Interesting...thanks for the comments. Good to see you liked the Robert Koda/Magico combination. They have been less often seen than many super amps of which there are quite a number of designers targeting that category class. You own one of them to be sure.
Pilium Audio in action-
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That room sounds fantastic with the local files stored in the server that go straight to the dac via usb connection. It’s a mega system really with the server is probably the least expensive, then the speakers themselves as amps, sources and cables are all crazily expensive.
All top transparent cables throughout with an only exception is the usb cable between server-dac that is a bespoke product made in silver/gold conductor from the Netherlands.
I know the Koda monoblocks are not very heavy compared to other brands, but they do a great job driving the s5 to the limit. I know FM doesn’t make very heavy amps either but they’re highly respected.
Honestly I was not impressed with their full FM system at Hifi Deluxe in Munich, but show conditions can’t determine how actually a component sound at home. Will visit them again this year and see how things go.
All top transparent cables throughout with an only exception is the usb cable between server-dac that is a bespoke product made in silver/gold conductor from the Netherlands.
I know the Koda monoblocks are not very heavy compared to other brands, but they do a great job driving the s5 to the limit. I know FM doesn’t make very heavy amps either but they’re highly respected.
Honestly I was not impressed with their full FM system at Hifi Deluxe in Munich, but show conditions can’t determine how actually a component sound at home. Will visit them again this year and see how things go.
Thanks for the commentary! The server looks to be the Antipodes Oladra (around 25K) so certainly not inexpensive but not Taiko Olympus price either as you say.
As for weight, I think the difference is Robert Koda does not design with massive capacitor banks. Our old Gryphon Mephisto had 500,000 microfarads of capacitance for example…the enormous soda cans. I don’t understand what Robert Koda is doing with the “reactor” power supply and the 8 amperes of standing current, etc, etc. but it is driving 235 watts pure Class A into 4ohms.
I am not sure how FM does it either but did really like their 108 monos though did wish for a lot more drive/power.
As for weight, I think the difference is Robert Koda does not design with massive capacitor banks. Our old Gryphon Mephisto had 500,000 microfarads of capacitance for example…the enormous soda cans. I don’t understand what Robert Koda is doing with the “reactor” power supply and the 8 amperes of standing current, etc, etc. but it is driving 235 watts pure Class A into 4ohms.
I am not sure how FM does it either but did really like their 108 monos though did wish for a lot more drive/power.
Pilium is using massive capacitors inside their amps, e.g my atlast have 8 bottles of coke inside each monoblock (640,000mf) that make them huge in size and very heavy.
I’m not sure how things look like inside the Koda monoblocks, but iirc FM does use smaller capacitors with their amps. Their top monoblocks go somewhere between 50-80kg I can’t recall, but price is on another planet.
Having owned the Koda K10 preamp for 10 years before switching to Pilium, I can appreciate how great a Koda can sound. If it’s not because of synergy, h&s and system matching, I’d never bother changing my pre. Just don’t know how their power amps do their best as I can’t truly judge them on show conditions.
Magico speakers are power hungry and need very delicate amps to make them sing at best. I was very happy with my karan and utterly impressed with pilium at Munich. And yesterday, the Koda did show how great they are when handling the new S5 with ease.
I’m not sure how things look like inside the Koda monoblocks, but iirc FM does use smaller capacitors with their amps. Their top monoblocks go somewhere between 50-80kg I can’t recall, but price is on another planet.
Having owned the Koda K10 preamp for 10 years before switching to Pilium, I can appreciate how great a Koda can sound. If it’s not because of synergy, h&s and system matching, I’d never bother changing my pre. Just don’t know how their power amps do their best as I can’t truly judge them on show conditions.
Magico speakers are power hungry and need very delicate amps to make them sing at best. I was very happy with my karan and utterly impressed with pilium at Munich. And yesterday, the Koda did show how great they are when handling the new S5 with ease.
Thank you. Super insightful. The Robert Koda K160s are 45kg each so light for a Class A amp...and again it has something to do with the fact that Robert is doing something different with his power supply where is not really founding his design in big capacitors. I cannot say I understand it, but he has an explanation somewhere where he explain his 'reactor' power supply design.
For me, the Zanden, Robert Koda, Transparent Audio, HRS, Tripoint/Entreq are long-term (Zanden, Transparent, HRS 17 years, Tripoint/Entreq 10-15 years), and the Robert Koda now around 5 years. Although we've had big Wilsons for 15 years running now, I have always thought long-term we end up elsewhere. I like your speakers and have read nothing but superlatives. For me, I think Arrakis or possibly AG Trio G3s (but probably too much floorspace).
For me, the Zanden, Robert Koda, Transparent Audio, HRS, Tripoint/Entreq are long-term (Zanden, Transparent, HRS 17 years, Tripoint/Entreq 10-15 years), and the Robert Koda now around 5 years. Although we've had big Wilsons for 15 years running now, I have always thought long-term we end up elsewhere. I like your speakers and have read nothing but superlatives. For me, I think Arrakis or possibly AG Trio G3s (but probably too much floorspace).
If you ever want to come here for a listen please let me know. I think you should at least hear the Maat once before making decisions of what speakers you’re going for next. They’re truly special.
I’m hoping that one day Aldo will come over here and setup the super tweeters, so it’s completely done. I’ll listen to these super tweeters in Munich this year, should be very interesting.
