Lejonklou Superkikkin | Pre Amplifier
Remote-controlled analogue stereo preamplifier
The Lejonklou Superkikkin is a remote-controlled analogue stereo preamplifier created for listeners who want to hear what their sources are truly capable of.
If you are currently using a digital volume control, Superkikkin is an eye-opener — or rather, an ear-opener. It restores weight, flow and musical intent that digital attenuation quietly erodes.
At Authentic High End, Superkikkin is one of the most convincing demonstrations of why a great analogue preamplifier still matters, even in modern digital systems.
From Kikkin to Superkikkin
Project Superkikkin started with a clear request:
create a better version of Kikkin.
The original Kikkin preamplifier, released in 2008, became highly regarded for its musical qualities and robust electronics. Many early units are still in daily use and remain sought after on the second-hand market — a testament to how well the design has aged.
For the new version, Fredrik Lejonklou set two goals:
Improve sound quality beyond the original Kikkin
Add a second line-level input
The single input of the original Kikkin had become a practical limitation — especially for listeners combining vinyl and digital sources. Superkikkin solves this while preserving everything that made Kikkin special.
Preserving Musical Harmony
Early experiments showed that Kikkin’s musical magic depended on a very specific combination of older film capacitors, some of which were already out of production back in 2008.
Fortunately, Fredrik had the foresight to buy a large stock after months of listening and sorting. These original capacitors form the heart of Superkikkin as well, preserving the harmonic coherence that defined the original design.
When the remaining stock was counted, it became clear that exactly 101 units could be built. With only one prototype needed to finalise the design, 100 Superkikkins were manufactured — no more.
Refined with Modern Precision
While musical harmony was preserved, key areas were refined using modern know-how:
Power regulation was redesigned using a solution derived from the Boazu integrated amplifier, providing a precise voltage reference for the digitally controlled sections
Circuit board layout was significantly tightened after 15 years of additional experience, audibly improving focus and timing
The result is a preamplifier that sounds cleaner and more precise than the original Kikkin, without losing its musical warmth and balance.
Two Inputs, Done the Right Way
Adding a second input proved more complex than expected.
Neither the electronic switching of Sagatun nor the input summing approach of Boazu suited the Superkikkin design. Instead, Fredrik chose a purely mechanical switch — but only after ordering and listening to many different types.
The best-sounding switch (also the most expensive) had minimal musical impact. It is mounted directly to the circuit board, adjacent to the input connectors, eliminating internal wiring — which would have degraded the sound more than the switch itself.
The switch is positioned discreetly at the rear. Switching sources becomes a natural gesture, often done while placing the needle in the groove.
Listening Experience
Superkikkin does not impress with spectacle.
Instead, it restores scale, density and musical flow — especially noticeable when replacing digital volume control. Music gains body. Timing tightens. Emotional cues become easier to follow.
Vinyl and digital sources both benefit, but the biggest surprise often comes from digital systems, where Superkikkin reveals just how much musical information was being lost before.
Listening sessions grow longer. Volume adjustments become less frequent. Music feels settled and complete.
Remote Control, Analogue Soul
Superkikkin is remote-controlled for convenience, but the signal path remains fully analogue.
Volume adjustments are precise and repeatable, without introducing the artifacts associated with digital attenuation. This combination of usability and purity makes Superkikkin unusually satisfying in daily use.
Recognition
In the summer of 2024, Superkikkin received a highly favourable review in the French enthusiast magazine VUmètre No. 54, confirming what many listeners had already discovered: this is a special preamplifier.
Why We Selected Superkikkin at Authentic High End
Superkikkin aligns perfectly with our philosophy.
It respects the source. It avoids unnecessary complexity. And it delivers musical engagement that becomes more obvious the longer you listen. In our Brussels listening rooms, it consistently proves how transformative a great analogue preamplifier can be — even in modern, streaming-centric systems.
Technical Overview
Product type: Analogue stereo preamplifier
Inputs: 2 × line-level analogue RCA
Volume control: Analogue, remote-controlled
Input switching: Mechanical, listening-selected
Design approach: Music-first, listening-validated
Production: Limited to 100 units
Origin: Designed and built in Sweden
Who Is Superkikkin For?
Lejonklou Superkikkin is ideal for listeners who:
Use digital volume control and want to hear what they’re missing
Combine vinyl and digital sources
Value musical flow over feature lists
Appreciate limited-production, carefully voiced components
Believe that if it sounds better, it is better
Remote-controlled analogue stereo preamplifier
The Lejonklou Superkikkin is a remote-controlled analogue stereo preamplifier created for listeners who want to hear what their sources are truly capable of.
If you are currently using a digital volume control, Superkikkin is an eye-opener — or rather, an ear-opener. It restores weight, flow and musical intent that digital attenuation quietly erodes.
