Category: Amplifiers
My local dealer sells Kora so I get to hear a lot of their gear. One day I was in the store when I found an Explorer 90 for sale. I bought it on the basis that my favorite audio reviewer gave it top honors (Diapason d'Or 1999). It is indeed excellent and so when my dealer got a 150 SB, I wanted to give it a listen as well.
I listen to all kinds of music, particularly acoustic, alternative and electronic. I don't have any neighbors in sight so I get to listen very loudly. I have had the 150SB for about a week and it was already fully burned in thanks to Michael Fremer at Stereophile Magazine who sent his (second) review sample to my dealer. Speaking of his review, many have felt it was quite negative but reading it carefully will reveal how only the ergonomics were at fault - and I do agree they aren't the best.
However the sound is sublime and this is what I want to point out in my review. It is much more detailed than the 90 and its dynamics and high frequency extension are much improved as a result. It has just the right amount of coherence to keep the soundstage together and the details in check - something my Mc/BAT can't always do with the Prima as the source. The 150 doesn't have quite the resolution of my separates, nor the last bit of bass control, but that doesn't matter really since beautiful music comes from the speakers. I am very impressed with this amp and for the money, it is about the best thing going.
In conclusion, I would like to say that this amp will do best with a detailed source and transparent speakers. High sensitivity is not recommended as it does have a moderately high background noise level but somehow that never seems to interfere with the impressive clarity it delivers. It has plenty of power for my small room and never got compressed even at very high levels.
The Kora 150SB is very highly recommended at its price point. I wasn't expecting such a beautiful sounding amp.
Associated gear Click to view my Virtual System
