FS: Audeze The King Amp MK I

I purchased recently from this ad: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details...ass-a-hybrid-tube-mosfet-headphone-amplifier/

The pics are accurate though he forgot to include a power cable (I can throw one in if you'd like). I compared with the Stratus for use with the LCD-4 and realized I like the Stratus better. Something missing from the US Audio Mart description, the volume knob is a bit loose, it can turn beyond the max and min of the pot. Also when I turn it without listening to music I can hear some scratching or something. Not sure if this is the pot or the knob against the case or something. It's not audible when listening to music.

I checked with Audeze before purchasing and they will still upgrade this to the MK II for $500. If you end up with this amp, the upgrade may be worth doing and they can hopefully fix the knob/pot issue at the same time.

Asking $1600 + shipping, I'll eat the PayPal fee.

Since this amp isn't talked about much here some brief thoughts:

• The King required a really long warm up, like 25-35 minutes. Prior to that it I thought it was lacking in refinement and resolution. Once it warmed up, it finally sounded like a good amp
• Has a somewhat punchy and open sound. Reminds me a bit of the MJ1 in terms of being punchy while not blasting my face, a tasteful punch
• Drives the LCD-4 well and I liked it with the Yamaha HP-1 too
• Not as wet as the Stratus but not dry and has a clear tone. Sounds like they were going for "neutral" rather than sounding colored

 

@jexby @shotgunshane please close, seller agreed to take it back (and is being really cool about it, good person to deal with if any of you want one of his listings).