At Authentic High End, Superkikkin is one of the most convincing demonstrations of why a great analogue preamplifier still matters, even in modern digital systems.
From Kikkin to Superkikkin
Project Superkikkin started with a clear request:
create a better version of Kikkin.
The original Kikkin preamplifier, released in 2008, became highly regarded for its musical qualities and robust electronics. Many early units are still in daily use and remain sought after on the second-hand market — a testament to how well the design has aged.
For the new version, Fredrik Lejonklou set two goals:
Improve sound quality beyond the original Kikkin
Add a second line-level input
The single input of the original Kikkin had become a practical limitation — especially for listeners combining vinyl and digital sources. Superkikkin solves this while preserving everything that made Kikkin special.
Preserving Musical Harmony
Early experiments showed that Kikkin’s musical magic depended on a very specific combination of older film capacitors, some of which were already out of production back in 2008.
Fortunately, Fredrik had the foresight to buy a large stock after months of listening and sorting. These original capacitors form the heart of Superkikkin as well, preserving the harmonic coherence that defined the original design.
When the remaining stock was counted, it became clear that exactly 101 units could be built. With only one prototype needed to finalise the design, 100 Superkikkins were manufactured — no more.
Refined with Modern Precision
While musical harmony was preserved, key areas were refined using modern know-how:
Power regulation was redesigned using a solution derived from the Boazu integrated amplifier, providing a precise voltage reference for the digitally controlled sections
Circuit board layout was significantly tightened after 15 years of additional experience, audibly improving focus and timing
The result is a preamplifier that sounds cleaner and more precise than the original Kikkin, without losing its musical warmth and balance.
Two Inputs, Done the Right Way
Adding a second input proved more complex than expected.
Neither the electronic switching of Sagatun nor the input summing approach of Boazu suited the Superkikkin design. Instead, Fredrik chose a purely mechanical switch — but only after ordering and listening to many different types.
The best-sounding switch (also the most expensive) had minimal musical impact. It is mounted directly to the circuit board, adjacent to the input connectors, eliminating internal wiring — which would have degraded the sound more than the switch itself.
The switch is positioned discreetly at the rear. Switching sources becomes a natural gesture, often done while placing the needle in the groove.
Listening Experience
Superkikkin does not impress with spectacle.
Instead, it restores scale, density and musical flow — especially noticeable when replacing digital volume control. Music gains body. Timing tightens. Emotional cues become easier to follow.
Vinyl and digital sources both benefit, but the biggest surprise often comes from digital systems, where Superkikkin reveals just how much musical information was being lost before.
Listening sessions grow longer. Volume adjustments become less frequent. Music feels settled and complete.
Remote Control, Analogue Soul
Superkikkin is remote-controlled for convenience, but the signal path remains fully analogue.
Volume adjustments are precise and repeatable, without introducing the artifacts associated with digital attenuation. This combination of usability and purity makes Superkikkin unusually satisfying in daily use.
Recognition
In the summer of 2024, Superkikkin received a highly favourable review in the French enthusiast magazine VUmètre No. 54, confirming what many listeners had already discovered: this is a special preamplifier.
Why We Selected Superkikkin at Authentic High End
Superkikkin aligns perfectly with our philosophy.
It respects the source. It avoids unnecessary complexity. And it delivers musical engagement that becomes more obvious the longer you listen. In our Brussels listening rooms, it consistently proves how transformative a great analogue preamplifier can be — even in modern, streaming-centric systems.
Technical Overview
Product type: Analogue stereo preamplifier
Inputs: 2 × line-level analogue RCA
Volume control: Analogue, remote-controlled
Input switching: Mechanical, listening-selected
Design approach: Music-first, listening-validated
Production: Limited to 100 units
Origin: Designed and built in Sweden
Who Is Superkikkin For?
Lejonklou Superkikkin is ideal for listeners who:
Use digital volume control and want to hear what they’re missing
Combine vinyl and digital sources
Value musical flow over feature lists
Appreciate limited-production, carefully voiced components
Believe that if it sounds better, it is better
Book a Demo and Experience Lejonklou Superkikkin @ Authentic High End
The Lejonklou Superkikkin is available for audition at Authentic High End, our family-run high-end audio store in Brussels.
Don’t hesitate in case of any questions, remarks or suggestions…
Product Summary
Product: Lejonklou Superkikkin
Brand: Lejonklou
Category: High-end analogue stereo preamplifier
Designer: Fredrik Lejonklou
Key idea: Analogue volume control vs digital attenuation
Defining traits: Musical flow, harmonic coherence, precision
Inputs: Two line-level analogue sources
Production: Limited to 100 units
Curated by: Authentic High End, Brussels, Belgium