dagogo reviews our King

3rd September, 2009

We are pleased to share with you an excellent review of our King, written by Doug Schroeder of dagogo.com.

"How good is the King Sound King? I knew within two minutes of hearing it at CES I had to review it. It only took ten minutes of hearing it in my room, before the VAC power supplies arrived, to know I have to buy it, and every second of every month of use has confirmed it."

Click on the link for the full article.

Source: http://www.dagogo.com/View-Article.asp?hArticle=513

Photos from CES 2009 28th February, 2009 Here are a few of our shots taken during the CES, followed by a collection of reviews in the next post. Enjoy!

Prince II:

King System:

King and King System:

Queen II and King Tower:

VAC Alpha Integrated and Music Culture RCD 1 - both companies also attended the show and generously supplied these equipment:

VAC Phi 200 power amplifiers:

VAC Signature Preamplifier Mk II:

CES 2009 reports on KingSound ESLs

15th February, 2009

Thank you to all those who dropped by at the CES last month. It was nice to see many old faces, and new faces were most welcome too.

Before we proceed, we would like to give a shout out to VAC who we had partnered with throughout the show. It's been a great pleasure and thank you so much for your help! You can read all about it in their CES 2009 Report here.

Below is a collection of other CES 2009 reports that have mentioned our ESLs:

"Dynamic snap of percussion instruments was among the best I’ve heard from a full range ESL.  Soundstage width and depth were nearly state-of-the-art, another calling card of good ‘stats."

- Phillip Holmes, dagogo.com

"Most Pleasing Planars [of CES 2009]: KingSound’s The King and The Prince II"

- Doug Schroeder, dagogo.com

"As best as we could determine, the sound was pretty amazing. Since these appear to be rather high value speakers, we'll try to get a pair for review."

- stereomojo.com

"This year, they have U.S. distribution and I'm delighted to say that, for those of us who long for a full-range electrostatic but don't quite have the money for MartinLogan's new CLXs, we now have King Audio."

- Andrew Robinson, hometheaterreview.com

"Regardless of the type of music, including Rammstein and thunderous soundtracks, the Prince II played flawlessly."

- Roger Gordon, positive-feedback.com

"The best sound of the show for me was the King Audio full-range electrostatic speaker. It was not only the best sound I heard at 2009 CES, but the best sound I have heard at any show. It was also one of the best sounds that I have heard from any system."

- Clay Swartz and Karen Wong, positive-feedback.com

"I was taken by the amount of tight and articulate bass these 'stats were capable of..."

- Clement Perry, StereoTtimes.com

U-Audio's visit to our rooms in CES 2008

4th February, 2008

Taiwanese audiophilic news site, U-Audio, dropped by and produced a detailed article about our products.

Click on the link for the full Chinese article and some beautiful photos.

Source (Chinese link): http://news.u-audio.com.tw/newsdetail.asp?newsid=223

Clement Perry and Dave Thomas of The Stereo Times visiting us in CES 2008

4th February, 2008

Perry: "Chinese manufacturers King Sound Ltd, makers of the King electrostatic loudspeaker reviewed here, revealed an arsenal of affordable products. One included a omni-directional dynamic design that, though in prototype form, really sounded quite impressive...especially with a price promised at around $2,500.00. Not too many omni-designed loudspeakers can be had at that price. Sound was impressive to boot."

Source: http://www.stereotimes.com/CES08CPD.shtml

Thomas: "Getting back to more reasonable fare, I remembered editing Lew Lanese’s excellent review last year of the King electrostatic loudspeaker from King Sound. They seemed like one heck of a bargain for the price and the level of performance the Lew indicated they were capable of. He was right. But the value for the dollar didn’t stop at the King loudspeaker as I felt the same way after spending quite a bit of time listening to the King’s slightly smaller sibling, the Prince II ($4,000). Listening once again to my Erin Bode disc I was entranced by the wonderful imaging and soundstaging capabilities of this 'stat. At only $4K a pair, these speakers represent a golden opportunity to experience a type of musicality rarely afforded by dynamic designs. The Prince IIs were driven by the MBL 8011AM mono amps ($13,000/pr)."

