Robert Koda k-15 Pre-amplifier

[egellings]

Rubies are not that darn expensive, though.

 

[Doodski]

Rubies are not that darn expensive, though.

I tried to tally up the expense of making such a component and I was at a loss for lack of knowledge in estimating it. The limited production of that balanced volume control alone would be pretty high just by itself and it's perfect so the construction is going to be very labor intensive.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

So you need 60 VRMS Balanced Output for what now?

Look familiar?

Round Ruby Lab Created Loose Stone

Ruby red man made lab created synthetic loose stones.

ziamond.com

 

[JeffS7444]

Specs suggest that it's an excellent performer - plus another 99% of pure luxury!

 

[Gorgonzola]

You see easily worth £55k.
Keith

Worth it in a similar sense to a Faberge egg ...

'Lilies of the Valley' Egg, 1898 ...

 

[egellings]

It's the "More than a preamplifier" preamplifier!

 

[raindance]

So you need 60 VRMS Balanced Output for what now?

1 click = too loud
2 clicks = speakers blown

 

[TheBatsEar]

Rubies are not that darn expensive, though.

Says the man not owning a Ruby encrusted preamp.

Hope it finds a new owner. It sure is a Unicorn, we may never see it or anything like it again.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

1 click = too loud
2 clicks = speakers blown

Could probably drive a few electrostatic speakers without resort to a separate power amp, though who would want to forego the tube stage.

 

[anmpr1]

I tried to tally up the expense of making such a component and I was at a loss for lack of knowledge in estimating it. The limited production of that balanced volume control alone would be pretty high just by itself and it's perfect so the construction is going to be very labor intensive.

Not that I'm holding out for something like a Robert Koda, but if I was, I'd be holding out for one with a balance control. You need that for analog sources. What's the point of having impeccable volume tracking, if your upstream source is imbalanced? But since you don't get a phono input with the K-15, I guess that's not an issue.

Features are hard to beat, even if you have to use a less sophisticated volume control. Below is my idea of a Japanese front end... If Koda made one of these, to his specs, it'd be half a million dollars.

 

[Doodski]

Not that I'm holding out for something like a Robert Koda, but if I was, I'd be holding out for one with a balance control. You need that for analog sources. What's the point of having impeccable volume tracking, if your upstream source is imbalanced? But since you don't get a phono input with the K-15, I guess that's not an issue.

Features are hard to beat, even if you have to use a less sophisticated volume control. Below is my idea of a Japanese front end... If Koda made one of these, to his specs, it'd be half a million dollars.
View attachment 195008

Pioneer in golden age of audio gear. Pretty difficult to beat that. Them and the Kenwoods too where pretty nice inside.

 

[pseudoid]

I read that it's a ruby.

All the windows in our house are premature diamonds...
That hand-assembled volume "pot" is the real jewel inside... but also a nightmare!
If Robert Koda can do a proper 2-channel pre-amp for mid-5 figures; surely a version without that 'pot' can bring the price to under $28k USD.
Even at that price, I would still rather own an APx555 and use it as a pre-amp, when required!

 

[Blumlein 88]

Seems they could have used Vishay foil resistors in the volume control.

 

[MaxBuck]

All the windows in our house are premature diamonds...

Wow. Never before came across anyone who had carbonaceous windows.

 

[Ra1zel]

This or a full home theater, hard choice

 

[antcollinet]

This or a full home theater, hard choice

Including the room, right?

 

[Ilkless]

Not that I'm holding out for something like a Robert Koda, but if I was, I'd be holding out for one with a balance control. You need that for analog sources. What's the point of having impeccable volume tracking, if your upstream source is imbalanced? But since you don't get a phono input with the K-15, I guess that's not an issue.

Features are hard to beat, even if you have to use a less sophisticated volume control. Below is my idea of a Japanese front end... If Koda made one of these, to his specs, it'd be half a million dollars.
View attachment 195008

Manufacturing expertise, deep R&D, economies of scale all favour flagship-level, cost no object equipment from the big Japanese conglomerates back when stereo was a key business for them. Compare the Koda with the Pioneer Exclusive C7 or the Sony TA-ER1.

 

[egellings]

That much money for just a line stage preamp? I'm in the wrong business!

 

[Purité Audio]

Also now for sale the matching Robert Koda K-70 three chassis power amp, seen here at PA back in 2010,


Keith

 

[formula 977]

1 bitcoin. I'll be right over! Unless that includes shipping?