*Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by. Thank you so much for the 100k Subs, if you are not already subscribed, consider doing so! You don't want to miss the 100k Special Video Coming soon 😉* Choco Emei Integrated Amplifier: www.kinki-studio.com/product-page/choco-emei Related Videos: Galion TS A75 Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--cUgWRojb30.html Denafrips Apollo Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fTA17NVqbMA.html Kinki Studio EX M1 Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0yhWioOykZY.htmlsi=cP_rTMi-G_Zts0sr Kinki Studio B7 Monoblocks Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NneBfU3U-O8.html Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: ru-vid.com/group/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM 0:00 Intro 1:22 Choco Emei Build Quality Review 9:35 Choco Emei Sound Quality Review 17:21 Best Bang For Your Buck Amplifier!
@@E.T.Persson Totally different sound. Kinki studio is more neutral if not a little on the brighter side for some. Thinner sounding but with incredible detail and nuance. Emei is the total opposite as described in the video
I have not watched your video reviews in quite a while, but I am massively impressed with the strides you have made working toward mastering the English language. Really great job, Jay.
Looks really nice. Modular is great.. Love that tech brands have to keep competitive in the market.. and we all benefit from that innovative turn over. Good stuff.🎉
I was mesmerized by the Platimons and the stacked Arendal subs. I'm imagining owning Platimons paired with my SVS SB 3000 subs driven by a Hegel h390. This would be an awesome upgrade to my current Kef R3 meta and Hegel h190. The Choco amp warm sound signature is not for me. Nonetheless, I'm sure is a fine integrated for those who enjoy a darker warm rich sound. I'm about micro details and awesome imaging. Thanks Jay.
Thanks Jay! I've owned a Kinki Studio's EX-M1 and thought that it was very neutral but ultimately sold it because it wasn't analogue enough for me. Sounds like Choco Emei could be worth a try.
To be absolutely honest, I've committed the same sin by putting the CSS and my logo on the front of the Typhons loudspeakers. (For those of you that do not know, Typhons are a special collaboration speaker project that CSS and I explored together). From feedbacks, I've learnt that logo location is an important part of the entire design's elegance. I am sure Thomas is aware and granted he is new to the HiFi business, he has seen tremendous success and not by accident. I am sure he will continue to take feedbacks seriously and learn from it to bring better designs.
I've been interested in going back into a serious integrated amp from separates. Crazy that the Emei can stand agains high dollar parings as you've described. Were there any other SS or tube integrated amps where you would place this toe to toe? Congrats on the 100k subscribers! Very well deserved 👍🙏
I never understand why it's so surprising that the nation that manufactures most everything we consume could make quality gear. Don't you think there might be a few audiophiles in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, or Hong Kong?
Been following this little green purist amp for a few years now. I emailed Kinki studios regarding the low capacitance over a year ago. They responded by telling me they would offer this upgrade. I’m glad to see you use this upgrade in your review. Well done Jay. Not much of a dampening factor on this unit. I agree that you get bang for the buck on this amp. I like the green. What did you pay all in for this Canadian? I live in Bc. Thanks for another great review.
Hey Bruce. With most review units, unless I purchase it or state that I have purchased it, it is sent by the company on loan and is sent back upon the completion of the review. I honestly wish I can buy the Emei as the sound is so alluring but I know better to buy everything that comes in for review... especially since I recently decided to purchase the Platimon speakers
Hey Jay, I'd love it if you decided to do a review of Rogue Audio's Sphinx V3 Magnum. I think you would be significantly impressed. It would surpass the Choco because there are more features on the Sphinx most notably an excellent phono stage built-in. Give it a go...
Thank god! Something more affordable. Even though other people have reviewed products id love to hear your input rather than everything foreign. What about the new svs evolution? Or the arendal bookshelf speakers? Im curious about the arendal bookshelves not being ported. New arcam radia series is coming out, 120 watts, subwoofer output, dirac, & network streaming, all interesting. Thanks buddy!
Hey Jay, I have the Arendal Thx monitors the larger ones, & thought about the Eversolo dmp a-8 as a source because of your good review on it. So how is integrating a subwoofer on it? I know it has a nice dsp and etc. but what about low pass filters? I also hear the the lower models like a-6 also have dsp now as well due to some software installs im curious. To see what would be a nice pairing.
gr8 video... first time I watched this channel. found it very helpful and I enjoyed watching the content...like it was well written and scripted. congrats on 100K. !!!
Another great review. Congratulation to your 100k millstone. Look like Emei is pretty well received in general. Oh, I thought you were also going to compare it with Kinki Studio EX-M1+. Which one is better in term of sound quality?