Source: http://www.stereotimes.com/CES08DTb.shtml

Audio Federation's visit to our rooms in CES 2008

4th February, 2008

"Kings Audio is always willing to try new speaker designs - and offer them at a reasonable price, too."

Click on the link for more.

Source: http://www.audiofederation.com/hifiing/2008/CES2008/...

King's Audio at 2008 International CES

1st January, 2008

King's Audio will be appearing in the 2008 International CES. This will also be the first public appearance of our two new models: the "King System" hybrid system, and the "Prince II" full range ESL.

Date: 7th-10th January, 2008

Booth: Ven 30-115 and Ven 30-116 at the Venetian Tower

After last year's successful appearance with many positive reviews, we are looking forward to the forthcoming CES. Please do drop by so that we can share the joy of quality audio appreciation with you. See you there!

King's Audio's trade demo at AV Front Line's

1st December, 2007

King's Audio collaborated with Guangzhou's AV Front Line - China's most respectable audio magazine - for a trade demo. It was also the official launch of our two new models: the King System and the Prince II. Also on demo were the award-winning King and Queen loudspeakers.

The show was started off by AV Front Line's Editor Mr. Guo Zhang, followed by introductions from King's Audio China Marketing Director Mr. Siudong Liu, and President Mr. Sam Lai. After demonstrating the several models, our Head Engineer Mr. Chao Song answered questions from the audience.

Click on link for official photos by AV Front Line.

Source (Chinese link): http://www.avfline.com/bbs1/read.php?tid=905

Full review of "King" by "The Stereo Times

16th August, 2007

After giving the Most Wanted Components Award to our "King", Lew Lanese of The Stereo Times gave it a full review. Enjoy!

"... my wife and I attended the American Ballet Theater production of Cinderella in New York City on July 7, 2007. It struck me that the sound of the recording reproduced on the King ESLs approached the live sound I was listening to at the Met (my first such experience with live versus reproduced sound)."

Lew Lanese

Read the full review at http://www.stereotimes.com/speak080807.shtml

Thank you for visiting us at The Super High End Show 2007

13th August, 2007

With the support of enthusiastic audience, The Super High End Show 2007 ended successfully. We would like to thank all the audience and press who visited our room over the weekend - it has been a great pleasure to meet you all for the first time, and we hope that you have enjoyed our loudspeakers.

We look forward to see you again next year!

King's Audio @ The Super High End Show 2007 news coverage (Chinese articles)

KingSound @ The Super High End Show 2007

8th July, 2007

King's Audio will be appearing in the forth coming "Super High End Show" in Hong Kong Grand Hyatt Hotel, displaying the latest range of products. We invite you to come visit us in our display room (Salon III, Mezzanine Level).

Date: 10th-12th August 2007
Venue: Salon III, Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Time: 10th 11:00-19:00/ 11th 10:00-19:00/ 12th 10:00-17:00

Fee: $50 (3-day pass)

Full detail can be found on the official website (Chinese).

"King" given "The Stereo Times 2007 Most Wanted Components Award"

6th July, 2007

"The King ESLs are, for me, the hi-end speaker discovery of the year. The Kings have everything that is great about electrostatic loudspeakers – a window on the sound, with outstanding transparency and none of the limitations of box speakers – as close as you can get to, “you are there” sound."

Lew Lanese

Read the full review at http://www.stereotimes.com/MW2007p3.shtml

"Emperor" review from SonicFlare.com

23rd January, 2007

Yet another report from CES 2007:  

"... Just imagine the looks on their faces when you reveal that your new Asian-themed room dividers are actually $32,000 electrostatic panels from China! Ah, yes, good times..."

Josh Ray

Read the full review and see more photos at http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/vegas07-chameleon-speakers-king-sound.php

"Emperor" review from "The Stereo Times "

19th January, 2007

CES 2007:  

"... Artistic ESLs they are but that's only part of what is attractive about them. Their sound was seductive if for no reason other than they simply didn't sound like they were on..."

