Robert Koda K-15 EX line preamplifier

REVIEW
Alan Sircom
Dec 20, 2021

The Robert Koda is something of a departure for high-end audio and for the high-end distributor behind the product. The distributor – Ten – is effectively an artisan-led company within the confines of the already quite artisan-led Absolute Sounds company. It’s like a diffusion label in reverse; where Armani has its Emporio line and Prada has Miu Miu, this is what happens when you go in the other direction… Privé Haute de L’Audiophile, if you will. As the equipment here is so uncompromising, it demands people who have a true understanding of the implications of such an approach; not simply retailers, but even the listeners themselves. This is not simply some status symbol product, or some kind of Veblen good. This is the result of a team already thoroughly well versed in what audio can do, and still striving for something over and above that already lofty audio performance.

Robert Koda K-15 EX rear panel — Balanced and single ended inputs are all replicated.

As much as anyone who writes for a living about audio, you get to hear a lot of equipment, a lot of which is exceptionally good. Even the traditionally difficult preamplifier has some really good examples out there. But even set against such exalted company, the Robert Koda K-15 EX stands out above its rivals in pure performance terms. But, it’s far beyond my threshold of affordability, so I have to face up to the fact that the best preamplifier I’ve ever heard is likely always going to be beyond me and I will forever move in reduced circles as a result.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Line level preamplifier
Inputs: Five pairs true balanced (pin 2 is Hot). Five pairs RCA
Output: Two pairs RCA, Two pairs true balanced (pin 2 wired Hot)
Voltage gain: +8dB at maximum volume
Signal to noise ratio: 114dB A-weighted at 1Vrms output, 147dB at full output
Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.05dB
Maximum output: 30Vrms single-ended, 60Vrms balanced
Input impedance: 50kΩ single-ended, 50kΩ per phase balanced
Output impedance: 60Ω Single ended, 30Ω per phase balanced
Total harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.0003% at 2V RMS out, 1KHz, balanced input
Dimensions (W×H×D): 389 × 158 × 385mm
Weight: 29kg
Price: £60,000