Jfrech, the k-10 is my current reference pre amp. No false dynamics or compression. The speed of this pre amps yields to a higher degree of refinement with all kinds of tonal colors. Enjoy your time with the k-10.

himiguel April 15, 2013 12:43

I have a Robert Koda K10 preamp in my home for evaluation.

The build quality is amazing, as it should be for the price.

I've only had it installed and powered up for about 18 hours. But compared to my Nagra PLL...the blackness...the resolution, the dynamic swings, the musical timing, focus, the back of stage, a sense of movement of the musicians...just everything delivered in equal parts...nothing spotlit. Every note delivered with power...but easy and natural at the same time. Unforced detail but with power & dynamics.

My Ayre MXR's really synch up well...the whole system is elevated...both digital and vinyl...

The preamp got a few great reviews The Audio Beat and Tone Audio which prompted me to try it...

I'll post more as I get some serious time with it....but it's clearly a special preamp...

jfrech April 15, 2013 06:57

NJoy...and keep posting. Would love to hear your impression of the new preamps...
Cheers

sunnyboy1956 April 11, 2013 13:02

Rumors ?!? ;-) All I can say the speaker color will soon be Porsche Topaz Brown Metallic vs my current Desert Silver... hmm :)

Also trying a few new preamps...Ayre KXR, Koda K10, and a Allnic H3000 phono soon...maybe also try ARC Ref 5SE and Ref 2SE

FInally a Shunyata Typhon will be demo'd also with my Triton

jfrech April 11, 2013 12:00

Hi John
Breaking news on CNN that you may be contemplating a speaker change...I am sure its just a rumor..!!
Have fun
Pradeep

sunnyboy1956 April 11, 2013 02:26

Why thank you ;-) The room treatments were a major improvement...if I ever have to move...not sure I can ever have a music room with out that...and kicked my myself for waiting so long to do it in the first place!

I just ready your post about your pre amp another on your cables. I just had my Transparent Ref XL MM2 phono cables retuned (got a new cartridge and a new SUT). I put this off for months...all sounded good and didn't want to fool with it...wow...was I wrong. What ever they do on the tuning...it's a big deal...

jfrech March 15, 2013 08:08

This is one stunning looking room. Even the Wilsons (not exactly a statement in design aesthetix) blend in beautifully. I suspect it sounds pretty good as well.

edorr March 14, 2013 14:22

Jfrech, currently I m having a rectangular room 14.5 x 24.5 x 10.5' treated with QRD & PRD diffusers using mdf board & plywood with glass fins. Sounded fine & not too difficult to treat with some experiments. However my new home has a room 17.5 x 22' with 7.5' sidewall rising to a peak of 12.5' at the centre of the room which would mean that there will be a lot of energy beaming to the listening position. That is the cause of my concern . I suppose I got to spend some money & time treating the room & do some experiments with treatment with the help of an architect friend who is an enthusiastic audiophile . If diffuser seems to help u much that would be an option I will look at . Thanks for sharing

audioblazer February 28, 2013 19:16

If you're ever in texas, let me know...yes had maxx 2's a few years ago. Thanks for the compliment !!

jfrech February 28, 2013 07:25

Beautiful looking room. Very nicely done.
Would love to hear the Maxx III's in your type of room.
Did you have the Maxx II's before ?
Take care,

rugyboogie February 27, 2013 23:54

Hi, I felt like I was getting some reflections from the vaulted sides (at first reflection points. But the large diffusor I now have also really opens up the stage and everything more coherent...I can't say enough about a properly done room...

If you are happy with your home...don't sell it over the vaulted ceilings...doesn't cost much to treat those very effectively...

jfrech February 08, 2013 07:23

Jfrech, I noticed that you have a vaulted ceiling. Prior to doing Rive's room acoustic what was your n major issue with vaulted room. I have a room that has vaulted ceiling & is decided whether to move in to the home or sell it depending on whether can I build a dedication HiFi room without much room acoustic issues. Currently my dedicated room is rectangular with high ceiling , 14.5 x 25x 10.5 & is quite happy with it. Did Rive treatment level but removed almost everything except the corners & ceiling treatment

audioblazer February 07, 2013 06:55

Hi Thanks ;-) ! Vinyl is still my passion..and still is better...however the dCS Scarlatti is very close in a lot of respects. Especially it's ability to convey emotion and timing of the music. For classical...especially chamber music...I really prefer the dCS and the availability of great recordings on SACD. For Jazz...vinyl...

jfrech January 22, 2013 08:03

Hi John- wow you have moved on since I contacted you about changing from the BAT phono to the Nagra. How does the scarlatti compare with the vinyl?
Your new room looks fantastic, I guess it must sound brilliant as well!
congratulations.

dctom January 20, 2013 17:20

Jfrech: Thank you,....that's great info and sounds very reasonable!

zephyr24069 January 12, 2013 02:39

Samhar: swing by soon ;-) !! and let me know what you think !

jfrech January 11, 2013 19:29

Zephyr: yes...Rives plans were about 2700 (I had a complicated room that drove this up some) and everything else wasn't a whole lot more...I was serious that the total cost was a few (good) power cords...

jfrech January 11, 2013 16:47

Jfrech: Thanks for the response; can I assume you mean the total cost of building the room plus the Rives fee equals a few of our power cords and not that the consulting fee was that high :-) ???

zephyr24069 January 11, 2013 14:43

Beautiful !!!!! I can imagine how wonderful the sound must be!!!!! Enjoy !!!!

samhar January 10, 2013 13:08

I'd contact Rive's Audio. I am sure they, or one of their dealers, can walk you through what to do possibly in your room. I can assure you, after all the time, money and fun on my design, it was one of the best investments you can make as a audiophile. And didn't really cost me more than a few of our power cords...

It makes a massive difference. I could send you my drawings...but they are so room specific, not sure you can get much from it at all...

jfrech January 10, 2013 12:13

Yes I have and I am still thinking about it having to deal with WAF among other things. There are some wood as well as some (separate) composite products from RPG and others that have my attention alas with WAF alive and well, I'll need to make it aesthetically pleasing in the long run. A minor victory recently was taking the glass out of all frames I have in the room (artwork that is...). No surprise, but it made a hell of a difference. My past room in the old house was decked out like a sound studio with treatments; unfortunately, our realities are different nowadays!

I'd like to study your room (and others like Mike Lavigne's) more carefully from a construction and appearance point of view as I'm planning a reno in the next 1-2 years which could achief WAF and sonic improvement all at the same time. Do you have anymore detailed photos you could post or send me via email?

Thanks!

zephyr24069 January 09, 2013 08:29

Hi and THANK you ! I've heard your Esoteric Digital Stack before, I know that equipment is awesome. Impressed with your cables...that always made a big diff in my systems. Have you considered a few room treatments in your room yet? like maybe a few bass traps and some treatment at the first reflection points? All the best !!

jfrech January 08, 2013 08:56

What an amazing looking room...it must sound great!

zephyr24069 January 07, 2013 14:22

Arnie, thanks for stopping by. Really enjoyed the conversation. Let me know if you pick up that Riverside LP box set of Bill Evans. I really enjoy it...

I'd love to hear that Absolare preamp again soon..will email a few times once I get my travel schedule nailed down...All the best!

jfrech January 06, 2013 08:06

Hi John,

Thanks for having me over to your place to hear your system today. Your room has a wonderfully warm and relaxing feel to it - pictures don't do it justice. Your system is sounding great as well and thanks for all of the great music we heard. Let me know when you want to come by and get a good listen to the new Absolare preamp.

Thanks,
Arnie

babybear January 05, 2013 20:24