Tonewin VK2100M Integrated Amplifier Reviews...

Positive Feedback Online, Issue 34, Dr. Sardonicus

The Tonewin VK2100M Hybrid Integrated amplifier from Morrow Audio

I want to address some nonsense up front. This impressive integrated amplifier is made in a small town in China. No slave or convict labor, no sweatshop …a community effort. Now we will put that issue aside.

This is an attractive, heavy-cased, well-designed, and well thought out premium 85-watt hybrid (6N1 tubes) integrated amplifier, which currently sells for $500. You heard me, $500. No plastic crap. No cheap terminals or funky controls. No remote.

It is heavy, it is reliable, and it sounds terrific on a wide range of reasonably priced speakers (and on some not so reasonably priced ones).

I have had it in my torture system for some time now, and frankly, I have done everything but drop it on the ground and stomp up and down on it, and not once has it misbehaved in the slightest way. I even deliberately drove it until the thermal protect kicked in …which it did for just a second, to tell me I was misbehaving.

It may be inexpensive; it sure as heck ain't cheap!

The sound is snappy, crisp and very adequately resolving …and it has sufficient power to drive pretty much any likely speaker it might find. Bass control is very good and the tube pre stage simply adds a bit more air without any cloying sweetness.

Lash the Oppo 980 player to this amplifier; hook it to a nice pair of two-ways, and you can build a very satisfying system for under a thousand dollars. Want to splurge a little on better speakers? You will hear your investment.

I simply cannot suggest anything more one could reasonably expect from an amplifier anywhere near this price range that is not adroitly and substantially provided by the Tonewin VK2100M.

This piece has become my "economy" reference, and I plan to use it as the centerpiece for a number of small speaker reviews upcoming.

Like Pacific Valve, Morrow Audio has some very interesting offerings you should really take a peek at.

Warmly recommended.

Morrow Audio
C/O TV Doctor
(Morrow Audio is a division of TV Doctor)
1133 Casson Way
Independence, KY 41051
web address: www.morrowaudio.com
TEL: 800. 280. 9167