Robert Koda Takumi K-10 MKII Preamplifier

Robert Koda accepted the challenge to create the ultimate preamplifier.

OVERVIEW

The K-10 pre-amplifier is crafted with meticulous attention to one purpose, musical excellence. Each element is carefully engineered to deliver the highest possible performance without compromise concerning cost or practicality.
Form truly does follow function.

FEATURES

The ITC Circuit
The ITC Circuit; Koda’s invention and a unique arrangement of semi-conductors is central to achieving sonic perfection. Inverted Transconductance Coupling importantly provides a total freedom from “the sound of power supply”. Distortion is pushed below measurable limits yet the circuit is of an elegant simplicity that stands firm under dynamic conditions music signals present.

Excellent coupling between source component and power amplifier, with a consummately low impedance and immense drive capability ensure the k-10 will bring out the best of the power amplifier.

Innovative design meets meticulous execution
The K-10 pre-amplifier is crafted with meticulous attention to one purpose, musical excellence. Each element is carefully engineered to deliver the highest possible performance without compromise to concerns of cost or practicality. Form truly does follow function.
Unnecessary complication is avoided at every turn to protect the precious music signal from adverse influences.

Simple, finely crafted mechanical controls
The K-10 uses the finest attenuator part available for volume control. Perfectly hand assembled in Japan, this attenuator uses exotic resistors solely created for sound reproduction. Comprising of a special carbon formulation with thick gold over oxygen free copper leads, these parts are of ultimate choice.
Source selection is performed by a rotary switch built specifically for the most demanding of audio applications. Thus all manner of relays, complex support circuitry and sound destroying printed circuit board tracks have been eschewed entirely.

DC Reactor power supply
To decouple the K-10’ s performance from impure AC supply lines we have adopted a heavy DC Reactor type power supply that delivers valuable advantages over other types of supply. The reactor’ s performance is further enhanced by the use of our own designed for audio, discrete zero feedback regulator to provide the amplifier with pristine DC current.

Triple screened chassis
A robust chassis creates a full copper envelope surrounding all components of the K-10 to shield them from the influences of external electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Sensitive components within the ITC gain stage are further shielded by “double encapsulation” – a separate copper shell and a custom made mu-metal capsule within. The power supply is housed in its own “magnetic vault” made of 2mm thick soft iron plate. A sandwich floor construction with constrained layer damping and hemispherical sorbothane feet provide additional isolation from unwanted vibrations. Electrically, thermally and acoustically this lavish assembly sets an excellent operating environment for the enclosed electronics.

Single ended and balanced output of equal performance
Providing single ended and balanced outputs of identical performance presents a challenge to pre-amplifier designers. The K-10 is successfully engineered to deliver both at full measure, affording a greater flexibility for system configuration.

SPECIFICATIONS

 

• Weight
  • 27Kg unpacked.
• Dimensions
  • 169mm high with feet installed, 380mm wide and 380mm deep excluding knob and socket protrusions.
• Input impedance
  • 50K Ohm (Single ended)
• Output impedance
  • 2X37 ohm balanced, 1X 75 ohm single ended.
• Input equivalent noise
  • 3.5 millionths of a volt A weighted
• Typical mid-band distortion
  • Less than 0.0005% driving 10K ohm load at 4V RMS
• Voltage gain
  • Plus 6 dB
• Frequency response
  • Less than 3Hz to greater than 150 KHz, minus 3dB
• Power consumption
  • Thirty watts.

AVAILABILITY

This item is made to order. Typical production time is 6-8 months.

For in-store listening sessions please contact us to schedule a private listening session. An appointment is required for this bespoke item. CONTACT US HERE or SCHEDULE A DEMO