Robert Koda Takumi K-15 + Takumi K-70

**SoundRebels** · February 24, 2015, 01:05 PM

Meantime in Our demo room - Robert Koda Takumi K-15 + Takumi K-70 unboxing

**tunes** · February 24, 2015, 01:31 PM

I would love to hear those Koda amps.
Kinda funny that there is a typo on the fragile stickers on the shipping boxes - insturment

**joeinid** · February 24, 2015, 02:20 PM

Wow! Just beautiful gear. The room is stunning too.

**SoundRebels** · February 24, 2015, 02:34 PM

THnX ;-)

**Audioseduction** · February 24, 2015, 03:48 PM

Beautiful equipment! I like the style and build quality.

**arthurs** · February 24, 2015, 05:20 PM

Beautiful setup! What is MSRP in US$?

**SoundRebels** · February 24, 2015, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by arthurs

Beautiful setup! What is MSRP in US$?

I have no idea, but US Dealer should know ;-)

**arthurs** · February 24, 2015, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by SoundRebels

I have no idea, but US Dealer should know ;-)

They are elusive

**SoundRebels** · March 8, 2015, 05:46 PM

Small upgrade in Our system ;-) - Polish open baffle loudspeaker - Ardento Alter 2

**socfan12** · March 8, 2015, 06:01 PM

OMG, beautiful gear!! Congrats!

**BayStBroker** · April 3, 2015, 07:33 AM

That is an incredible acquisition of ultra high-end equipment. I read the K-15 pre retails for $30kUSD. I don't know the number for the amps. Thanks for sharing.

**SoundRebels** · April 3, 2015, 07:50 AM

Takumi K-15: 55 000 $
Takumi K-70 Gen II: 60 000 $

**Thieliste** · August 21, 2018, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by SoundRebels

Takumi K-15: 55 000 $
Takumi K-70 Gen II: 60 000 $

Any experience with the K-15EX ?

**jbtrio** · August 22, 2018, 12:17 AM

Beautiful gear, I always wanted to have a listen! Let us know how it sounds.

**Thieliste** · August 22, 2018, 02:12 AM

Originally Posted by jbtrio

Beautiful gear, I always wanted to have a listen! Let us know how it sounds.

I would love to but there is no distributor in my country that's why i'm asking if there is any Koda K-15 owner on this forum.

**Mikeoo** · September 16, 2018, 05:19 AM

Hi,

Not an owner but had extensive listening to 15 and 70 this spring. Pre 15EX is amazing but I am not sure about the 70 power which to me was lacking in power/dynamics/kick (which I prefer), though this may just be its signature. Anyway I read that there is a new power amp in the making.
All in all everything flows so naturally and effortless, with real hight, width and depth, separation of instruments and amazing timbre. It took some time to adjust to the signature of reproduction as it is so anti hifi parameters.
Of the speakers I listened to I believe the power amps prefer efficient speakers and in my listening case a pair of Cessaro gave the impression of 'being there' which very few set ups I've listened to could compete with.

Mike

**cmarin** · September 16, 2018, 09:53 AM

I had the Robert Koda K15 and upgraded it to the K15-EX. The cases are basically identical, and the fit and finish is top notch for both.

But the K15-EX is a significant improvement over the K15 in a number of ways including richness, upper end extension, musicality, dynamics, coherence and realism to name a few.

There has been unanimous consent among those who have heard the K15EX in my room, with both Magico Q7mkIIs and Aries Cerat Symphonias, that the K15-EX is simply an amazing sounding preamp.

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**Rob181** · September 16, 2018, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by cmarin

I had the Robert Koda K15 and upgraded it to the K15-EX. The cases are basically identical, and the fit and finish is top notch for both.

But the K15-EX is a significant improvement over the K15 in a number of ways including richness, upper end extension, musicality, dynamics, coherence and realism to name a few.

There has been unanimous consent among those who have heard the K15EX in my room, with both Magico Q7mkIIs and Aries Cerat Symphonias, that the K15-EX is simply an amazing sounding preamp.

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What are you using for a power amp or amps...

**cmarin** · September 16, 2018, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Rob181

What are you using for a power amp or amps...

VAC Statement 450iQ monos.

I’ve also used the Koda with Audio Note Kondo Kagura monos. Robert Koch, the founder of Robert Koda LLC, worked for Audio Note Japan (Kondo) for years until after the death of Mr. Hiroyasu Kondo in 2006. So there’s a special synergy with the Kaguras.

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**Thieliste** · October 7, 2018, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by cmarin

I had the Robert Koda K15 and upgraded it to the K15-EX. The cases are basically identical, and the fit and finish is top notch for both.

