Although I have no experience at all with K1000, I'm really interested in them (on the long term). With two exceptions, Nick Dangerous and some SAC amp users, almost everybody seem to agree that K1000 matches best with tube amps. I read several interesting, informative reviews, but I could barely find any information on how would compare (driving the K1000, of course) amps like ASL's 1005 DT (or DTI, something like that), ASL's cheap monoblocks, RKV, the vintage Fischer receivers, Bottlehead Paramours, etc. etc. You certanly may also include in your comparisons stuff like EAR V20 if you have experience with it, but I won't be ever able to buy that... Please be as specific as you can. I'm especially interested in speed, medium and high freq. detail, transparency and natural reproduction of acoustic instruments, but feel free to write in your own style.
Thanks!

Oh, by the way! In August I e-mailed SAC company to ask something about their discontinued amp for K1000. They answered, in their not-so-perfect English, that they will release a "newer and better model in any month". For what it's worth.

I've tried various amps with my K1000s and I have yet to establish a true favorite.I really like the Fisher and the ASL Tulip used as monoblocs are great.I think the most dynamic has been the PS Audio HCA2 Digital amp.I didn't like the ASL Wav8 amps.They just were way too grainy sounding for this application.If I was forced to use one amp all the time it would be the Fisher 400.

On the horizon are the new ASL amps that I think will bring lots of new fans to the K1000.All of them sounded fantastic with the new Twinhead MarkII getting the edge for the incredible "soundstage" if there has ever been a true headphone soundstage.I can't wait to get my hands on one.

In which way were different the Fisher and the various ASLs you tried (skipping the Wav8)? And was any of them noisy at all? Why would you choose the Fisher? You didn't mention the RKV, which seems to be highly recommended for K1000. Mmm... yes, and a bit more detalis regarding the HCA2 with K1000 wouldn't go amiss either, if you have enough time for this.
From the many descriptions I've read, K1000 supposedly posess a tremendous speed, often being compared (probably not quite realistic) with the electrostatics because of this. Do K1000 suffer in this area when used with tube amps, and if yes, to what degree? I only remember one person who reported excelent speed out of a Jolida integrated (302B, I think).

i use the tube city 300bc amp:

http://www.tubecity.net/amplifier.htm

it's very good. NO noise at all!!!...which is tremendous for a tube amp. i don't believe in things like "speed" and "soundstage"... i think they are irrelevant to amplifier design. but i can tell you, the sound is very clean, there's no noise, and it looks beautiful! no distortion i can hear either.

works perfectly with the k1000. perfect amount of power (almost exactly 1wpc @ 120ohms per AKG's reported stats.)

kinda feels silly though to use an amp so huge and heavy for a pair of headphones.... but this amp would be one of the best for your k1000, at any price. i am sure of that.

**Slightly Off Topic**

Hey Tuberoller I've heard you comment about the Twinhead Mk2 with the K1000 but how does it fair with standard headphones? Did you try it with a selection of high and low imp cans?

**/End Slightly Off Topic**

I've personally used the K 1000 with the classic Audiolab (solid state) P/Q combo. To me, the K 1000 with this combo sounded incredibly detailed with a great sense of presence but lacked a bit of sweetness that tubes offer. Basically this was one very analytical/neutral setup and I'd imagine you'd get similar results from good solid state gear. Solid state gives you blacker blacks quicker transients (sometimes more dynamic range) and bass kick at the cost of sound that some people could describe as slightly sterile.

Just my 2c...

Cool Thread
Anyone ever tried K1000 with Dynaco ST-70 or ST-120?
I am also very interested in K1000 with nOrh SE9, it seems like a great amp, but haven't heard much people talk about it.
Thank you.

bozebuttons swears the nohr is like one of the best amps for the k1000 at any price...... you might want to pm him

The Fisher 400 and the AudioValve RKV are both excellent with the K-1000. I have to sit down and decide which I like best. The RKV has the early lead, but there are more tube options with the Fisher...

I've just got a Fisher 400.
Ordered restored kit from FisherDoc, trying to find the lower voltage thing, searching for some power tube...etc
Anything else I need to know before I can enjoy some music?

Thank you.

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Another vote for the RKV; beautiful live sound on soundless background.

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I've tried it with a Stereo 70 and wish more people could hear the match the two instruments make without paying Internet prices.

NGF

Can the K1000s be driven by my Corda HA-2 amp?
John

I believe the 'zotl puts out 1 watt per channel, and it does have speaker binding posts. Anybody ever try it? Thanks.

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Yep. The ZOTL doesn't really have the horsepower. It can get pretty decent sound run full out, but won't get loud.

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I second--it's a great combination.