Kinki Studio EX-M1+
The EX-M1+ brings holographic imaging, a jet-black background and swift, disciplined control to a purist high-power integrated. Enjoy The Music found its layered, deeply resolved presentation exceptional, while Audiophile Style highlighted silent operation, transparent treble and authoritative bass. Dual-mono muscle, preamp flexibility and serious metalwork make this an unusually involving analogue centerpiece.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Connectivity
86/100
Value for Money
95/100
Pros
Exceptionally deep, stable and precisely layered soundstage with strong image focus.
Very low noise, transparent treble, fast transients and tightly controlled bass.
Superb 25kg dual-mono construction, with robust aluminum casework, quality controls and flexible preamp/HT-bypass operation.
Cons
Bass is controlled and articulate but can sound leaner or less forceful than some rivals, especially with demanding speakers.
Its reserved, slightly cool presentation and high-level dynamic ceiling may not suit listeners seeking maximum warmth or excitement.
Purist design omits a built-in DAC, streamer, phono stage and headphone output.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently praise an exceptionally clean, composed and spatially vivid presentation. The EX-M1+ combines high transparency, stable imaging and impressive control with a generally neutral-to-slightly-cool balance; its main limitation is that some listeners wanted more bass weight and large-scale impact.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
Audiophile Style heard effectively no hum or hiss, describing the resulting top end as incredibly transparent. Pursuit Perfect System likewise calls the presentation “see-through,” with a dark background, excellent transient clarity and strong separation even in complex music.
Tonal Balance Musicality
89/100
The amplifier is widely described as smooth, refined, neutral and free of fatigue, with clear vocals and convincing instrumental tone. Its balance is not especially warm or overtly rich: several reviewers found the midrange somewhat cool or analytical, while others noted a reserved, laid-back character and leaner bass than tube or separates comparisons.
Dynamics
88/100
Fast transients, excellent timing, tight bass control and substantial drive are recurring strengths, and reviewers found it capable of driving demanding loudspeakers with energy and composure. At the same time, Pursuit Perfect System and Enjoy The Music each noted a limit at higher levels, with slightly compressed microdynamics or less ultimate bass impact than some alternatives.
Soundstage Imaging
96/100
Soundstage performance is a standout. Multiple reviewers report exceptional depth, width, layering and image stability, with instruments precisely located well behind the speakers and the presentation remaining three-dimensional across a range of loudspeakers.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
Reviewers repeatedly describe the 25kg EX-M1+ as solidly and meticulously assembled, citing its thick aluminum casework, clean internal layout, substantial power supply, quality terminals and dual-mono construction. The metal remote, clear display, robust knobs and reliable operation during review periods further reinforce the impression of unusually serious execution.
Features Connectivity
86/100
This is intentionally a purist line-level integrated rather than a digital hub: there is no DAC, streamer, phono stage or headphone socket. It nevertheless offers three RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input, HT bypass, preamp output with selectable integrated/preamp modes, subwoofer-friendly output use, gain selection, display dimming and a substantial remote.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly $2,898, reviewers repeatedly regard the EX-M1+ as a bargain or exceptional value for its sound and construction. Audiophile Style calls it highly recommendable even at twice the price, while Enjoy The Music contrasts its performance favorably with more expensive AV receivers and Pursuit Perfect System praises its build and sound at the asking price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Frequency Response
- 10-150kHz (±3dB)
- THDN
- 0.0232%; 0.006% (A-Weighted)
- S/N Ratio
- >103dB
- Output Power
- 215W RMS (8Ω) , 290W RMS (4Ω)
- Damping Factor
- 2000
- Gain
- Normal Gain 26 dB
- Max Output Voltage
- 55VAC
- AC Power
- 110/240VAC, 50/60Hz (Factory configure)
- Input Sensitivity
- 2.25Vrms - 3.6Vrms
- Input Impedance
- 50kΩ
- Input Connector
- RCA x 3, XLR x 1, HT BYPASS x 1
- Output
- Speaker Binding Post 4mm L/R Channel\nPreamp Output x 1
- Dimension
- 430W x 125H x 370D
- Weight
- 25KG
Manufacturer's Description — Kinki Studio
The ultimate universal integrated amplifier. Positioned above the acclaimed EX-M1, it adds a dimmable display, preamp output and home-theatre bypass to a reference dual-mono design.
The good of EX-M1, preserved
Drawing on the award-winning EX-M1, the EX-M1+ keeps the microprocessor-controlled design, MUSES electronic volume control and dual 400VA encapsulated transformers.
Its quasi-monoblock amplifier stage with lateral Exicon MOSFETs delivers the ultra-fast, dynamic response the series is known for.
Preamp Out · HT Bypass
Preamp Output toggles from the redesigned remote — use the EX-M1+ as a standalone preamp, or feed a subwoofer or EX-B7 monoblocks for bi-amping.
HT Bypass activates with a single button, bypassing the preamp so it slots into a home-theatre system as a power amp.
High-damping modular power stage
Power circuitry mounted directly to a custom gold-anodised heat sink. Two modules — two pairs of Exicon MOSFETs each, Class A/B — deliver 215 watts into 4–8Ω.
A high damping factor, fast DC rails, ultra-high slew rate and a fully DC-coupled path yield neutral, transparent sound with exceptional detail and transient speed.
Crafted to perfection
215 watts RMS into 8Ω makes the EX-M1+ one of very few integrated amplifiers in its class that can drive any loudspeaker with both channels fully driven.
Neutrality and musicality — rich tonal quality, vivid imaging, high resolution and dynamic range, the hallmark of Kinki Studio.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Kinki Studio EX-M1+
- ARK Audio — online and in-store — Borensberg, Östergötlands län, Sweden (website)
- AV Corp — online and in-store — Jawor, Województwo dolnośląskie, Poland (website)
- Echo Audio — online and in-store — Portland, Oregon, United States (website)
- Musicraft — in-store — Derby, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Tek Audio Specialities — online — United States (website)
- The Audio Co. — online and in-store — Gurugram, Haryana, India (website)
- Vinshine Audio — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Willow Tree Audio — online and in-store — Bury Saint Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)