But the K15-EX is a significant improvement over the K15 in a number of ways including richness, upper end extension, musicality, dynamics, coherence and realism to name a few.

There has been unanimous consent among those who have heard the K15EX in my room, with both Magico Q7mkIIs and Aries Cerat Symphonias, that the K15-EX is simply an amazing sounding preamp.

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Any idea how K-15 would pair with a beefy SS amp like Gryphon Antileon Evo or CH Precision M1 stereo ?

**Adyc** · October 7, 2018, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by cmarin

I had the Robert Koda K15 and upgraded it to the K15-EX. The cases are basically identical, and the fit and finish is top notch for both.

But the K15-EX is a significant improvement over the K15 in a number of ways including richness, upper end extension, musicality, dynamics, coherence and realism to name a few.

There has been unanimous consent among those who have heard the K15EX in my room, with both Magico Q7mkIIs and Aries Cerat Symphonias, that the K15-EX is simply an amazing sounding preamp.

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Do you have both Magico Q7 and Symphonia? How do they compare?

**cmarin** · October 7, 2018, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Any idea how K-15 would pair with a beefy SS amp like Gryphon Antileon Evo or CH Precision M1 stereo ?

I had the K15-EX with Soulution 701 monos (which I would venture to say would fall under your beefy SA amp definition) and it was a wonderful pairing.

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**Thieliste** · October 7, 2018, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by cmarin

I had the K15-EX with Soulution 701 monos (which I would venture to say would fall under your beefy SA amp definition) and it was a wonderful pairing.

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Great thanks.

**cmarin** · October 7, 2018, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by Adyc

Do you have both Magico Q7 and Symphonia? How do they compare?

They’re both great speakers. The Q7mkIIs have deeper bass extension and definition. I found the Symphonias to have greater presence and dynamics.

Of course it comes down to equipment synergies, room interactions and personal preferences.

I ended up selling the Q7s and am evaluating the Symphonias under an extended demo.

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**Thieliste** · October 10, 2018, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by cmarin

I had the K15-EX with Soulution 701 monos (which I would venture to say would fall under your beefy SA amp definition) and it was a wonderful pairing.

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Why didn't you keep your K15-EX ? and what preamp did you replace it with ?

**cmarin** · October 10, 2018, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Why didn't you keep your K15-EX ? and what preamp did you replace it with ?

Thieliste,

Actually still have several preamps including the K15-EX, a Kondo M1000 MkII, plus a four box CH Precision L1 (left mono, right mono, left mono power supply and right mono power supply). Choices...Choices. But having to face trimming the herd

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**Rob181** · October 11, 2018, 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by cmarin

Thieliste,

Actually still have several preamps including the K15-EX, a Kondo M1000 MkII, plus a four box CH Precision L1 (left mono, right mono, left mono power supply and right mono power supply). Choices...Choices. But having to face trimming the herd

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Oh my...what a tough decision you face in the near future...

**Thieliste** · October 11, 2018, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by cmarin

Thieliste,

Actually still have several preamps including the K15-EX, a Kondo M1000 MkII, plus a four box CH Precision L1 (left mono, right mono, left mono power supply and right mono power supply). Choices...Choices. But having to face trimming the herd

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Wow that's a very impressive preamp collection you got there

I'm actually considering CH Precision L1+X1+M1 stereo but also other options like Koda K15-EX + d'Agostino Momentum S250 or even Gryphon Pandora + Antileon Evo stereo.
I like the upgradability path of CH Precision.
Difficult choice

**Golum** · October 11, 2018, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Wow that's a very impressive preamp collection you got there

I'm actually considering CH Precision L1+X1+M1 stereo but also other options like Koda K15-EX + d'Agostino Momentum S250 or even Gryphon Pandora + Antileon Evo stereo.
I like the upgradability path of CH Precision.
Difficult choice

Seemed to me Aries Cerat and Dart was on the list, but now it seems they are of the list...

**Thieliste** · October 11, 2018, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by Golum

Seemed to me Aries Cerat and Dart was on the list, but now it seems they are of the list...

The Aries Cerat and Ypsilon are still on the list yes as a less expensive option, the Dart won't be able to drive my speakers so i have to let this one down.

**Rob181** · October 11, 2018, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

The Aries Cerat and Ypsilon are still on the list yes as a less expensive option, the Dart won't be able to drive my speakers so i have to let this one down.

Would you please explain why you believe that to be the case...

**Thieliste** · October 11, 2018, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Rob181

Would you please explain why you believe that to be the case...

My speakers impedance spends most of the time between 2.4 and 3 ohms therefore i don't believe the Dart 108 model 2 will have a solid grip in the bass region, and at this level of price i'm not ready to make a mistake.
If someone can prove me the contrary than why not.

