$900.00

Trade-in is not available on this product.

Product Description

Taking its name from the historically rich city in which it’s built, and featuring a new narrow, deep case to easily sit alongside turntable control devices, the Sutherland KC Vibe mk2 MM/MC phono preamplifier plays music with the same vibrancy, spirit, confidence, and unassuming demeanor that have for decades defined Kansas City’s 18th and Vine district. KC Vibe mk2 isn’t just about technical details or internal parts – though it comes up aces in both regards and places a premium on each domain. Rather, this sub-$1k audiophile gem gives credence to both provenance and ethos, facets that cannot be weighed monetarily or by mathematical measurement. One listen to the warmth, detail, imaging, and soundstaging and you’ll recognize KC Vibe mk2 carries on the tradition of Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and more – a legacy that communicates the significance of purity, realness, focus, and integrity. This, after all, is what matters when connecting to your favorite LPs and the artistic statements within them.

Like all U.S.-made Sutherland products, KC Vibe mk2 touts forward-thinking engineering and a straightforward design approach intended to deliver unforgettable listening experiences. Unafraid to reconsider premises most manufacturers take for granted, Ron Sutherland constructed KC Vibe mk2 with a 48-volt outboard power supply to correct an array of longstanding deficiencies. A component is only as good as its power supply – the foundation for creating the output signal. KC Vibe mk2’s 48-volt unit solves issues of limited power, limited filtering, limited regulation, limited quality, and limited voltage. In KC Vibe mk2, filtering isn’t determined by the external power supply. Instead, an extensive, passive RC filtering network completely removes any incoming residue and completely isolates the audio circuitry from both the AC power line and outboard power supply. Rated for more than 500,000 hours mean time between failure, the military-spec power supply allows for a huge margin for reference-grade filtering and isolation – 30 clean, quiet volts, to be specific. When it comes down to performance – determined by effective filtering, isolation, regulation, voltage, and power quality – KC Vibe mk2 owns the advantage.

Internally, KC Vibe mk2 touts many of the same premium parts used in other, more expensive Sutherland phono preamplifiers. It also claims two Wima polypropylene film capacitors, new low-impedance electrolytic capacitors, two Burr-Brown op amps, a reconfigured printed circuit board, and revised outer metal work. The circuit topology, passive RC filtering, and meticulous craftsmanship adhere to Sutherland’s previous proven techniques.

Brand

Sutherland Engineering

Sutherland Engineering has been a trusted name in the high-end audio industry since its founding in 1991. Ron Sutherland first co-founded the legendary Martin-Logan with Gayle Sounders, grounded on his love of physics. The goal was to use science to make art come to life. Missing his independence, he turned his focus to a new company aimed at developing a new range of electronics designed to deliver a truly immersive listening experience.  All their products are handcrafted at their United States headquarters with the utmost care and attention to detail. From their flagship phono stage preamplifiers to their digital-to-analog converters, Sutherland Engineering's products bring out the best in your music collection.  Their range of phono stage preamplifiers includes the iconic Duo PhonoBlock models, revered by audiophiles worldwide. These products feature advanced circuitry and components, including high-quality transformers and capacitors, to deliver a transparent and dynamic sound.  Sutherland Engineering also offers a range of power amplifiers and preamplifiers, including the powerful and versatile Preamp N1 and the compact and efficient KC Vibe MK2. These systems deliver clean, detailed sound with plenty of power to drive even the most demanding speakers. As the nationally recognized leader in the field of high-end audio, home theater and home electronics, Overture is proud to carry Sutherland Engineering Phono Preamplifiers. Interested in purchasing a component from Sutherland Engineering? You can trade-in any turntable, speaker, or electronic component toward a Sutherland Engineering component by filling out our Trade-In Form.