Kinki Studio EX-M1 200wpc Integrated Amplifier

I was under the impression that some watts were wasted if one had to crank up the volume before hearing something.

That would be true if the combination of amp gain, preamp gain (if there is a separate preamp, although of course there wouldn’t usually be one in the case of an integrated amp such as this one), and source output voltage is insufficient to drive the amp to its maximum power capability even with the volume control at max.

That can happen in some situations, and in fact I’ve been discussing just such a situation in a recent thread which involved the possibility of using a Herron phono stage to drive a certain power amp via a passive preamp which provides no gain.  But that would be a fairly unusual set of circumstances.

Best regards,
-- Al

I wonder how does this amp competes against the Hegel Separates (P20 & H20), i have been considering reducing items and go for a super Integrated instead

Has anyone made any more comparos with other brands like Hegel, Devialet, Bryston, Pass, T+A (the ones around $10,000)

Best regards

I believe @teajay compared the EX-M1 to a $30K T+A and found the 
T+A to better it in air, separation and imaging but found it to be it's equal in the base. Not bad company to be in. He should have a review coming soon. 

All the best,
Nonoise

It states over at vinshineaudio.com that Mike now handles No. American sales and servicing of equipment and to please buy from him as of 8/29/2018.  It's about $89 more than if you bought it from Alex but you're getting the service from someone close by. That, and he has to stock the units as well so it's worth it, if that was part of your question. Sorry if it wasn't.

All the best,
Nonoise