Robert Koda Takumi K-15 EX Phono Preamplifier

In the Robert Koda tradition of technical elegance, dynamic simplicity within the circuit operation and meticulous assembly comes our new and flagship pre-amplifier, Takumi K-15.

OVERVIEW

The K-15 presents a new level of State of the Art and renders music as a fresh encounter of a most indulgent and satisfying kind.
Specifically designed to partner with a wide range of source components and power amplifiers, its purpose to extract the maximum performance from each component so that the system as a whole wi l l deliver uncharted musical pleasure.

FEATURES

The ITC Circuit
Koda’s invention and a unique arrangement of semi-conductors called ITC was pioneered in the multiple award-winning K-10. Now ITC is taken beyond the next level with K-15 – Dramatically improved and refined in both design and execution it achieves better subjective and measured results.

The ITC circuit provides an excellent interface between source component and power amplifier. It delivers massive power gain with remarkably low distortion while remaining highly immune from the negative influences of power supply sound. The circuit is elegant, simple, unflappable and totally effective over a dynamic range in excess of a hundred and forty decibels – It is the ideal pre-amplifier engine and uniquely Robert Koda.

A performance driven volume control.
Critical in its central role to final sonic outcome, K-15 uses a volume control system of unexpected extravagance and depth of quality. A massive custom built eight channel switch is used to form the basis for this balanced mode volume control. While some 256 nude resistors of the finest audio grade, fabricated specifically for this purpose are included, only two per channel phase are used at any one time with this L-Pad configuration. The switch itself maintains perfect contact pressure while the contacts are solid silver and of a generous proportion. All aspects of construction are of the highest order. The final result is quite evident in the listening experience.

Pure mechanical input selection
In order to eliminate the use of circuit boards, relays and solid state switches in this location, Koda has chosen to take the costly and time consuming path of hand wiring and mechanical switching for all inputs. Naturally for effective improvements the materials and construction need to be carefully considered and implemented. Delicate signals are carried with bundles of their four nines pure silver wire while a solder of 99.99% purity copper and lead free alloy is adopted. The selector switch is one specifically made for the delicate task of handling such sub micro current signals without corruption while the RCA jacks are milled from high purity copper and Rhodium-plated to ensure best signal transmission.

A permalloy vault for the power magnetics
The power supply is retained within the K-15 main chassis and avoids the need for extra wiring looms. The optimal; a fully annealed Permalloy magnetic shielding solution is instead chosen.

Balanced and unbalanced output – of equal performance
The natural way of the ITCs workings enables the K-15 to produce both balanced and unbalanced output options without compromise. All technical and sonic attributes are identical, allowing for the best possible choice of connection to the associated power amplifier.

True balanced and single ended inputs
To extract the highest performance from the source components the K-15 provides a very stable and non-reactive termination for both balanced and single ended sources. Each input signal type is treated as native with no conversions required before application to the main amplification block within K-15.

A Laminated copper chassis
The robust main chassis forms a full, solid copper envelope that provides excellent electromagnetic screening for immunity against external influences. By employing a sandwich construction, cladding the copper chassis with graded aluminum finishing, both the aesthetic and electro-acoustic qualities too are further improved and a highly stable, ideal environment for the enclosed electronics is realized. For true completeness, the most sensitive elements within the ITC circuit are further protected in individual Mu metal capsules for total immunity against external influence.

Final Trimmings
Gold plated inserts and a ruby lens finish the simple yet luxurious exterior. Packed in a strudy flight case, built and tested with a spirit to perfection, the Takumi K-15 EX is their version of the ultimate pre-amplifier.

SPECIFICATIONS

 

• Voltage gain
  • Plus 8dB at maximum volume.
• Signal to noise ratio
  • 114dB A weighted at 1V RMS output.
  • 147dB A weighted at full output – Estimated due to measuring equipment limitations.
• Frequency response
  • Plus / Minus 0.05dB 20Hz to 20KHz
• Maximum output
  • 30V RMS Single ended, 60V RMS balanced.
• Input impedance
  • 50K Ohm Single ended. 50K ohm per phase balanced.
• Output impedance
  • 60 ohms Single ended, 30 ohms per phase balanced.
• Total harmonic distortion
  • Less than 0.0003% at 2V RMS out, 1KHz, balanced input.
  • Estimated due to measuring equipment limitations.
• Inputs
  • Five pairs true balanced, pin 2 is Hot. Five pairs RCA.
• Output
  • Two pairs RCA, Two pairs true balanced, Pin 2 wired Hot.
• Other terminals
  • Ground binding post. Rhodium over copper.
• Controls - Front
  • Input 1 thru 5. Full manual and mechanical.
  • Volume 34 position. Off, -60dB thru Plus 8dB. Full manual and mechanical.
• Controls Rear
  • Balanced / SE full manual and mechanical to set output mode only.
• Operating voltage
  • May be set manually for either 115 or 230V design centres.
  • Voltage setting may be made without removing chassis parts.
  • Operating range is 95V thru 256V depending on setting.
• Power consumption
  • 30W (on), 0W (off). There is no standby mode.
• Physical
  • Weight packed 35Kg, unpacked 29Kg.
• Packing
  • Supplied in custom flight case.

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