Parasound vs Coda

One of the reasons I asked is if anything for a sanity check, and certainly would prefer not to make a sideways move at significant expense! I rarely get the itch but when it bites, it bites.

The two other areas outside amplifiers are to try a tube pre or add a pair of REL/Rythmic subs. There are many recommended options on the tube pre side that aren't crazy expensive and worth trying out at the very least to see how I like it.

The adventure continues.

I've been trying to learn as much about the tube side as possible for a while, but have a long way to go especially since the options plus tube rolling make for nearly infinite choices. Almost headswimming as a tube noob!

Aric, Allnic, Zeto, Modwright, and others are often mentioned and recommended. I really like detail, clarity, works with all genres, but with some warmth and bloom.

@jeffreyw A local dealer suggested a M462 over Parasound and even above either, the 611. I ended up going JC5 used for a good deal as they didn't allow in home demos and was space limited on monoblocks at the time.

@decooney I haven't had a ton of gear in my system to compare to, but in my mind i would like a bit more shimmer / sparkle and a more pronounced upper midrange. It's definitely not veiled and the Focals shine in that department to my ears. I guess it's more so figuring out what might be the 'weak link' in the chain which based on price at least, is the amp (which doesn't necessarily mean much I know).

@willywonka Thank you for the insight, I like companies that don't need marketing or publicity yet have loyal followings for a reason. Is there anything specific you like from the Coda versus Parasound as far as performance? 

@yyzsantabarbara Krell has been one I've looked into with a lot of interest, originally the 402 and then 300XD. Personally I feel that Parasound is relatively neutral and I like that aspect, so something along that same vein but more refined / special is very much of interest hence why Coda really intrigued me. 

@yyzsantabarbara Do you know if they allow home demos? I'd be willing to put money down for any dealer willing to do that.

Covina isn't far from me either (I'm in Newport Beach).

@yyzsantabarbara There's also this one floating around, it's been re-listed a few times. CODA No. 16 Amplifier For Sale - US Audio Mart

I too am not interested in something overly 'tubey' but a touch of warmth with all the detail and refinement would be perfection. I feel the Pass XP22 is fairly neutral with a tinge of warmth so an amp with the same quality would be a great match with the Focals I think.

Fortunately for us working folks, Sunny is open on Saturdays. Maybe I can trek out this weekend.

@yyzsantabarbara  That's the first I've seen about the packing point, interesting! 

I'm going to Sunny and see if maybe I can put a deposit down to demo it. That would be ideal but not sure if they would. I just don't want warmth at the expense of detail really. And something that will play nice with a variety of genres!

I've definitely seen several members with experience from Pass preamps that they aren't the most exciting or lively compared to others, granted the XP12/22/32s are universally considered improvements over the prior generation.

I think I'm going to scan for the aforementioned pre options if any pop up for a good price, worst case would break even by selling if it's not a fit. Plus most are not nearly as pricey as the amp options.

That's a really cool brand, will dig in on it more. So many options.

To the point on multiple inputs on the amp side, the JC5 has that too. Good idea on attaching two pres and trying both.

@helomech If you recall, what did you like more about Coda over Parasound besides being quieter? 

@helomech Thanks for the explanation, Destination Hifi is not far so I plan to go up for a demo. They're the closest Coda dealer by far.

@yyzsantabarbara I did not, I was over optimistic on how much time I had this past weekend. A weakness of mine.

Destination HiFi is about an hour from me, so it's definitely worth a drive up there if I can make time.

@reg19 If you have a minute, curious about what you liked on the JC1+ over the other reputable options you tried? 

@reg19 Thank you for the feedback, that's really helpful. I have been on the lookout for JC1+ for sale but interestingly, haven't seen many as of late. Coda is still high on my list too.

I also agree with the power cord note, I upgraded the stock JC5 cord and it made a difference. The biggest difference however was adding multiple dedicated 20amp circuits, it was pretty stunning honestly.