K and K has a propriatry pre-amp but it is still a pre-amp. It alters the signal from the pick up and creates a better sound OR a signal that the sound system can manage.

I have played a lot of venues with a sound guy present who has tried to take a signal right off the guitar or banjo and run straight into the board. The complaint has always been of a dry tinny sound with no bottom or volume. Put a pre-am in the mix and suddenly the sound guy had a signal he could work with.

And this is true also with my basic 8 channel PV powered mixer when I do the sound my self.

I don't disagree that K and K pick ups excellent pick ups. As long as they are matched to the system they drive they are a fine pick up and to match the system you need a pre-amp that fits the signal it is given. I'll even accept the fact that a Baggs Para DI doesn't work on everything.

D