I have owned the DK MK II for about a month now. I can't relate it to "high end equipment" because I haven't owned high end equipment recently. In fact, I don't know if I ever owned high end equipment, though I owned a CJ2500A a couple years ago. Unfortunately, I remember nothing about it. I didn't have the components I have now when I did have it. So, I guess it doesn't matter.
But I can relate the DK to a Jolida 801A integrated amp. Is Jolida an "entry-level" brand? I'm sure some would say yes (maybe most people in here would say yes, and I'm kind of on that second step in an endless journey as someone else described it). However, others would say that it is the best they can afford. That shouldn't make them bad people, and it doesn't bother me when someone tells me how great their system is. Kind of like when someone tells me a story about a great experience of theirs. I'm not going to try to up them on it even if my experience was better. Why should I? I'm happy that they're happy.
In general, the "ews and ahs" effect of audio components is an examination into human behavior. Why do we "ew and ah" anyway? What is it about fireworks that makes us say ew and ah though we've seen fireworks (usually the same ones) for a very, very long time.
To me, the "ew and ah" effect is to show our appreciation of what we are experiencing.
Kind of like drinking an expensive bottle of wine. The key question to me is: What is it about one wine that makes it taste better to one person while another person likes another wine over it?
The only time someone else's opinion matters to me is when they've experienced it themselves and can speak about it's characteristics and what makes it a good value compared to other similar products in the same price range.
Unfortunately, stereo equipment isn't as easy as a commodity to experiment with unless you have a lot of money or a very flexible and understanding dealer. I think the Stereophile review included the Creek. Heck, I'd say demo both the DK and the Creek and choose the one you like more. Will there be trade offs? I'm betting yes. Will it be the last piece of equipment you buy? Ha, ha, ha, not if you're reading this!
So, why did I buy the DK amp? I read some good things about it and I got it for a great price. Could I have gone out and demoed a bunch of other amps or used amps? Sure, but unfortunately I don't have the time. And, I have a 30 day trial. I figured if I didn't like it I could return it. So far, I like it. Why?
Because it sounds better than my Jolida. So, I'm pretty happy with it, though I'd like to roll some tubes just so I can find out what other types of changes I can make (not to be read as improvements) by doing so.
That's it. I'm not going to use some esoterical phrases (like palpable) to try to change anyone's opinion who doesn't care for it because it's theirs and they have a right to it. And, to be honest, they wouldn't listen to me anyway as they've already made up their mind about this brand. That's cool. Not everyone likes the same type of wine. Hell, not everyone likes wine!
But, I would say that it's kind of a shame if they haven't at least listened to it first. Do I think that will change their mind? Probably not. My guess is they would be somewhat open minded about it, but they would probably listen for things to criticize. Not because they didn't like it, but because there have been too many people on here overly praising it. The people on here critical of DK seem to be bothered more by people who write that it's the best, and my guess is the people who don't like those people would listen for characteristics of the amp they didn't like to prove their point that it isn't the best. Maybe they would compliment it in some ways to be fair (hey, just about eveyrone on here is good natured enough to be on here in the first place!). I think people who are critical about the amp are missing the opportunity to make an educated and experienced decision. Hey, they have a lot more experience about audio equipment than I do, and I respect them for it.
But, like wines, there's a lot out there for all of us to partake. I say let's just enjoy the music with what we can afford and not get stressed and offensive with each other about it. It's music. Righ? So, if someone says it's the best, just smile at them and nod knowing that they are on a journey. Maybe you would get better results by encouraging DK owners to try some other amps now that they've had an opportunity to learn more about "better" gear.
We're a small group of people that really only understands each other. Try talking audio to other people outside this group. They look at you like a dear in the headlights. So, all we have is each other. Woudln't it be cool if we just said, "ya, you like your system? You think it's the bomb? Cool for you!"
Regards,
Mark
