REVIEW: Purity Audio K.I.C.A.S. Caliente home headphone amp - updated with comments on regular KICAS

[chzplz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyrodec /img/forum/go_quote.gif tbonner1 - funniest avatar in the history of the internet. On topic - This amp might be just what I need. Waiting eagerly for the internal shots.

I just came across this, and have to say re: avatar x10. Tbonner, when you write your will, please leave your avatar to me.

To make this post less gratuitous, re: Caliente-- Sky, other than the deep bass, how does the caliente compare to the opera? Any more post-burn thoughts by Caliente owners?

Ira

 

[Blueiz]

Anxiously awaiting further impressions....

 

[Skylab]

My impressions of the Caliente continue to be very, very favorable. Really enjoyable amp.

Also, tbonner seemed to basically agree with me: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...lifier-336473/

 

[Skylab]

I brought the KICAS to the Chicago Mini-meet today, and it seemed to impress a few people as to how good is sounded. Always nice to watch people get pleasantly surprised by something

 

[audible]

Skylab, thanks for your contributions!

Did anyone at the Chicago mini-meet test the Caliente with 701's? If so, what was their impression?

 

[Skylab]

There was a pair of 701's at the meet but I'm not sure if anyone tried that combo.

 

[Aura]

I was able to spend a little bit of time with the Caliente (using my DX1000) at the Chicago meet yesterday. I am very glad that Rob brought it with him. I preferred it to several other amps I also listened to.

The most striking aspect of the KICAS is that it actually sounds less like a solid-state than any other solid-state amp I have yet heard. For tube users and fans, this is extremely favorable. If I ever find the urge to grab another solid-state, I would have to put the Caliente right at the top based simply on the unique presence it provides. I could tell that I was not listening to tubes, but it did not feel lifeless, which is often what I experience when I demo s/s amps (an unfortunate side-effect of becoming an owner of tubes it seems).

But yeah, big thumbs-up from me if you are considering this amp.

 

[audible]

At this price point, does it outclass other comparable tube amps?

 

[Mikha]

Its interesting is it better than Little Dot MK V with Denon D2000 or other low impedance phones? Any comparisons with other similar by price models?

 

[Gradofan2]

How is it with both... Denons... as well as... Senns.

Does it have enough power (current and voltage) to drive both with ease - with great control of the bass and highs of the Denons... and... driving the Senns to their utmost in speed, clarity and detail?

Not... just "enough power"... but "massive power."

Both phones need that.

For some reason... the KICAS' rather "modest" power specs... leave me "a doubting Thomas."

 

[s1rrah]

@KICAS builders:

Can you mail me a demo unit for a week to compare to my Stello HP100?

If I like it more than my current standby amp (which I very much love), I swear by my feedback thread to buy it!

Yes.

That was a shameless attempt at garnering a free demo of a ever more alluring amp.

Chalk it up to my trusting "Aura's" (Bryan's) ear ...

(otherwise ... gratuitous bump!)

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1rrah /img/forum/go_quote.gif @KICAS builders: Can you mail me a demo unit for a week to compare to my Stello HP100? If I like it more than my current standby amp (which I very much love), I swear by my feedback thread to buy it! Yes. That was a shameless attempt at garnering a free demo of a ever more alluring amp. Chalk it up to my trusting "Aura's" (Bryan's) ear ... (otherwise ... gratuitous bump!)

I think they offer a 2 week "satisfaction guarantee" - right?

Seems like that's pretty close to a "free demo."

 

[Skylab]

GradoFan2, it has MORE than enough power for Denons. I haven't tried it with Senns.

S1rrah, if you email Purity Audio I think you can get on a list for a loaner.

 

[digger945]

Skylab, having read both your Beta 22 review as well as this review of the Caliente, and having listened to your Caliente with your own Denons, how far behind the Beta is the Caliente really. Say the Beta is a 10 overall, would the Caliente be an 8, without too many specifics involved, just overall. BTW, I really liked listening to your Caliente at the meet, it was very addictive.

 

[Skylab]

The Caliente really is a nice amp, isn't it? I'd say if the beta 22 is a 10, the KICAS is a 7.5, which is giving it very high marks indeed.