Clement Perry

Read the full review at http://www.stereotimes.com/CES07aCP.shtml

"Emperor" featured on "Enjoy the Music.com"

17th January, 2007

CES 2007:  

"From Hong Kong we have interesting new ESL technology..."

Dick Olsher

Read more at http://www.enjoythemusic.com/ces2007/olsher/page3.htm (near the bottom of the page).

"Emperor" featured on soundstage.com and audiofederation.com

14th January, 2007

Another report from CES 2007:  

soundstage.com: "The King Sound Emperor ($32,000/pair) is three identical full-range speakers connected. A pair of Emperors can literally double as room dividers."

Sources: http://www.soundstage2.com/lasvegas2007/dly_jan11_2.html;

http://www.audiofederation.com/hifiing/2007/CES2007/day2/index.htm

cinenow.com praises "Emperor"

13th January, 2007

The first report from CES 2007:  

"Perhaps the most exotic speakers on show were the King’s Audio electrostatics. These Chinese-made panel speakers were built to look like Chinese screens and were making unexpectedly good sounds."

Source: http://www.cinenow.com/uk/news-2256.html

"Hi-Fi News" magazine gives "King" an excellent rating of 19/20!

18th December , 2006
 

"It may need bags of space and power, but this Chinese electrostatic speaker offers all the thrills of a full-range panel at a relatively attractive price."

"... fully juiced, it's clear these speakers are not the bass shy panels of yesteryear... meanwhile, the midrange was incredibly transparent and superbly balanced, though with just a hint of richness in the lower midrange... The upper registers were nothing less than exemplary... Imaging was excellent..."

"The King is an unmitigated success, offering the delights of exotic panel ownership with very few drawbacks."

"Verdict: KingSound has delivered a spectacular flagship model... think Martin Logan CLS II with more bass and dynamic range. It has outstanding balance and is far more dynamic than you have any right to expect from an electrostatic panel."

Tested by David Allcock

Source: Hi-Fi News (UK) December 2006

New product - "Princess"

25th November , 2006

King's Audio has launched a new product today - "Princess".

Each Princess full range loudspeaker consists of an electrostatic panel paired with a vertical subwoofer, all hidden in a stylish grill case, and supported by a tempered glass base. This attractive system can be used with portable music players or hi-fi systems.

Specifications:

Frequency response : 50Hz ~22KHz

Sensitivity : Equivalent to 83db / 1W / 1m, measured at 4 meters

Impedance : Normal 8 ohm

Audio power ( min /max ) : 20 / 80 watts ( music )

Power input : DC 11~15V , 120mA  ( AC-DC adaptor included )

Size : 290 ( W ) × 145 ( D ) × 430 ( H ) mm

Weight : Net weight 5Kg / Each

New photos of "Emperor"

25th November , 2006

Today King's Audio released a couple of new press photos of their forthcoming flagship product "Emperor". This time the interchangable Chinese embroidery panels are installed on both the front and the back: the Chinese characters on the top each represent the plant pictured below them: (from left to right) plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, lotus and pine. The bottom panels are Chinese embroideries of animals: (from left to right) deer, swallows, panda, butterflies, goldfish and crane.

Specifications:

Handling power: 500w

Sensitivity: equivalent 84db / 1w / 1m, measured at 4 meters

Frequency response: 26Hz - 40kHz

Impedance: normal 4ohm

Size: 1440 (w) x 41 (d)x 2006 (h)

Weight: 100kg each

New product - "Emperor"

14th October, 2006

A new model is born: the "Emperor" - our largest electrostatic loudspeaker system (and probably the largest full-range electrostatic loudspeakers in the world)!

Design inspired by traditional oriental folding screens, the Emperor system adds a new visual and audio sensation to your living room. The two outer panels are rotatable on hinges, so you can adjust the panel angles according to your listening location. Each panel will also come installed with a collection of Chinese embroidery in the top, middle and bottom inner frames (not illustrated).

