I'm just kidding, ha ha. Obviously, these cute little components are extremely light (both on the wallet and on the forearms) and room-friendly.
The 20W KingRex uses a Tripath T2020-20 chip in its endeavor for tube amp sound. The company's literature demands, playfully: "Eat your valve out!" The T20U ($309) adds a USB input and DAC. The nicely finished JB3 loudspeaker, meanwhile, uses a 3" paper-cone driver and is rated for 87dB efficiency.
Mated to an extremely inexpensive Sony CD player, the combination of KingRex T20U, PSU, Pre-Amp ($290), and JohnBlue JB3 loudspeakers managed to impart some body to Katie Melua's breathy vocals. Tight images were set within a surprisingly deep soundstage. At these prices, you are bound to sacrifices, but no matter: The team at Obad Imports is working to provide true hi-fi quality for those who may be intimidated by the high-end's high prices. And that is an endeavor I support.
