Three Identical edrum amps: KAT, Kustom, ddrum

[grog]

The whole "common factory in China/rebadging" thing we've seen over the last couple of years continues.

First my usual plug: back in the Feb 2014 issue of dD Mag:
http://issuu.com/digitaldrummer/docs...b_2014_issuu/0

I reviewed KAT Percussion's KA1 and KA2 edrum amps. That article evaluated them many times in comparison to the similar (but still fundamentally different) Simmons DA200S. So, in terms of evaluating the type of edrum amp, that'll give you a baseline.

This post is about the KA2 "family" as now both Kustom and ddrum offer identical units:

Kustom KDA200:

http://www.kustom.com/product_detail...ctID=254&Tab=0

ddrum DDA200:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ddrum-DD...63-i3632414.gc

What's interesting is price variability and unit availability across the three brands.

The KAT KA2 is widely available here via the usual online retailers. Price is $369.

The ddrum DDA200 is widely available here via the usual online retailers. Price is $399.

The Kustom KDA200 is *not* widely available here. Most sites either don't carry it or show it as out of stock. I found one place just 90 minutes from me that has an online shop which does carry it. Price is $350. But, very interesting is this link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kustom-KDA20...-/261745546872

Reputable ebay seller. Price is $199 and that includes free shipping.

All three are identical. I'd like to know what common factory in China they're coming from.

Actually, $200 for a decent enough edrum amp is hard to pass up. If you're looking for something that will suffice for a lot of usage environments (yeah, yeah, it's not some JBL or Mackie monster self-powered cabinet but then again it costs a helluva lot less), you can buy two of the Kustom's via ebay for the price of one of them from ddrum. Go figure.

Here's an update of sorts: I posted something similar to this on the dD Mag Facebook group. KAT replied saying that their unit differs in that it's spec'd and tuned differently. I couldn't find the ddrums manual but did, finally, scare up the Kustom manual (for some reason, Kustom doesn't have the manual on their home page). The paper specs are identical. I've asked the KAT rep (I've dealt with him on previous reviews) if he could elaborate on what he means by "tuned differently".

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www.dauphinehotel.com

[Kenster]

"Tuned" differently, please keep us updated on this, it is very interesting indeed!! Good scoop!

K ;-)

[DougM]

Thanks for posting. I wasn't aware of the Kustom offering until now, and at $199 with free shipping, it warrants serious consideration. I just wish I could find a place to try out one of these clones before pulling the trigger. I hate buying audio equipment without having a chance to listen to it first.

[allanjohn]

I suspect the "tuning" is associated with the Turbo button, which in the case of the Kustom "is the special Crack control. Allowing you to define your snare sound from the softest to 'right in your face' snap.". KAT calls it "Attack" control.

[grog]

I suspect the "tuning" is associated with the Turbo button, which in the case of the Kustom "is the special Crack control. Allowing you to define your snare sound from the softest to 'right in your face' snap.". KAT calls it "Attack" control.

"In your face" is exactly how I described this effect in the dD Mag article on the KA2.

I'm still mystified as to how one is "tuned differently" than the other. Kustom calls it Crack, KAT calls it Attack; you say tomato, I say tomahto. Regardless, each is doing the exact same thing presumably across the same spectrum.

BTW, I still can't find a manual for the ddrum unit.

DougM, yeah it's tough and although I've liked what I've heard with the KA2 (and thus assume it's identical to the Kustom), I'm also the first to say "don't take my word for it".

www.digitaldrummermag.com
www.dauphinehotel.com

[DougM]

I decided to take a chance on the $199 Kustom KDA200 but when I logged onto ebay this morning I found that they're all sold out. I wonder how many forum members here beat me to it because there were still several available as of two days ago.

[grog]

This guy shows two available:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kustom-KDA100-Drum-Amplifier-FREE-SHIPPING-/111623292118?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19fd4444d6

[DougM]

Thanks but those are the KDA100's. I was hoping to find a KDA200.

[grog]

Oh crap, how embarrassing. Totally overlooked that. Duh.

https://www.digitaldrummermag.com

https://www.dauphinehotel.com

[Drak]

We just bought a Yamaha DTX 502 and now we're wanting an amp so that when I teach my son to play we can both hear what's happening. We'd also like the option of playing without headphones now and then. I'm in Canada and we don't have access to the Simmons line. But I can get the Kustom KDA 200. I'm just wondering if it's worth it, and is it truly identical to the KAT? There are no reviews on the Kustom that I can find. My other option is a Yamaha MS40DR or MS50DR.

[Vectron]

Can anyone who bought this Kustom KDA200 amp, please let us know what they think of it?

[thebarak]

If buying any of the three on eBay, make sure it has the right plug and transformer for your country of residence. There is no world standard for public electricity.

[t10can64]

[Fugazy]

Looks like a 5x20mm 2.5A 250V slo-blo glass fuse. Should not be too hard to find a replacement with the same specs from another manufacturer if you can't locate the Littelfuse version. Here is the spec sheet: http://www.littelfuse.com/products/f...8/21802_5.aspx.

Here's what looks to be a replacement from Witonics: https://www.amazon.com/5X20mm-Delay-...f=pd_sbs_328_1.