New Stereo Times review on CODA CSiB Integrated Amplifier

How does the CODA CSiB (the latest version) compare to Pass Labs integrateds -- INT-25 or INT-60? I know the history, so no need to rehash that part, but would love to hear from someone who has actually owned a CODA and Pass Labs. 

It'll be nice if they can work on the appearance, especially the front plate. No need to make it look fancy or expensive, just make it more streamlined and less cluttered.

@yyzsantabarbara  Man, you've been on a roll lately. Did I tell you how much I envy you? :)

I'm assuming once you get your Coda combo, the Krell will be departing, or are you planning to use it with your RAAL setup? Last week I talked to a local audiophile who also owns Thiel (I think 3.7), and he swears on his life that the Pass Labs INT-60 is the best pairing he has ever had with his Thiels. According to him, they complement each other very well, with the Pass Labs being more on the warm side of neutral. I haven't had a chance to listen to his setup yet, but I might be able to in a couple of weeks.

@yyzsantabarbara Thanks for the update. It'll be interesting to read your comparison between Krell and CODA separates. I think Krell must have gone through substantial design changes to sound a bit on the warm side of things. I remember hearing a Krell integrated many years ago, and found it to be too bright and sterile for my taste.

Based on comments on this thread, it sounds like CODA should outperform Krell and Pass Labs. Let's see what you think. When are you expecting to receive the CODA stack? 

@amorstereo -- sorry, I didn't realize it's you Teajay :(

In general, I think we have all grown weary of the so-called professional reviewers, so I hope you can understand my initial skepticism. Of course, you are one of the few reviewers whose opinion and expertise is greatly valued and appreciated on this site, and that includes me as well. 

Now that we have it out of the way (phew!), have you had a chance to compare it to Pass Labs integrated amps including INT-25 or 60? 

Let's wait for @yyzsantabarbara to get his hands on the separates and compare them to the integrated. I have more faith in his assessment than any reviewer, with all due respect.

@amorstereo -- Thanks, Teajay! This is the first time someone has explained the difference between Pass Labs and Coda in a way that I can understand. Getting CODA separates is probably outside of what I can afford in the short term, but I remain interested in the CSiB. I currently have two systems in the house. The main one is composed of Harbeth SHL5+ driven by Luxman 590 AXII, and the second one has Harbeth M30.1 driven by Raven Audio Blackhawk. My plan was to replace the Blackhawk with the Luxman, and buy a Pass Labs INT-60 for the main system. But you have me thinking about CODA once again now. I actually bought the CODA from a fellow a'goner but unfortunately had to return it due to unforeseen circumstances.

Now, from what I understand, there were some changes that took place somewhere around 2019 that made the CSiB even better. If I were to buy used, is there a way to find out if the CSiB has the latest improvements? Also, I'm not sure if PL XA-25 will have enough juice to drive the SHL5+, and I want to build my system around these speakers. Another route I can take is to buy the CODA amp and drive it with the Luxman initially, and then eventually buy the CODA preamp once I can afford it. Lots of choices, but you really have me considering the CODA brand seriously once again.

Thank you for the detailed and on point feedback.