DK Design Review

Actually, I'm surprised more companies don't utilize a similar approach to DK's of combining a tube preamp section with high powered solid state output. I have enjoyed this combo with different separates for many years.

Hi Jmcgrogam2,
What are you kidding?DK sounds like entry level.This thing put my Ml Ref and Plinius 100mk-3 to shame in a misical and natural way.Then again maybe they were just mid-fi.Your statement is one of a pompous person.I don't say DK is the best but what exactly is?It's all about opinions and tastes but it doesn't have to be nasty.Have fun with your ultra high end equipment.Regards,Bob

Most of Pathos amps utilize this design and does the BAT hybrid.

It makes sense that BAT offers a hybrid integrated since they design both solid state and tube preamps and amps. Blue Circle and Unison Research have hybrid integrateds too. I'm still surprised there aren't more.

Maybe it's because the decision to offer tube or solid state components takes a fundamentally different mindset from the standpoint of taste and preference. Maybe it's because the designers behind components like 47 Labs, Sun Audio, Channel Island Audio, Audio Mirror, Manley, deHavilland, Rogue Audio, First Sound, etc. build pieces that will present music the way THEY would want to hear it and that a hybrid design to them lacks the purity or compromises each extreme. I don't know, I'm just a ramblin'...man!