Well.... I think the review is very valuable. I have listened to some pretty expensive integrated units in the last several months (not the ModWright yet, but may have that opportunity next week here in PDX), and many have fallen flat, compared even to my little NAD. However, I agree that there are so many variables that it can be a tough row to hoe getting a unit to perform correctly.

I'd have to say that I'd give the benefit of the doubt to ModWright, given their track record of very good products, but a user's experience and review is very valuable and, at the very least, should lead to more inquiry.

I agree with you on this, John. Any direct users opinion is valuable, and my post was not intending to say that if it came across that way. I'd like to know more about the parameters and associated equipment involved, because the review is so far different than my (and many others) experiences... :scratch2:

I'm hoping my experience mirrors the published reviews and not the above. I should have the amp by Tuesday, so after a little break-in, I will hopefully be able to make a few initial comments by next weekend.

Looking forward to your thoughts, Kevin.

I have a hunch you are going to be pleased, Kevin. I am really looking forward to your review, in particular how the unit sounds with your GM's. Did you order the base unit, or did you add on the modular DAC (since you mentioned using it with a computer)?

Please do report your initial impressions, but do be aware that the MWI custom capacitors in their units do require A LOT of break-in time. That is partially the reason I have not written more about the LS100 I am evaluating - the sound has taken quite a while longer than I was expecting to finally settle into place. Now that I am finally there, I will simply say that it is a keeper, and I love what I am hearing! I hope you end up feeling the same way about the KWI-200...

I sincerely hope you're right JJ, perhaps it had a fault? I realise that was a strong statement, but I've literally had dozens of amps in my system over the fast couple of years and I can honestly say it was the worst. Not only the worst, but the only one which I literally couldn't listen to it. Ie I wasn't enjoying listening to music, which is crazy talk!

But I read nothing but positive reviews on this amp and the brand, so perhaps something fishy was going on. 4N6 I hope yours works in your system.

Got the KWI-200 this afternoon. Yea! Immediately hooked it up to my Guarneri mementos and the Cambridge Audio 840 CDP (my computer source isn't ready yet). I put in Norah Jones and hit play.

For cold, right out of the box and completely not broken in...the sound was tremendous. Vocals were already warm and rich, and the bass was tight and tuneful. I will restrain from getting too analytic at this point as it is brand new, but first impressions are very good.

That is the good part. I will say that the amp is physically noisy. Not really a transformer hum, but definitely some mechanical noise. The noise is from the amp itself, not what is coming out of the speakers. Not sure if this will resolve in time, or if I may need to send it back. I'll give it some time and we'll see. One thing though, when the music is playing, I cannot hear the noise, so it is not THAT big of a deal.

All-in-all though, I am VERY happy with the amp thus far. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next few weeks bring.

Glad to hear it Kevin - starting to consider that I had a lemon because with Maggies you would have picked up any signs of the negatives I experienced. Nice one!

Kevin - very glad to hear that you are pleased with the sound of the KWI-200. It will be fun to hear what you think after some more break in, and your detailed impressions.

I recommend contacting ModWright directly and speaking with Dan about the physical noise from the amp. I have no doubt he will make sure you are taken care of!

+1 to all of this!