General Asylum: REVIEW: Karan Acoustics KI 180 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by jdwaudio

Model:	KI 180
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$6000
Description:	SS Integrated Amplifier - 180 wats per channel
Manufacturer URL:	Karan Acoustics
Model Picture:	View

Review by jdwaudio ( A ) on March 11, 2002 at 14:45:14
IP Address: 129.42.208.145

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After reading very positive reviews of the Karan Acoustics intergrated amplifier on TNT, I decided to buy one. I realized I was taking a large gamble on buying an unheard amplifier but I've seldom been misled by TNT.
Karan Acoustics is a little-known, at least in the United States, manufacturer in Yugoslavia. The line includes amplifiers, a DAC and speakers. I have seen reviews of the amplifers in the British press. The most recent issue of HiFi+ has an article on the same intergated amplifier. Karan Acoustics was also used in the AudioFreaks exhibit in last Fall's London audio show driving Avalon Acoustic loudspeakers. Although I wasn't at this show, the British Press gave very solid reviews of the AudioFreaks room.
I bought the amplifier through a person I met online and paid substanially less than the price charged in the UK. The amplifiers arrived approximately two months,after placing the order. I've owned the unit for approximately six months. The build quality is outstanding. All metal and no plastic. Even the remote is aluminum. The unit was assembled perfectly. I had to open up the unit later, as I will relate below. The circuit boards and other parts are neatly layed out and wired. Soldering is first-rate
My musical interests are solely classical and some opera so I must warn this review doesn't include any other genre.

When listening to this amplifier the first thing that grabs one is the absolute control over the loudspeakers. This is particulalry true in the bass. I've nver owned another amplifier that controlled the bass so well. The bass is so good one is likely to listen to this element to the exclusion of the fine midrage and treble. Both the midrange and treble are excellent. There is no harshness or other nasties one associates with solid state amplifiers. There is a naturalness to voices and instruments. The sound tends to the warm side but not so warm as many tube amplifiers. There is great definition and delineation of layers of music. Less than optimal recordings were fine with this amplifier. It was obvious the recordings were not the best but more importantly the music flowed through.This amplifier gets out of the way of the music and allows one to enjoy. I use Tannoy Turnberrys loudspeakers. These are usually raved about with tubes. For me the Karan drove them better, better bass, sweeter mids and airy treble.
I compared this amplifier with my long time favorites, the LFD separates, LS1 and P2M, rated at 90 watts per channel. I also compared it with the Audio Valve Assistent 20S which is an integrated tube amplifier rated at 20 watts per channel. In all cases the Karan Acoustics amplifier was the superior. The Audio Valve was slightly warmer and the LFD more tipped-up on the high end. Neither amplifier could control the bass like the Karan Acoustics.
I did have one problem with the amplifier. The left channel quit after four months of use. I sent the unit back to Karan Acoustics for repair. Karan believed I had caused the unit to fail. In any case I was happy to pay the reasonable part fees for repair and return shipping charges. During this transaction Karan was courteous and very responsive to e-mails. The only downside was sending an amplifier to and from Yugoslavia. It took over one month for the USPS to deliver it to Yugoslavia. Air freight is the only way to go in the future which I hope not to do again!!
In summary the Karan Acoustics is a fine integrated amplifier. It's vice-like grip on the low-end is surely world-class. The treble and midrange are wonderful as well. ***Very enthisiastically recommended***

Product Weakness: Limited distribution, price if I have it right
Product Strengths: Bass, build quality, let's you listen to the music

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	LFD LS1, PA2M
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Valve Assistent 20S
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Copland 289
Speakers:	Tannoy Turnberry and Oskar Aulos
Cables/Interconnects:	Zu Cale all aorund
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical esp piano
Room Size (LxWxH):	24' x 16' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	carpeting is all
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster 5000
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Limited distribution, price if I have it right
Product Strengths:	Bass, build quality, let's you listen to the music