Totally different sound. Kinki studio is more neutral if not a little on the brighter side for some. Thinner sounding but with incredible detail and nuance. Emei is the total opposite as described in the video
Hey Jay! Cool to see your take on this affordable integrated. There Was one thing that surprised me though. To me it's the red-headed stepchild in the room. A big crystal display with small digits that don't match. Honestly I think it's a great looking piece but that part of it ruins it for me. I'm the type of guy that needs good sound and good looks at least from my subjective viewpoint
Jay, plz help us w your perspective, how will you compare this to Hegel H190? Since you owned that too in the past, as a H190 owner, how should I think of this product? Upgrade or different? Have relatively bright bookshelf speakers.
Hi Jay. Great review. Been following your vids for some time now. Congratulations on your 100k subscribers. Question You have done slots of denafrips dac reviews. Have you done any Gustard dac reviews? Specifically the gustard r26 review? Also, what is your opinion about external clocks for dac? Again congratulations and I look forward to more of your reviews to come.
I do wish to review more DACs but I have never been particularly interested in Gustard Dacs after testing a few for myself. Maybe that has changed with their newer models and I will look into exploring that brand if time allows. I know from my previous experience working in the high end store that external clocks do offer real benefits at times but I unfortunately don't have much personal experience in my system with external clocks.
My Q Acoustics Concept 300 have difficult load, and the Choco Sound Emei drive them pretty well. I can't push it more than 70% of the Choco volume because it gets very loud at that point.
@@justasimplefox4ohm may be about equal to the 8ohm rating if it's power supply limited. I'm not saying this is the case here, but I've seen that with other integrateds
Jay, I might have missed it, but did you specify you based your review off of the pre-amp+amp combo only? That was my take away. However, was this unit also intended/could be used as an amp only, or no? Thanks, and congrats on 100K. I've watched since the AE days.
Hi Jon. This is an integrated amplifier meant to be used as a pre-amp+amp. It cannot be used as a solo amp (technically you could by maxing out the volume on the amp and controlling volume through another external pre-amp but I do not advise this approach at all)
Loved the video and always enjoy your reviews! I am set on getting the platimon vc one but am not sure if I should get the dmp a8 as a streamer/dac paired with this choco amplifier or just the dmp a8 as streamer into the heaven 11 mk2. In your opinion what is the better sounding option? I have similar tastes as you on audio as well.
If you watched my heaven11 review, I noted how the internal dac is a bottleneck in my opinion as it sounds so much better with an external dac. So my choice would be the dmpa8 as streamer/dac into choco emei if you are going with the platimons
Thanks for the review, Jay, and congrats on the milestone! I saw you say in the comments that this amp might not be the best for Maggies. I've heard about their notorious reputation for years, but have never heard anyone say what their actual sensitivity is! The reason I mention this is because my speakers are rated at 6 Ohms and have a sensitivity around 83 or 84. What I would consider pretty difficult to drive. Now, I have pretty much had my heart set on the Heaven 11 Billy amp Mk. II for awhile now. But nothing's set in stone. I would even go for a good pair of monoblocks if I found something interesting. Do you think the Billy amp would be a better choice for my speakers?
@@Jayiyagi They're vintage, from the early 1990's. Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble. The OG model, with four cabinets. An unusual design, but still great speakers. The Absolute Sound gave them a glowing review back in the day.
Both the emei and heaven11 should be able to drive those speakers. Emei would be warmer and richer and heaven11 would be more balanced in comparison. I think I’d ultimately choose the heaven11 for those speakers if it was my system
I would love to see you review Unison Research Unico hybrid amplifiers and compare them to this one (and others), since they are in similar budget range! Zero Fidelity reviewed the Unico Primo and he only said good things about it, so I believe they will compete. Also, there is the newer Unico Due, so I believe you should give that one a try! Unico amplifiers don't have much reviews online, so that would be beneficial.
I'll second that. I believe they are a small Italian company out of Venice. They do have a solid US importer and they make some cool pieces. Unico Primo is a standout.
Not the least bit surprised.... Theres a level of skill needed to design a good circuit for audio of course. Regardless of brand or design, the base formula for the quality product is the same, its not rocket science to realize good components and ample power is all thats really needed.
Chinese HiFi is offering incredible bang for the buck. ASR tests show they are doing state of the art for hundreds not 10s of thousands of dollar. Only a matter of time before others catches up, like Schiit Audio. So we should no have to spend a ton of money any more for SOTA. I'm loving my WiiM Ultra and Topping equipment. A new Purifi class D amp problems solved. Next SOTA speakers.
of course they offer incredible bang for the buck - and they have for at least 10 years - but the issue with chinese stereo products in general have been the sound quality - the chinese can make and can duplicate mostly any amp for cheaper - but its the sound quality that has always been lacking - this amp apparently addresses that issue
@@smargo77 I had the Topping PA7 plus amp, Technics GM700 amp and Parasound A21, and they all sounded about the same to me. My 30 year Luxman amp and Crown amp sounded different, but not the Topping. I think they are there with amps already and measurements verify this, just Hypex, Purifi, NAD and Benchmark etc. are still more powerful and reliable for SOTA.
