DK Signature Version now has an all new pre-amp section designed by Legendary designer/modifier John Tucker.(Exemplar)
They use something called an "active load circuit"
I am not a designer,but,I believe this circuit allows the tubes to perform at 100% of their potential.
I have also heard that DK has or is working on "Statement"
unit that is intended to to best any amp in the world
regardless of price.
A hefty order,however,based on what the Reference does and what the Signature sounds like(I have a friend who owns one)
This may just be an obtainable feat for an intelligent design team that knows where to spend the money.