Robert Koda Takumi K15 Preamp

[LL21]

Well, after 4 months, the XLFs are in (not calibrated completely yet but at least positioned and now on Stillpoints Ultra 5s), the Robert Koda K15EX Super Ground has 200 hours on it...and the Gryphon is FINALLY back after a long repair.

Day one of the union is startlingly good. Robert Koch Founder of Robert Koda and Miguel Founder of Tripoint both were both correct when they each advised me: the Robert Koda K15EX and Gryphon Audio Class A behemoth are a clear match made in heaven:

- All the organic nuance, insane detailed clarity, tonal density and powerful weight/authority of the Robert Koda combines extremely well with
- the grace, other-wordly all-out unassailable power and foundation. image and tonal density and low noise/incredible detail retrieval of the Gryphon Mephisto

 

[spiritofmusic]

"...other-worldly all-out unassailable..."
A phrase after my own heart.

 

[LL21]

"...other-worldly all-out unassailable..."
A phrase after my own heart.

 

[LL21]

This month's HiFi+ Cover

 

[jfrech]

This month's HiFi+ Cover

View attachment 79645

I always wanted to hear the K15. My Nagra was easier to demo and just fell in love. I'd be curious what others are say about the K15 and especially Koda's phono stage...

 

[LL21]

Hey JFrech, there have been 3 versions of the K15: the original K15, the K15EX and the K15EX with a Superground inside. I believe that the EX significantly increased the sense of drive/propulsion the preamp was capable of delivering from what I have read. The Supergound is about lowering the noise floor even further and enabling further detail and decay to rise to the surface.

So if you heard the Robert Koda, definitely would suggest the latest version.

As for Opus, because I have asked if my Opus Gen 5 Robert Koda - Gryphon Mephisto IC needs to be recalibrated (for free), I have also inquired about and "Update" to Gen 6. Apparently, there is Upgrade which is a new cable...by contrast you are also able to use your existing cable and do an Update which keeps your shell, cable and changes just the interior of the network box. Have you asked about this?

 

[jfrech]

Hey JFrech, there have been 3 versions of the K15: the original K15, the K15EX and the K15EX with a Superground inside. I believe that the EX significantly increased the sense of drive/propulsion the preamp was capable of delivering from what I have read. The Supergound is about lowering the noise floor even further and enabling further detail and decay to rise to the surface.

So if you heard the Robert Koda, definitely would suggest the latest version.

As for Opus, because I have asked if my Opus Gen 5 Robert Koda - Gryphon Mephisto IC needs to be recalibrated (for free), I have also inquired about and "Update" to Gen 6. Apparently, there is Upgrade which is a new cable...by contrast you are also able to use your existing cable and do an Update which keeps your shell, cable and changes just the interior of the network box. Have you asked about this?

Yes, I am doing the update, my dac to preamp cable is at Transparent now...ETA next week I hope. Stay tuned...

 

[LL21]

Yes, I am doing the update, my dac to preamp cable is at Transparent now...ETA next week I hope. Stay tuned...

Great! If you can PM me on pricing 'guidance'...dont need to know the deal you've struck for yourself...that would be helpful. I have already asked either for now or in the future.

 

[CKKeung]

Hey JFrech, there have been 3 versions of the K15: the original K15, the K15EX and the K15EX with a Superground inside. I believe that the EX significantly increased the sense of drive/propulsion the preamp was capable of delivering from what I have read. The Supergound is about lowering the noise floor even further and enabling further detail and decay to rise to the surface.

So if you heard the Robert Koda, definitely would suggest the latest version.

As for Opus, because I have asked if my Opus Gen 5 Robert Koda - Gryphon Mephisto IC needs to be recalibrated (for free), I have also inquired about and "Update" to Gen 6. Apparently, there is Upgrade which is a new cable...by contrast you are also able to use your existing cable and do an Update which keeps your shell, cable and changes just the interior of the network box. Have you asked about this?

Your Opus Gen5 must be re-calibated.

However I strongly suggest upgrading to Gen6.
Transparent is vnow.very helpful in this aspect.

In HK, the Transparent dealer is clearing up all their Gen5 stock now.

 

[LL21]

Your Opus Gen5 must be re-calibated.

However I strongly suggest upgrading to Gen6.
Transparent is vnow.very helpful in this aspect.

In HK, the Transparent dealer is clearing up all their Gen5 stock now.

Thanks! The cables are being picked up next week, and I will have some loaners in the meantime. I have decided not to upgrade to 6. We have done an incredible amount of work on the system in the last several months, and I think it is nice to draw a line under it for now. Besides, the next project is likely to be dual Subs rather than upgrading to 6.

 

[LL21]

Robert Koda K-15 EX line preamplifier

No remote, not enough gain, and costs as much as a Mercedes, but the Robert Koda K-15 EX might just be the best line preamplifier ever!

hifiplus.com

 

[LL21]

Robert Koda K-15-EX Preamplifier Review.

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