Its better than the hk in ease of listening,a bit more mellow in the highs and the bass is close to the hk but the hk wins out for punch,of course the hk was 100.00 and these are about 1800 used.If I had to choose on listening alone it would be the Stingray hands down,maybe time to start saving my pennies.all new production rays will have sub out,triode switch,and tape loop.decisions decisions.