The target audience of the Kora TB200
Contents
The Kora TB200 is aimed at the audio enthusiast willing to spend money on a sound ideal. This amplifier is an endgame amplifier. Seen in that light, it does not get any cheaper, but the performance level is matching. Competitive amplifiers can be found in this price range and above.
The good news is that the sources don’t have to be of similar price range to get the performance out of the amplifier. It is the other way around, this Kora amplifier draws the best performance out of what a source can offer.
For those looking in this price range, you are advised to compare extensively, as its powerful, open and nuanced character is unlike any other amplifier. The Kora TB200 certainly allows the rhythmic aspect of music to be heard but does not put emphasise on it. It is a different kind of presentation of the music, completely effortless and therefore a great music experience, but its sonics must suit your appreciations for the long haul.
At the beginning of this review, the question was raised whether the TB200 can live up to what was heard as potential in the TB140. The answer is not only a resounding yes, but it is much more than that. The Kora TB200 is not the better TB140, this TB200 is in a different class.
Hello,
I’m currently testing a Kora TB140 in my system, replacing my Audiomat Aria. My speakers are PBN Audio Sammy, with a Metronome DSS streamer and a Lampizator Baltic4.
The sound is very good, more detailed, but the magic of the highs and mids is lost compared to the tube amplifier.
The amplifier is plugged directly into the wall outlet, without a crossover. The speaker cables are Organic Audio Reference, and the interconnect cables are Grimm Audio TPR or SQM.
The Kora has only been broken in for four days. Do you think a longer break-in period is necessary to get more midrange? Is the TB200 better for the midrange? Does it perform better at low volumes? I have to set the volume to 24 to hear all the audible frequencies.
Hello,
I think the review states that the TB200 and TB140 are very different amplifiers. Having said that, there’s always a question of balance in a system and a preference for sound signature. I have never heard the Audiomat Aria, so I don’t have a reference how it compares with Kora.
The number 24 of the volume control means nothing, as the manual states. But having a to need to turn the volume up to get a better balanced sound often indicates a loudspeaker which demands a lot of current or current delivery stability across the frequency range. This is where the TB200 is much better, current delivery and control. And which becomes quite evident if you hear the 140 and the 200 side by side.
4 days is a bit short, allow for two weeks. Best thing is to play for two weeks, then have a listen and if you still own the old amplifier, put that back and listen for what you are missing or which improves for you. If your dealer can arrange this, ask for a TB200 for comparison and see if that fits your system or preference better.
Hi Martijn !
thank you for responding so fast !
I have made a call to my dealer, he will send the TB 200 as soon as possible from Kora for the comparison in my place.
At the end of the week, the TB 140 will have over 350 hours burn in, i will do an another comparaison with the Audiomat Aria.
All best
Philippe