Coda CP pre-amp vs Rogue Athena Magnum vs ARC LS-12 .Need information
I am looking at a Coda CP pre-amp, and can't find a single review on either their website or online So would like some feedback from owners.
I am also looking at the Rogue Perseus Magnum which I read two reviews As a side note, also considering Rogue Metis Magnum. The "used" price is good on the Rogue Metis M, but it is classified as an entry level pre-amp but still received good reviews as the Magnum version.
ARC LS-12 is a sleeper possibility, was issued in 2001, but received very good reviews I have a BAT VK-200 power amp which is outstanding,, So, am looking for the best match up in a pre-amp to bring the system to the next level. Thank you.
Showing 12 responses by timlub
Hi Jim, I've heard the LS9, It had a low gain and was a bit temperamental matching, but when properly matched it was very good indeed. From what I've read about the LS12, it will be very good. The Rogue has a good reputation. The last time that I heard the CP was at the Legacy booth and Bill told me that he didn't hear any particular advantages of the 07X over the CP. If you lean anyway toward the Coda, Might be worth giving Bill a Call at Legacy and Doug a call at Coda. I'd have to believe that as long as you buy used and don't overpay, you'd be able to move any of these 3 without significant loss. Having heard the LS9 and reading the LS12 reviews as well as hearing other models from Rogue, If I couldn't get some very reliable opinions from people I know, I'd have to lean toward the LS12, as long as you are buying it right. Good Luck, Tim |
Jim, Not to steer you away from the Coda, I haven't heard its phono, but its a nice neutral preamp. The point that I'd like to make is that for the Pre's without a phono, there are very nice phono sections out there. Graham Slee comes to mind, you can get their MM phono for around $400. Plenty of others out there also. Let us know what you end up with. Tim |
@sunnyjim Hey Jim, after Cerrot posted the Innersound, it reminded me of this.... The newest Sanders is essentially a CP and I knew of a review on that... I hope this contributes, Tim http://www.dagogo.com/sanders-preamplifier-review |
@sunnyjim Hi Jim, The CP comes with a basic remote. The $150 upgrade is larger digital readout remote. The Sanders is comparable to a Coda 04/Windows Continuum III, it was from around 2004 or so, the CP replaced the CL with added phono, I believe the CP came out in 2012 or 2013. The Muse is very discontinued, I'm thinking 2001. It is a really nice sounding pre. I spoke to Kevin Halverson (designer) at one time about this, I believe around 2009, at that time he compared it to the current models Jeff Rowland models. I liked this pre, but by the time you add a phono, you might as well get the Coda, I didn't realize that Bill D was the person selling the CP, you will most likely get a full warranty with that. I looked a bit around Agon for you and came across a CJ Premier 18LS... This is also a nice sounding pre.... Well, I think this is all i've got for you, Good Luck, Your looking at all nice pieces. |
@sunnyjim Hi Jim, I didn't realize that you were in a budget that high, I was looking at that $1500 & below. At that price point ($1500 & below), you have best of the best lined up in SS. I've had tubes in every form in my own system, but still don't have enough tubed listening experience feel competent in offering real advice. |
@sunnyjim Well Jim, this would be a very tough choice for me... Really too bad that you can't compare and if I understand correctly, you haven't heard any of them.... So: The Muse is really very good, I understand that you are unfamiliar with it and that probably kills that piece, but I really like this preamp. The Conrad Johnson and Audio Research we know are good and both sport 2 of the biggest names to ever exist in Audio, so there is some comfort that both of those pieces will be good and you can easily resell... Then here comes Coda, Not the biggest name, but for sure a company that everyone knows is no slouch and offers built in phono. You know, in the end, One of these truly will offer just a little something to your taste in sound that the others don't, but you have no way to confirm, but I can tell you this, in the end, if you get any one of these 4 preamps, you'll have a NICE Pre. I think all but the CJ offer balanced and single ended. I know the Coda has variable gain inputs. Make the best call that you can and maybe its none of these, but in the end, be comfortable that your decision is sound. These are nice pieces. |
The Only SP Series that I've sat in Front of is an Old SP10. It did a lot of nice things, but in the end added color. Pulled a review of the SP 17, sure sounds good. The Muse Sold. I've only seen a couple of these available in the past 5 years. I'd be surprised if another came around soon. The Old Classe is a great piece. I've never directly compared it to the Coda, but I believe that they would have a similar sound signature, My instinct is that the Coda will have a touch more detail, although the Classe is built like a tank. My experience with the Mark Levinson models that I've sat in front of has all been mediocrity. I know that there are a few excellent models, but I haven't sat in front of them. Good Luck my friend. You'll finds something that you'll be comfortable with. |