Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Velleman K4040 Amplifier (Tube) by ironradio

Model:	K4040
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1300
Description:	90 wpc stereo tube amp
Manufacturer URL:	Velleman
Model Picture:	View

Review by ironradio on August 20, 2001 at 10:42:34
IP Address: 207.225.91.244

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for the K4040

I have been using my K4040 for over three years. I was so impressed with the value and design that I bought another about one year ago.
This second K4040 of mine has become my tweak testbed. I have documented my tweaks at http://www.ironradio.com/k4040.html, please feel free to check them out and send me comments via email.
Anyway, the first order of business is to replace ALL of the tubes, then most all of the capacitors plus a few other parts. All of these modifications are documented on my page along with my triode connected KT88 conversion which has been a huge success.
My KT88 conversion boosts the sonic performance of the K4040 tremendously. The soundstage, clarity and detail of my K4040-KT88 is incredible and leaves my original stock K4040 in the dust. The lows are extremely solid, the mids are very warm and the highs are very well detailed but not bright. Also the amp is sonically noise-free in it's quiescent state.
In my opinion, the K4040 is an excellent value and after it is fully tweaked, it would be hard to beat even with much more costly tube amps.

Product Weakness: Should have a no-tubes option so one doesn't have to buy the inferior tubes which ship with the kit. Uses printed circuit board (PCB) construction as opposed to point-to-point wiring.
Product Strengths: Very nice toroidal power transformer and 100VA toroidal output transformers, attractive, solid cabinet, high grade parts, good design.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	None
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Njoe Tjoeb 4000 Tube CD player
Speakers:	Bohlender-Grabener RD50 Ribbons with extended baffles
Cables/Interconnects:	Cableplex Nirvana
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Mostly New Age
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 14 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 Years+
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Audio-X-Stream CXR-22 Active Crossover, HSU Subwoofer
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Should have a no-tubes option so one doesn't have to buy the inferior tubes which ship with the kit. Uses printed circuit board (PCB) construction as opposed to point-to-point wiring.
Product Strengths:	Very nice toroidal power transformer and 100VA toroidal output transformers, attractive, solid cabinet, high grade parts, good design.