Yes, thank you, I've read both Ralph's and Doug's reviews of the King. Both are very informative, although I would like to think that the problems Ralph found were due to failing amp synergy, humidity or a uncommon defect. I've also read the previous Audiogon thread that both Ralph and Doug contributed to.
By the way, Ralph if you're reading - I would love to hear how you're getting on with the Prince II (and even the King II?). It doesn't look like you've written anything up yet?
Doug - can you tell me a bit more? I haven't heard Quads or Maggies but have gone straight for the Kingsounds because they have been described as having much more satisfactory bass. I heard the Prince II but this is a harder load than the King and I think it was limited by our amps being inadequate - the King was a huge improvement. I was assuming that the King II would have much the same character as the King but would perhaps be slightly "improved" in particular areas. Are you saying the differences are more fundamental?
My amps are M2 dual monoblocks made by Avondale, a small company in Chesterfield, UK. The nominal power rating is low (approx 90W) but they have large C-core transformers and two boards and sets of outputs in each unit, so they effectively bi-amp. They sounded sufficient for the Kings (but not the Prince II) in a evening demo, although I accept it often takes longer than that to get a full picture. We tried other pre/power valve amps but they sounded much too soft for my liking and I also think lacked sufficient power. My existing speakers are Dynaudio Confidence 5, which are also a notoriously difficult load but with the Avondale M2s they sound superb. Going back to the Dyns after the Kings, my main finding was that although the detail was still there, and they are definitely more attacking/punchy, they simply don't sound as real.
Mark