AGD Audions I have are on a different league in my opinion. It is more neutral and less thick than the Emei but to me it has a more natural tone, better technicalities while retaining an excellent imagery with incredible silkiness refinement in the upper midrange and up. I know I am fan-girling here but there's a reason it has remained as my reference for over a year now
Hi Jay, great review! I am going to get Elac 404 and still looking for an amp to pair with them, what do u suggest 1: Helgo 190 or 2: this amp with eversolo a6/8? Thanks
I would recommend #2 because I've owned the Elac Velas and they can be slightly dry in the upper midrange. I think it will benefit more from the liquidity and smoothness of the emei than the spotlit excellent imagery of the Hegel H190
not sure how this would compare to my Rega since i am considering going up lthe Rega ladder? can spend up to 5k. if this was not sold dealer direct it would probably retail at $4k? my first love is Classical music. would it pass the strings test like i hear at the Symphony? that's a hard one.
Hi! First of all, as someone who has been to a Symphony quite recently (haha, what are the chances), I have to say that no system can mimic that real thing to its full glory. You can get very very close but it can't and won't be the exact replica of real life events. I may be able to point you in the right direction if you can let me know your approx room size and speakers
Nice review, Jay ! Just for your information : E Mei is named after a well known mountain in Sichuan Province in China and should be pronounced "Uh May".
Apart from the fact that the Denafrips Hades and Thallo is one of my highest recommended combos, it is also approx $3500 in combination. It is more detailed, spacious, transparent, neutral and faster sounding than the Emei (only in comparison). From everything I've listened to, the Hades/Thallo combo falls under the slightly warm from neutral presentation. Emei is thicker, richer, more bass amount and texture. Hope that helps.
Amps are NOT complicated electronics circuits. It takes exponentially more work and design thought for a simple cassette deck. Amps circuits have been around for over 50 years now. There are lots of easy to afford HiFi amp DIY kits out there too. There is no reason an amp with less than 200 watts RMS output should ever cost more than $500.
I'm sure when you start your revolutionary amp manufacturing business, you will provide us, the naive buyer of expensive HiFi, your game-changing 200+ watt amp for $500 retail. I'll be your first punter!
@@Prometheus1979 Actually, plenty of us actually care about how our equipment looks. I wouldn’t want ugly loudspeakers in my room, and if I have a choice, I prefer nice looking equipment whatever it is. Fortunately, there’s enough choice out there so that you can get something that looks good as well as sounds good .
Chi-fi products are catching up the products coming from the west, so In Future you should review more Chi-Fi products which are competitive in sound quality in addition to competitively priced rather than ignoring them. Remember not all your viewers can afford new and highly priced products from the west. You don't want to disregard these viewers.
They call this "integrated amplifier" and then it has 3 analog inputs and volume control and that was it. The power and distortion also doesn't justify the price in the slightest. There are MUCH better options available. For a lot less money.
@@Jayiyagi Any recent DAC with volume control for 200 moneys, plus a Hypex nCore 2x250W power amp for 500. This is just a poweramp with 3 inputs and volume control. Technically "integrated", yes, but a very simple thing. 2000 for what? Neither its power nor distortion are competitive at that price.
I find both the sound and build to be exceptional for $1700. Yes it’s limited in its input and output capabilities as I’ve pointed out in the video. I personally wouldn’t be happy with a $500 hypex amp (yes I have made a video on it way back) in terms of sound. Each to their own but thank you for giving atleast a vague example of what you “think” is better
@@Jayiyagi, I totally agree with you .. Audiophile “Purist Pieces” like this don’t need bells & whistles.. Like the Menuetto, Unico Primo , Marantz Model 50 or a host of other “purist pieces”..That’s what makes them special.. They are made to serve up the best Audio performance possible without interference. From other add-ons.. Best2You.. Congrats on Subs✅
@@ropeburn6684your example can sound very good. I've owned the SMSL and Toppings and Aiyima and it does give you a lot for the $, but measured performance isn't the end all. You hear tonality and tonal balance, timbre, decay, smoothness, all of that stuff, before you hear THD or SINAD. My tube gear measures terribly but I'd never sell it, same reason why your guitarist that recorded for you, is probably using tube gear. HiFi gear, or special HIFI gear, has a tone and personality. I don't get a whole lot of that in the budget segment. It's still very good. But it's not ... Great.. yet .
