It was the NIV that convinced me that the Good News was the Good News. I won't take seriously anybody that disses the NIV.
And yes I've read the King James, a very beautiful, spirit-filled translation, extensively.
I like the New King James. The old King James is beautifully written, and that appeals to the flesh. The Greek doesn't have use highbrow language (all the thees, thous, etc.) The King James added that flavor, which appeals to the flesh, but isn't in the original.
Preachers who use the old King James end up wasting time translating archaic English to modern day language.