CODA 8 V1

@erik_squires . I hadn’t considered Ayre. Which Luxman are you running? I got to play with a LX-380 and liked it. Was pondering that with some 0/96’s

@gochurchgo 

I have the 507ux.  The preamp portion is stellar.  The 505/507/509 are distinguished by the power supply and number of output devices.   The hardere a speaker is to drive the higher up the chain you should go. 

I have a Coda CSib V1 driving Thiel CS 2.4 speakers. Have had the amp in my system for something over 3.5 years now. Replaced a Bryston 3Bst/BP20 combo. A definite upgrade from the 20 year old but still quite competent Bryston kit in every way. I wouldn’t describe the sound as dry. As from a presentation perspective brought some much needed warmth to my rig which I attribute to that class A envelope. Also purchased from the very gentlemanly Mike Kay at Audio Archon. The CSib is pretty much a Coda 8 with a built in line stage, and for me is most likely an endgame piece.

The No.8 is a nice sounding amp. Better than much of what is out there. Definitely better than the Ayre V-5XE I tried. The latter was quite grainy in comparison. 

I wanted to upgrade to a No.16 but couldn’t bring myself to shell out the dough, so “settled” for a model 11. It has been very satisfying. 

The CSiB is the 07x line stage and No. 8 in one chassis. Great value.

I've heard the CSiB, 07x, No. 8 and S5.5 in various configurations in my home. Never heard sound quality that I would even remotely describe as dry.