Description
Kinki Studio EX-M1+ Integrated Amplifier
Enhanced Refinement. Greater Control. All the Musicality of the Original—Turned Up.
The Kinki Studio EX-M1+ builds upon the award-winning foundation of the original EX-M1, offering meaningful refinements that elevate its performance and versatility. Maintaining the same robust dual-mono architecture, fully discrete circuitry, and relay-controlled stepped attenuator, the EX-M1+ adds critical preamp features and greater system flexibility for discerning audiophiles.
Under the hood, the EX-M1+ shares the same oversized dual 400VA toroidal transformers, Class AB output stage, and independent amplification modules per channel as the EX-M1. The sonic character remains true to Kinki’s house sound: dynamic, transparent, and musically engaging — but now with additional control and customization.
The key enhancement is the addition of preamp outputs and power amp inputs, making the EX-M1+ suitable for integration into more complex systems, such as bi-amping configurations or when pairing with an external DAC or preamp. It also allows the EX-M1+ to act as a standalone power amplifier or to feed a separate amplifier chain — options that were not possible with the original EX-M1.
The gain structure has also been improved, with selectable gain levels accessible via the remote control, allowing better matching with sensitive speakers or sources. This added flexibility makes the EX-M1+ even more versatile in a broader range of systems.
EX-M1 vs EX-M1+ – Key Differences:
| Feature | EX-M1 | EX-M1+ |
| Preamp Output | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Power Amp Input | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Gain Control | ❌ Fixed | ✅ Selectable |
| Use in System Expansion | Limited | Flexible for bi-amping, external preamps, etc. |
| Sound Signature | Fast, transparent, dynamic | Same signature with more control and adaptability |
Quick Review by Stav:
After extensive listening, the Kinki Studio EX-M1+ proves to be more than just a revision — it’s a true evolution. While retaining the effortless drive, clarity, and punch that made the original EX-M1 so compelling, the added features and improved system flexibility bring real-world usability and futureproofing. In my system, the EX-M1+ offered slightly more headroom and control, especially in complex passages, and the selectable gain made it easier to fine-tune speaker synergy. For those who loved the EX-M1 but wanted “just a bit more,” the EX-M1+ delivers — and then some.
