Coda 16 vs. Pass Labs xa60.8

I owned the Pass XA60.8's before going back to Coda(I have an older Model 11) in my main listening set up. For the past three years or so I have had the Model 16 and could not be more pleased with the switch. Do not get me wrong, the Pass monos were fantastic, but the Coda has more SS grunt with a little bit more of that tube-like bloom that has more of that, "live" sound. I paid it with the Aric Audio Motherlode Preamp and TAD speakers. I have had no desire to move gear in and out as I have had prior to my current rig. 

@laaudionut - Thanks for your reply! 
 

I read somewhere that the coda 16 might be “too transparent.” I did a home demo with the Luxman 509, which is a class AB amp. I really didn’t like it, because it was sounded cold, analytical and harsh to me. My wife felt the same and asked me to turn down the music after two minutes - max. I came away feeling fatigued and irritated. 
 

When I added the Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamp to my set up a few months back I was immediately struck by the clarity and openness of the sound. I realized how much I’d been missing with my previous tube amp. To its credit, the LTA preamp still has a tube tone, so things are softened around the edges instead of being “in your face.” 
 

It sounds like you are saying that the Coda 16 has the sonic signature I’m seeking - “detailed, but almost tube like in those details” but with solid state grunt. Is that fair to say LA Audio Nut? 

Also, it sounds like the “tube bloom” you ascribe to the Coda 16 provides a fullness to the sound that eclipses the vaunted warmth of the PassLabs xa60.8? 

You are assessing my(vague) comments correctly. With the Coda, there is no over analytical sound quality that would lead to listening fatigue. The details are there, but with richness that never sounds muddled. The tube bloom I mention is reference to the dimensionality...big and airy! The 100 watts of pure class A will drive most speakers with ease with a bottom end to spare. It gets warm, but not to the point of being a space heater where you would not consider using it in the Summer months. It is s pretty special amp and Doug at Coda is great to work with.

Best wishes for success in your decision making process.

I would go with the vs. one

Well said!

I owned an innersound electrostatic amplifier which is similar in design to the Coda amplifiers. It was superb. 

However, I suggest you check to see how loud you are typically listening, and, by extension, how much power you are using. You might be surprised. I know I was. I am almost always below 1 watt, even with my Quad 2805s. 

Hi OP,  I haven’t had any pass gear but I did have a Coda Integrated CSiB.  I had the chance to compare it with a Primaluna Tube Amp and Krell XD amplification. 
 

Based on the sound signature you are after, I would add Krell’s newer XD amps to your list.  The 300xd Duo or the Mono’s.  I think the Krell will give you the best of both SS, non fatiguing detail and a tube like quality.  The Coda 16 is a beast and I’ve only heard fantastic things about it, you wouldn’t go wrong with either Coda or Pass but based on what you describe your are chasing, the Krell could hit the sweet spot. 

I had a CODA 16. I would consider it neutral with a good grip on the bass. I have moved on to a pair of McIntosh MC 611s and have not looked back. I also auditioned the Luxman M10X. If you are looking for a single chassis, I think the Luxman smokes the CODA 16 in all aspects. I did not go the Luxman route because my MAC system excels in bass/midbass which is my preference.

@bluethinker I own the CODA #16, owned the KRELL Duo 175XD, and demoed the Luxman.

Nothing smokes any of these components. It is a matter of your sonic preference. My favorite amp is the Benchmark AHB2, so that is a frame of reference for my statements.

The CODA comes closest to the AHB2 in terms of transparency, but it is not as clear and clean sounding as the AHB2. However, it is the second best in this regard and the best in terms of drive and power. This amp is a monster with finesse. The best overall amp I have owned.

I tried the CODA #16 with the Magnepan LRS+, KEF LS50 Meta, and now Yamaha NS5000. The NS5000 and CODA #16 is stunning. The CODA increased the bass on each of these speakers.

I need a second amp for my LRS+ and I was and still thinking of the KRELL Duo 300XD for $6250 used. Check A’gon or USAM. The only reason I have not gotten it is that it is big, and I want something smaller for my office. I have a PeachTree GAN400 coming today for the LRS+, which could work.

Reading your statements on the Luxman 509x, I would think the KRELL Duo 300XD would be a great choice for you. It is 300 watts in Class A. DOES NOT RUN HOT. it has fans but it never turned on for me with my 175XD. It is also the smoothest, and most relaxing sound I have ever had in the house. It is also very strong on the bass. I think the CODA #16 is a bit stronger, but it is a close call. I have owned the 175XD and also the KRELL 300i integrated so I know this sound pretty good. The KRELL Duo 300XD would be incredible with my LRS+ and the NS5000.

Actually, the ideal amp for my office would be something like the Luxman m900u because it has the dual zone speaker setup. I need something like that for my LRS+ and RAAL SR1a headphones. So, if my Peachtree GAN400 does not make me happy I will look at an amp with dual zone feature.

I am also thinking of a crazier plan of buying the KRELL i400 amp for my NS5000 and moving the CODA #16 with my LRS+ (amazing combo). I am trying to decide whether to put stupid money towards an expensive amp, or the expensive Playback Designs DAC, or stay the course with more affordable gear.

Thank you ALL for your feedback. I really appreciate it. 

@mm1tt77 -
@yyzsantabarbara - Thanks for your suggestion on the Krell amps. I am not familiar with them, so I've spent some time getting myself acquainted. 

@jeffreyw - I'd be curious to hear your side by side comparisons of the Coda 16 vs. the Luxman amp? Where or how was the Luxman superior? 

@bluethinker 

I did not do a side-by-side. The CODA 16 that I had was paired with the B&W 802 D3 series. The Luxman M10X was played through a pair of Kef Ref1 Metas. I have also heard the Luxman through a pair of the 802 D4 series B&W. In both auditions with different speakers, the Luxman gave me a thrill that the CODA could not. 

The Luxman to my ears was better in every way, with more powerful bass, a slightly warmish midrange, and beautiful highs. I think CODA is a great USA-manufactured product with tremendous customer service. The bad part, CODA resale is pitiful. Expect no more than 50% back if you purchase new. 

I know we all come on here and promote the latest product that created synergy within our own system...that said A few years ago I tried several products on the sane side of 'hi end' Parasound a21 with krell pre, peachtree nova 300, anthem 225i, anthem STR integrated, hegel h190 and h360, I was also upgrading my speakers and it was really interesting how my amp preference could change depending on speakers. I only still have the H360 from those early attempts and since settling on a pair of speakers that need some shove I added a pair of Mac MC611's. WOW, Try everything you can get home into your own system!