I have auditioned the Kenzie through the grace of ampsandsound company, owner Justin Weber. I had read some positive comments on the web so wanted to check this out at CanJam RMAF. I fell
in love with the Agartha amp, dual 300B tubes, $3600, driving Ether C Flows, but knew I have no immediate prospects of earning that much for recreation purposes. Justin suggested that the Kenzie
would drive my Ethers as well as my Grados. I know Justin to be honest, and did not doubt him, but holy cow!
I played So Long, So Wrong by Alison Krauss and Union Station first... judging tone, detail and intricacy. A superb performance on all counts! If you don't know Alison, but you like angelic voices, you
need to hear her. Next I jumped all in with Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Night Castle... I apologize if tour de force is a cliche to you, but I don't know a better term... It is a rock opera which is full of dynamics
and contrasts. It took me a while to enjoy it but it will grow on you if you open the door.
Next I listened to Big & Rich Greatest Hits, great country rock with contrasts.
I listened to my Grado PS1000, PS500, Mr. Speaker Alpha Dogs and Alpha Primes, and with each of them could not find a note or whisper less than perfectly performed.
If you consider soundstage important with headphones, it was perfectly done according to the ability of the music. I was surprised, I am actually a speaker guy and pay attention to a widespread
display of the music with my large Tannoys.
The Kenzie elevates headphone listening to a standard worthy of competition with speakers. That is not easy for me to admit... I have a Bottlehead Smack amp for my Grados and a Van Alstine
Transcendance 8+ pre amp for tougher loads. They are still great but the Kenzie is stronger, beautifully. I need to sell some gear and will have my Kenzie soon.
in love with the Agartha amp, dual 300B tubes, $3600, driving Ether C Flows, but knew I have no immediate prospects of earning that much for recreation purposes. Justin suggested that the Kenzie
would drive my Ethers as well as my Grados. I know Justin to be honest, and did not doubt him, but holy cow!
I played So Long, So Wrong by Alison Krauss and Union Station first... judging tone, detail and intricacy. A superb performance on all counts! If you don't know Alison, but you like angelic voices, you
need to hear her. Next I jumped all in with Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Night Castle... I apologize if tour de force is a cliche to you, but I don't know a better term... It is a rock opera which is full of dynamics
and contrasts. It took me a while to enjoy it but it will grow on you if you open the door.
Next I listened to Big & Rich Greatest Hits, great country rock with contrasts.
I listened to my Grado PS1000, PS500, Mr. Speaker Alpha Dogs and Alpha Primes, and with each of them could not find a note or whisper less than perfectly performed.
If you consider soundstage important with headphones, it was perfectly done according to the ability of the music. I was surprised, I am actually a speaker guy and pay attention to a widespread
display of the music with my large Tannoys.
The Kenzie elevates headphone listening to a standard worthy of competition with speakers. That is not easy for me to admit... I have a Bottlehead Smack amp for my Grados and a Van Alstine
Transcendance 8+ pre amp for tougher loads. They are still great but the Kenzie is stronger, beautifully. I need to sell some gear and will have my Kenzie soon.
