Musical Fidelity KW550

[southall-1998]

I'm surprised to read, that the separate PSU weighs in at 30KG! Does this unit really have big transformers inside?

Any 550 owners on here?

S.

[rikardo1979]

http://www.studio-22.com/musical_fidelity/kw550.htm

http://www.studio-22.com/musical_fidelity/images/20071217175639.jpg

[southall-1998]

Well, they look like 2 medium sized transformers to me.

S.

[rikardo1979]

Well, they look like 2 medium sized transformers to me.

S.

probably one per channel so total separation for better sound? Not sure

[walpurgis]

Transformer size is unimportant, as long as it is up to spec for the job.

[southall-1998]

Transformer size is unimportant, as long as it is up to spec for the job.

Your SM-70 Pro is screaming for steroids :D

S.

[Spectral Morn]

One of the few occasions I preferred the sound of a new unit to a run in one. Out of the box nice, as it ran in it became more and more exposed metal fist in a non existent velvet glove. I use that term because at the time most described its sound as a metal fist in a velvet glove.

Personally I wouldn't have the gift of one.

[hifi_dave]

Very accurate description, though I found it rough as a badger's arse right from the start.

[Spectral Morn]

Very accurate description, though I found it rough as a badger's arse right from the start.

It lacked transparency and detail, plus was muddled but there was a pleasantness to the presentation. As the amp ran in the transparency and detail improved and the muddled aspect sorted itself out but the pleasant presentation was replaced by cold clinical steel.

[southall-1998]

I didn't know you owned/heard the KW550, Neil.

S.

[jandl100]

They have a pretty much unanimous bad rep from what I have heard.
I've never heard one, mind.

The KW750 is said to be much better.

[southall-1998]

The KW550 tends to be liked over on the wam.

S.

[Spectral Morn]

I didn't know you owned/heard the KW550, Neil.

S.

I worked for a Musical Fidelity dealer for 6 years, I am pretty familiar with most of their stuff. I worked for another dealer in the late 80s to mid 90s they also did MF so I know the brand quiet well up until 2008.

I liked Nu Vista, some Tri Vista but KW nope, none of it.

[southall-1998]

I worked for a Musical Fidelity dealer for 6 years, I am pretty familiar with most of their stuff. I worked for another dealer in the late 80s to mid 90s they also did MF so I know the brand quiet well up until 2008.

I liked Nu Vista, some Tri Vista but KW nope, none of it.

Personally, how did you find the Tri Vista 300 integrated?

I've never heard one btw!

S.

[Spectral Morn]

Personally, how did you find the Tri Vista 300 integrated?

I've never heard one btw!

S.

Heading in the wrong direction re being balanced, in regard to it being open and detailed but still musical, but it was much less relentless and cold as the KW stuff was. I thought Nu Vista nice and musical.

Everything though is subjective and the Tri Vista might fit your ideal, it didn't quiet mine, but I did like the Tri Vista DAC enough to buy one and still own it.