I have a 7004 and I am hugely impressed by it.
I read as many reviews/forum threads as I was able to find on it (seeing that WHF have yet to cast their opinion on it
![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
oke: ) before I made the purchase, and all were very positive, much to my delight. My ears certainly agree - I love it. From what I have read the KI is very similar (they even share the same manual) - the only major differences being a copper chassis and torodial transformer. I would love a KI but had to ask myself if those differences would be worth the extra money. I decided not.
The sound of the 7004 is beautiful in direct mode - warm and rich but tight too, and it packs serious punch and guts. Volume at less that halfway (driving B&W 684s) is enough to bring the roof tiles off!
With the sound signal utilising the tri-tone bass/mid/treble circuits there is no discernable loss of transparency or detail compared to the direct mode, but with the added benefit of being able to tweak the tone to your own taste or room characteristics. I love this feature, and quickly found my ideal preference.
All in all, I cannot fault it in the slightest - so it certainly gets my two thumbs up. Do some reading up and I'm sure your'll find equally postive reviews as mine - you can buy with confidence.
Do please let us know what you decide.
Regards, Keith