CES news 2014
- Thread starter veindoc
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The reason that we used our several year old laboratory test 801's, which dip below .5 ohms, was that we had a few customers that we were showing the drive capabilities of the 50 Watt SET Kagura amplifiers. We sold one pair of Kaguaras because of this setup and have another sale pending. The buying customers understood that if the Kagura could drive the 15" 801 woofers that they could easily drive more efficient loads.
Yes, we demonstrated at the show for the masses and the press, but we were there to sell equipment as well.
Bob - that was quite a demonstration. Those amps, albeit expensive, were just awesome. So rich and beautiful sounding.
Basically answered this question with my other post, but for those that are interested, the Kagura amplifiers will be in NYC at Rhapsody Music and Cinema driving the Magico S5's and Raidho D3's in about a week, once they are shipped from back from CES. We also have a pair of Raidho D5's on order that we will be also driving with the Kaguras in about three months. Of course all are welcome to come in for a listen.
Thx....I :heart: the Kagura amplifiers and I am honored to represent Kondo. Besides the gear the Kondo people are VERY special.
dev
Banned
Hi Bob,
very interesting indeed, I haven't heard this model can you shed some light on their strengths and the reason for their existence. Designed to compete against what? Very nice looking, nice product line to carry.
Thank you for the Reply--point taken-that impedance drop reminded me of my Watt 2's!
I agree Kondo is magic
B
dev
Banned
There was allot more going on in this set-up than just the amps them self's, curious how was the stage presentation overall, did they actually control these speakers appropriately without being strained. Were they pushed at any point, how was the low end control
The Kagura is flagship Kondo amplifiers that were shown at CES last week in final production mode. We demonstrated the Kagura at CES 2013 and at Munich 2013 as well as the NYC audio show, but at all three shows the Kaguras that were demonstrated were pre-production models. The Kaguaras are now shipping to customers. I have a pair coming to a customer on Long Island in February and the Kaguras that were at CES last week will be our demo models at Rhapsody.
The Kagura is now the flagship model of Kondo. The Kagura monos retail for $194K/pair. The Gakuon II used to be the Kondo flagship mono amplifiers. They still exist and are $154K/pair.
There is a fairly complete description of the Kagura at Kagura | AUDIO NOTE
Mike, you might want to comment on what you heard, I don't want to be "selling" here
eace:I would say that everyone knows that the 801's are "yesteryear speakers", BUT I can honestly say that personally there were a lot of things that the 801's did NOT due in terms of resolution and transparency that many new speakers excel at, BUT, again personally I was quite taken with the overall sound of the combination of the Kagura amps driving those big 15" woofers....I loved the sound, it was warm, rich, clear, with very good soundstaging and to these ears in four days of being in the room I never felt like the amps were being pushed or that the Kaguras were not controlling the bass. The combination made beautiful deep, full bodied music that was a joy to listen to. The $100K Ginga II TT did not hurt the situation.
Audioseduction
Active member
WOW! Look at those CES girls!
You should have heard Michael Jackson-Billie Jean on this system...talk about getting down...yikes!
dev
Banned
Hi Bob, thanks I wasn't aware. At that asking price they better be special, makes my ownership of Vac Statement 450's rather sane
The Gina table was actually on my short list but AF-1 more so, went with the later.Look forward to hearing a pair of these.
socfan12
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Ah, there is a method to the madness! Sounds like a winning combination, Bob, congrats! :coolyeah:
dev
Banned
Ya know....I am in the process, sometime in the next month or two of shipping and installing a complete Goldmund system to a customer in Toronto. Would LOVE to hear your system!!!!!I like the view from your window!
Mike, you might want to comment on what you heard, I don't want to be "selling" here
I would say that everyone knows that the 801's are "yesteryear speakers", BUT I can honestly say that personally there were a lot of things that the 801's did NOT due in terms of resolution and transparency that many new speakers excel at, BUT, again personally I was quite taken with the overall sound of the combination of the Kagura amps driving those big 15" woofers....I loved the sound, it was warm, rich, clear, with very good soundstaging and to these ears in four days of being in the room I never felt like the amps were being pushed or that the Kaguras were not controlling the bass. The combination made beautiful deep, full bodied music that was a joy to listen to. The $100K Ginga II TT did not hurt the situation.
Bob - you nailed it. They are the tube amp equivalent of the MBL 101 Xtremes. Just on another level completely.