Show Reports
The Best Small Room Sound
"After a few phone calls with LKV Research mastermind Bill Hutchens over the summer, I felt imperative that I meet the man face-to-face, and give his LKV Research electronics a guided listening. Mind you this isn’t the first time I’ve heard LKV Research electronics while touring the audio show circuit, but the first time meeting Bill and discussing the new Veros PWR+. In the front of the electronics from LKV Research, two familiar faceplates. The Veros One phono-stage, and Line One Preamplifier. From there, it was the new Veros PWR+ power amplifier that was gathering all the attention.
"The Veros PWR+ power amplifier features LKV Research designed input stages, voltage gain, driver stages, and power supplies. All of the LKV Research circuits run in Class-A, while the output stage of the Veros PWR+ uses Bruno Putzey’s new Purifi (1ET400A) Class-D amplifier modules. The special thing about the Purifi amplifier modules is the way Bruno Putzey has arranged the feedback to normalize at a near constant level across all audible frequencies. Specs for the Veros PWR+ are quite impressive with power output ratings up to 460-wpc into 4-Ohms, dual-mono signal circuitry, and LKV’s AZF short signal path gain circuit that has been optimized for the new Purifi module."
“ 'Finesse and grip' is the lead-off description in my listening notes, and I would have to say that really does sum everything up. With gobs of power on hand from the Class-D modules, and LKV’s Class-A input circuitry everywhere else inside, the mating of the two topologies was fast, clean, and exciting in a way that Class-D amplification rarely shows."
- Veros PWR+
- Veros One
- Line One
- Equipment List
"I have always admired Bill Hutchins, the chief designer at LKV Research, because to me he embodies the true amp-builder’s spirit. He builds his LKV products himself, by hand. That includes his amp and preamp chassis, which are made in his own shop, without the help of a CNC machine. LKV chassis look a little homemade, but, to me, that is what makes them beautiful. They have artistic soul. Every amp comes with buckets of invisible (but valuable) Bill-sweat. I appreciate that much more than the fifty-pounds of faceplate-advertising that comes with anonymously constructed luxury brands.
Best of all, Hutchins’ products make very lucid sound at very reasonable prices."
Mr. Shook wrote an extensive review of LKV components and Sonner Audio speakers.
- Veros PWR
- Veros One
- Line One
- Equipment List
- Verito - 1
"LKV Research debuted the Verito 1, their latest integrated amplifier ($2700 with MM/MC phono; $2200 without), made by hand in New Hampshire. For those familiar with LKV, the Verito 1's phono stage descends from the Veros One, and the gain circuitry is "virtually identical" to the Line One preamplifier. The preamp section employs class-A differential amplifiers, and the power amp section delivers 180+ watts into 8/4/2 ohm loads. With features like these, the Verito 1 uniquely positions itself as an (relatively) affordable, versatile component ideal for audiophiles who wish to periodically upgrade and adjust their system.
"The Verito 1 was joined by a VPI Prime turntable ($3999), an Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge ($999), Joseph Audio Perspective speakers ($12,995/pair) and an Audience aR6 power conditioner ($4500), atop Pangea Vulcan equipment stands. While listening to Sonny Rollins' "I'm an Old Cowhand" off Way Out West, I was most impressed by how accurate the timbre of each instrument was reproduced."
- Veros One
- Line One
"I always feel bad for LKV Research: their LKV Veros One ($6500) and Phono 2-SB ($3000) phono preamplifiers have yet to receive all the respect they deserve. Both products are quiet, well-spoken, charming, and well-mannered. Their efforts never jump out and grab your attention. I am most familiar with the Veros One, which always just rolls along, playing black discs with a subtle but sure magic. Every system I have experienced with an LKV phono stage preamplifier feels organic.
"And today, listening to the Veros One, with the LKV Research Line One line-level preamplifier ($3500) driving the Conrad-Johnson Premier Eleven power amplifier, itself connected to a pair of Joseph Audio Pulsar speakers ($7700), I experienced that exact same organic-ness. When I use the word organic as an adjective in an audio context, I mean it just like the food term: rich, tasty, right, and natural. For my analog audio palate, no phono stage or cartridge can achieve "reference" status without that Certified Organic label attached—and the LKV Veros One has earned it."
- Veros One
- Line One
- Veros One
- Line One
- Line One
"[A] very simple design, but one that looks very well-made with a lot of attention spent on making as many components as non-critical as possible, and spending as much effort on those few critical components left. This is the sort of good design practice that I would love to see more of in the high end world. "
- Veros One
- Line One
- Phono 2-SB
- Veros One
- Line One