Kinki studio EX-M1, EX-M1+ differences... vs Denafrips Hestia/ Hyperion combo?

@jackd 

The Verity's are driven by either the BHK 250 or the Kinki EX-M7 with the Supratek Chardonnay.

I noticed that, due to their amps being direct DC coupled, Kinki advise against using their power amps with tube preamps as DC offset could cause tics or pops through the speakers or even burn out voice coils.

Did you have any issues feeding the EX-M7 with the Supratek Chardonnay? I'm not sure if it matters but are you using SE or balanced cables betwen them?

I can't find any reviews or listening impressions where the EX-M7 (or B-7 monoblocks) have been fed by a tube pre-amp. I was hoping to feed my Herron VTSP3 tube preamp into an EX-M7 rather than go all solid state ... but now I'm a little apprehensive.

@dkerr 

I've used the EX-M7 with both the Supratek Chardonnay via XLR and the Don Sachs Model 2 via RCA and had no problems with either.  The problems that Srajen had when he tried both his Nagra and later his Vinnie Rossi preamps had to due with the type of tube regulated power supply they use.  You should have no issues with your preamp. The EX-M7 is a single ended amp and the XLR inputs are strictly convenience.  I use them so I don't have to swap cables out if I substitute in the BHK 250 which is fully balanced.  

Just an update on the Hyperion and Athena preamp.  This has been a really nice combo on several sets of speakers.  The Zu DW’s just gobble up the combo and the combo does jazz, rock, blues, folk and grunge with aplomb.  More surprisingly to me has been how a pr, of ProAc 1sc thrive with the pairing.  Really, these guys will make one rethink using tubes in a system.  Initially I thought the pairing too ‘dark’, but something happened.  Now it’s a really great combo.  I’m not sure if adding the Rel T9i or a solid 4 months of break n’, but just, wow!  Everything is done with such conviction, energy, and propulsion you can’t help but be pulled into a connection with the music.  The system has fleshy, colorful, textured, mids in a way a bunch of lit bottles are usually required to provide.  There’s meat on the bones of the musicians.  Visceral and quite addictive, I’ve attempted to roll back in my tube amp, but I keep coming back.  This setup is both beauty and beast.  Hyperion and Athena does everything well, which really makes it fun.  Fronted by a Benchmark Dac3 HGC it got depth, drive, dynamics and detail out the ying/yang.  Vinyl/tape fed thru the HGC’s analog input sound terrific also.  I can see how this could make a guy give up tubes.  There’s plenty of resolution and it’s all in the right places.  There is a dimensionality and richness along with authority down low.  Cymbals and vibes sound great to, lots of shimmer, bite, and decay. This would be a terrific combo with the new Soul 6, which I can’t afford.  At some point I need to try one of the Denafrips dacs, but why, when this is so darn good?

I’ll go out of my way to mention how good this combo sounds on vinyl.  Count Basie and the Kansas City Seven, I Want a Little Girl is pretty damn nice, especially Basie’s organ.  Randy Weston, Blue Moses is terrific.  This is on a well sorted, modest vinyl rig.  VPI Traveler w/the 10” arm, Dynavector 20XL, Bob’s Sky, Eat Glo Petite.
‘What the Denafrips combo brings is a natural timber and spaciousness.  Serious dynamics and PRAT that gives everything its own place and location, yet tight and punchy.  Thru modest speakers, to my ears, this is a terrific combo, way better than my tube amps or the Yamaha integrated was capable of, there’s just such a richness and density of tone.  Effortless, dynamic, relaxed, liquid, yet wide open, deep, robust.  It’s not really a fireworks show but really encourages longer listening sessions.  It’s more of a joy ride than a thrill ride, but it can keep you glued to your seat.  

I love my new Kinki Studio EX-M1+ I have version 2021 in black it sounds awesome :)