Specifications:

Handling power: 500w

Sensitivity: equivalent 84db / 1w / 1m, measured at 4 meters

Frequency response: 26Hz - 40kHz

Impedance: normal 4ohm

Size: 1440 (w) x 41 (d)x 2006 (h)

Weight: 100kg each

Jim Saxon of SoundStageAV.com puts "King" in top 3 for his Gold Awards

1st February , 2006

CES 2006

"3. King’s Audio Limited

. . . or does that honor fall to the King Sound full-range electrostatic ($6000/pair), from King’s Audio Limited, of China? While playing back Schubert’s Impromptuswith the aid of JoLida tube monoblocks ($8000/pair), the Kings placed the solo piano about 3’ behind the plane of the speakers. When I closed my eyes, the illusion was almost tactile. But why close my eyes? The visual appeal of lamplight shining through the Kings’ honeycomb stat panels made the grilleless speakers resemble artistic room dividers. If I owned the Kings, I would remove their grillecloths (a ten-second job) and do all my listening in the nude -- the speaker, that is."

Jim Saxon

Source: http://www.soundstageav.com/onhifi/20060201.htm

"King" featured on positive-feedback.com

29th January , 2006

CES 2006

"King Sound King electrostatic loudspeakers ($6000 a pair). Very nice stuff. Sounded very nice too!"

Dave and Carol Clark

Source: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue23/ces06dc3.htm

Boston Audio Society credits "King"

22nd January , 2006

CES 2006

"King Audio (Chinese) introduced a fantastic sounding 6' tall electrostatic speaker, $6000.00"

Source: http://www.bostonaudiosociety.org/meetings/06-01_meeting.htm

Audio Federation's review of "King"

22nd January , 2006

CES 2006

"King's Audio, Ltd. - These speakers are $6K or so, according to a second-hand source. The sound was enjoyable, being a well-balanced blend of detail and liquidity. This room sounded better to my ears than the very dry-sounding Sound Lab* room."

Source: http://www.audiofederation.com/hifiing/2006/CES2006/day3/page2/index.htm

Frank Alles of The Stereo Times gives "King" an honorable mention

20th January , 2006

CES 2006

"In closing, I’d like to give out a few honorable mentions for other goodies that impressed me both sonically and visually.

My short list includes:
Room AP2603 Kingsound King full-range electrostatic panel speakers (above $6k/pr)"

Frank Alles

Source: http://www.stereotimes.com/showreportces2006alles2.shtml

Jim Saxon of SoundStageAV.com credits "King"

5th January , 2006

CES 2006

"Another smash hit was the King’s Audio Limited King full-range electrostatic loudspeaker ($6000/pair). Last year I drifted into the King suite at the Hilton Hotel and was both impressed and dismayed by the sound. To my ear, the large paneled monolith was unworthy of its "full-range" billing, and I did not repress my frank opinion at the time. Apparently, King’s Audio’s designer took my candid complaints constructively and responded with an engineering vengeance. I would venture that the King can now put to rest nostalgic memories of Martin-Logan’s original CL3."

Jim Saxon

Source: http://www.soundstageav.com/onhifi/20060105.htm

Review of "King" from stereophile.com

5th January , 2006

CES 2006

"It has been a while since we've seen a new electrostatic enter the fray, so we were surprised at the range of offerings from King's, which ran the gamut from tiny desktop models to a huge baby called the King ($6000). King's has a new angle on 'stats—DC input. The normal technique of using amplified AC voltage caused problems with vibration and interference, they found, so they came up with an efficient DC-driven panel that can be used with as little as 2W.

The King uses multiple panels, which gives greater control over each of them. We were impressed by the bass, which was taut and deep, but even more by the airiness of the top-end, which is an area where a lot of 'stats fall short."

Phillips/Iverson

Source: http://blog.stereophile.com/ces2006/010506kings/