The EX-M1 is Guangzhou, China-based Kinki Studio’s dual mono, Class A/B Integrated Amplifier offering 215 Watts of output power per channel (into 8 Ohms). As you may be able to tell from the photos, it is built like the proverbial…really well-built integrated amp.
The EX-M1 houses many a fine parts choice, with a microprocessor-controlled JRC MUSES 72320 volume control, true dual mono design, EXICON MOSFETs, 0.2µm gold-plated printed circuit boards, and a pair of 400VA encapsulated transformers.
From Kinki (with minor edits by yours truly for readability):
A high damping factor unleashes the full potential of the sonic performance of the loudspeakers. EX-M1 employs high power rail supplies, delivering fast and high recovery DC supply to the power stage. The ultra high slew rate DC-coupled design (no capacitors in the signal path), yield exceptional acoustic performance — neutral, transparent, detailed, and dynamic, with ultra fast transient response.
Those gold anodized heat sinks you see up top are mounted directly to each amplifier circuit:
The EX-M1 has been around for some time, but Kinki upgraded the design last year (the gold heat sinks are one new addition offering an easy way to tell the difference between old/new), offering claimed sonic improvements over the older model.
The EX-M1 is a functionally straight-forward integrated amplifier, with three single-ended RCA inputs joined by one balanced XLR input. As you can see, the unit offers optional DC Filtering through a toggle switch around back.
The EX-M1s ribbed front panel houses two large control knobs for input selection (left) and volume and a centered display. There’s an included nice hefty aluminum remote for both functions as well as Mute and Display options.
I heard about Kinki Studio and the EX-M1 from Alvin Chee of Vinshine Audio (and Denafrips fame), and his words and recommendation led me to a quick “Sure!” in response to, “Would you be interested in reviewing…”
I look forward to listening. Stay tuned!
Kinki Studio EX-M1 Integrated Amplifier
Price: $2398.00
Company Website: Kinki Studio
Specifications
Frequency Response: 10-150kHz (±3dB)
THDN: 0.0232%; 0.006% (A-Weighted)
S/N Ratio: >103dB
Output Power: 215W RMS (8Ω) , 290W RMS (4Ω) – both channel driven
Damping Factor: 2000
Gain: Normal Gain 26 dB
Max Output Voltage: 55VAC
AC Power: 110/240VAC, 50/60Hz (Factory configure)
Input Sensitivity: 2.25Vrms – 3.6Vrms
Input Impedance: 50kΩ
Input Connector: RCA x 3, XLR x 1
Output: Speaker Binding Post 4mm L/R Channel
Dimension: 430W x 125H x 370D
Weight: 25KG