**Rob181** · October 11, 2018, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

My speakers impedance spends most of the time between 2.4 and 3 ohms therefore i don't believe the Dart 108 model 2 will have a solid grip in the bass region, and at this level of price i'm not ready to make a mistake.
If someone can prove me the contrary than why not.

Recommend you read the spec's...& check with Herve direct...
The Dart has a switch to change from high impedance to low impedance...
Now if this was an Esoteric A03...that would be the correct decision...
But not with the Dart...I own one & an Esotoric A03...
Each bought specifically to impedance match between pre & power amps...
And matched to specific speakers...but what would I know...

**Golum** · October 11, 2018, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

The Aries Cerat and Ypsilon are still on the list yes as a less expensive option, the Dart won't be able to drive my speakers so i have to let this one down.

I apologize to OP for asking question outside of Koda topic.
Maybe you explained somewhere else but I obviously missed it - what is the logic/reason behind plugging in 80/90k in top of the line electronics and keeping the "quite" old speakers (which you undoubtedly love)? Did not hear any better ones, room restriction, etc.?

Thanks!

**Thieliste** · October 11, 2018, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Rob181

Recommend you read the spec's...& check with Herve direct...
The Dart has a switch to change from high impedance to low impedance...
Now if this was an Esoteric A03...that would be the correct decision...
But not with the Dart...I own one & an Esotoric A03...
Each bought specifically to impedance match between pre & power amps...
And matched to specific speakers...but what would I know...

Rob181 thanks for your input, i will meet Herve at his factory on the 24th so il will ask him about difficult load speakers.

**Thieliste** · October 11, 2018, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by Golum

I apologize to OP for asking question outside of Koda topic.
Maybe you explained somewhere else but I obviously missed it - what is the logic/reason behind plugging in 80/90k in top of the line electronics and keeping the "quite" old speakers (which you undoubtedly love)? Did not hear any better ones, room restriction, etc.?

Thanks!

Golum i've been a Thiel fan for the past 22 years, owned several models from Jim up to the 3.7s in 2014 which was my dream speakers.
Unfortunately i've never had the budget to push them to their limits, only had modest integrated.
Now that i know i will finally have a nice budget to build a new rig i will realize my dream.
I have demoed many very high en speakers in the past couple of years like, Magico, Wilson Audio, Marten, Karma, Wilson Benesch, Raidho Acoustics and others and i don't feel that you get what tou pay for.
With my modest Thiels i get much much more than what i paid for, they can outperform many 30K+ speakers.
Just my opinion.

**Golum** · October 11, 2018, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Golum i've been a Thiel fan for the past 22 years, owned several models from Jim up to the 3.7s in 2014 which was my dream speakers.
Unfortunately i've never had the budget to push them to their limits, only had modest integrated.
Now that i know i will finally have a nice budget to build a new rig i will realize my dream.
I have demoed many very high en speakers in the past couple of years like, Magico, Wilson Audio, Marten, Karma, Wilson Benesch, Raidho Acoustics and others and i don't feel that you get what tou pay for.
With my modest Thiels i get much much more than what i paid for, they can outperform many 30K+ speakers.
Just my opinion.

Thanks and good luck with your quest!

**Rob181** · October 11, 2018, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

Rob181 thanks for your input, i will meet Herve at his factory on the 24th so il will ask him about difficult load speakers.

Great...really looking forward to what Herve says...I have found him an absolute gentleman...
It may well be the Dart is not a good match for the Thiels...best to get the info from the man as you are doing...
Please let us know how your meeting with Herve went...

**Thieliste** · October 12, 2018, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by Rob181

Great...really looking forward to what Herve says...I have found him an absolute gentleman...
It may well be the Dart is not a good match for the Thiels...best to get the info from the man as you are doing...
Please let us know how your meeting with Herve went...

I will be demoing the NHB-18NS NHB-108 model 2 combo at his factory.
What kind of speakers do you drive with your 108 ?

**Rob181** · October 12, 2018, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by Thieliste

I will be demoing the NHB-18NS NHB-108 model 2 combo at his factory.
What kind of speakers do you drive with your 108 ?

None at the moment...I am temporarily in a house with no room...
A mate is using them...he is on this thread...
Check out BZR's photo in the Question for M3 Turbo S Owners thread...
Both the Darts & Esoteric are mine...
Say Hi to Herve for me...tell him you have been chatting with Rob from Australia...
I bought my 108 from Serge...who is related to Herve...
Serge gave it to Herve who upgraded the amp to the very latest spec....

Thread: Robert Koda Takumi K-15 + Takumi K-70