On another note, a guitar enthusiast who’s interested in one of my guitars has just left here after spending roughly 2h. He wanted to check it out but ended up playing most in my collection.
It’s just incredible to hear the guitars as an audience but not a player, to find out how they really sound in my room. Although we’ve never met before, the passion and enthusiasm with music and guitars really bond us together. Hifi is pretty much the same
I’m hoping that one day Aldo will come over here and setup the super tweeters, so it’s completely done. I’ll listen to these super tweeters in Munich this year, should be very interesting.
On another note, a guitar enthusiast who’s interested in one of my guitars has just left here after spending roughly 2h. He wanted to check it out but ended up playing most in my collection.
It’s just incredible to hear the guitars as an audience but not a player, to find out how they really sound in my room. Although we’ve never met before, the passion and enthusiasm with music and guitars really bond us together. Hifi is pretty much the same
Thank you! Very kind and agree...whether piano, science, cars or stamps...that common connection is very important.
I think Kuzma owns your speakers and those new super tweeters...that certainly is a strong endorsement! As for me, if we went cones, the Arrakis is probably it ...not just because I think they really are amazing...but also because today, while exceedingly rare, they are also by definition 2nd hand. The AG Trio G3s would be new...BUT the main horns retail for a price that could be a direct trade for the XLFs which would be quite a move...the key would be the bass element...those AG dual horns are massive on the floor.
I think Kuzma owns your speakers and those new super tweeters...that certainly is a strong endorsement! As for me, if we went cones, the Arrakis is probably it ...not just because I think they really are amazing...but also because today, while exceedingly rare, they are also by definition 2nd hand. The AG Trio G3s would be new...BUT the main horns retail for a price that could be a direct trade for the XLFs which would be quite a move...the key would be the bass element...those AG dual horns are massive on the floor.
I listened to the Arrakis many years ago back in Vietnam in a very big room with full vivaldi stack, vtl 2 pairs top monoblocks, vtl pre and all odin cables. The experience is fantastic and can understand why you consider them.
I’m not a fan of horns and even I listened to some of the biggest systems at shows or dealers’ rooms, they’ve never moved me so no comment on the AG.
But as I said, before making decisions, I hope you can hear the Maat first. I am sure Aldo and Stefano will be able to help facilitate the deal, even with your speakers traded in.
I’m not a fan of horns and even I listened to some of the biggest systems at shows or dealers’ rooms, they’ve never moved me so no comment on the AG.
But as I said, before making decisions, I hope you can hear the Maat first. I am sure Aldo and Stefano will be able to help facilitate the deal, even with your speakers traded in
.Thank you! I believe I have heard of that system!I listened to the Arrakis many years ago back in Vietnam in a very big room with full vivaldi stack, vtl 2 pairs top monoblocks, vtl pre and all odin cables. The experience is fantastic and can understand why you consider them.
I’m not a fan of horns and even I listened to some of the biggest systems at shows or dealers’ rooms, they’ve never moved me so no comment on the AG.
But as I said, before making decisions, I hope you can hear the Maat first. I am sure Aldo and Stefano will be able to help facilitate the deal, even with your speakers traded in
I will probably reach out to you before making such a big decision...not something that is imminent, but you never know!
For sure! Audio Exotics use the Robert Koda K15EX/K160 Monos in their reference room with the massive Divin Majestic which I believe is 98db sensitive and has dual 18" woofers. So I can imagine your Maats would be sensational!The Maat is over 100db sensitivity, it’d be very interesting to hear your full koda system driving them
Hopefully they’ll bring these speakers to Munich this year so I can listen to them. They need a huge room for the woofers not booming everything up.
Although specs could be different due to manufacturers’ requirements, but both the Sigma and Gobel are using ribbon tweeters from AMT iirc. These are super fast, sweet and responsive to the lightest touch, very interesting.
Last year in Munich, unfortunately I couldn’t attend, but based on show reports, Gobel now is using big Pilium amps to drive their speakers too, it says something
Although specs could be different due to manufacturers’ requirements, but both the Sigma and Gobel are using ribbon tweeters from AMT iirc. These are super fast, sweet and responsive to the lightest touch, very interesting.
Last year in Munich, unfortunately I couldn’t attend, but based on show reports, Gobel now is using big Pilium amps to drive their speakers too, it says something
Can you imagine at Goebel they have the Majestic with dual sub towers, each comprised of 3 stacked Divin Sovereigns!Hopefully they’ll bring these speakers to Munich this year so I can listen to them. They need a huge room for the woofers not booming everything up.
Although specs could be different due to manufacturers’ requirements, but both the Sigma and Gobel are using ribbon tweeters from AMT iirc. These are super fast, sweet and responsive to the lightest touch, very interesting.
Last year in Munich, unfortunately I couldn’t attend, but based on show reports, Gobel now is using big Pilium amps to drive their speakers too, it says something
That’s madness haha. But maybe the result is just too good in their properly set up room . I know a guy in Beijing just rents a massive apartment to listen to the music and his speakers are Majestic, crazy.
. I know a guy in Beijing just rents a massive apartment to listen to the music and his speakers are Majestic, crazy.
Can always put your preferred cones, footers etc. on the bottom or put it on an isolation platform.
I know but it's better looking with only four feet. Besides, the "hanging" feet will be acting as resonance reservoirs.
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