Parasound vs Coda

I had a Parasound A23 and A21+. The A21+ was rather good, though a little too warm for me and not as detailed. I got a KRELL Duo 175XD to replace it and it was much better for my tastes. Ultra smooth and more detailed, slightly less warm.

At that time, I also had a CODA #8 v1. It was not as detailed or smooth sounding as the KRELL. The smoothness is not usually something I look for but on the KRELL it was a nice sound. The CODA seemed better in every way for my taste’s vs the A21+. I liked the KRELL a little bit more than the #8.

I now have the CODA #16 to replace the #8 and KRELL. Not sure if the CODA #16 is better than the KRELL. They sound different. The KRELL is smoother, and the CODA has a bit more detail and maybe if I remember correctly a bit more bass slam.

I need to buy 1 more amp since I am down to 1 amp with 2 systems. Luckily, I am broke, so I am thinking instead of buying. I am considering the CODA #8, the upcoming Sim Audio North Collection (for neutrality), Bryston 4B3, and Mitchi S5. I am not considering the KRELL Duo XD because I do not think I would like it with 1 of my 2 speakers.

No tubes for me in either of my 2-channels systems. I use a tube amp for headphones. My 2-channel preamps are uber neutral and let the amp dictate the sound. I have a Benchmark LA4 and Holo Serene preamp. I have heard the LA4 with all the amps mentioned before. I did try a Schitt Freya+ tube preamp and it was not to my taste, nor was the CODA 07x preamp which is described as tubey.

@christianb5s4 Sunny's in Covina, CA has the Duo 300XD trade-in model for $6250. 

@christianb5s4 I am also considering the CODA #15.5 (an upgraded model). I have a #16.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649992711-coda-no-155/

Though I am leaning towards the CODA #8 or Bryston 4B3 for my LRS+. Not in a rush.

@christianb5s4 Not sure about home demos. I have only bought some items online from them. I have gone to the store for some audio events. I definitely recommend that you make that relatively short drive up to Covina. I think the Duo XD is really great stuff. I tend to dislike tubey, warm, and smooth sound. However, the Duo XD works for me. You never get any fatigue and keep thinking that this sounds so nice.

I should really have bought it for my Magnepan LRS+ speakers, but the size of the amp is a bit big for my office. I may change my mind since I have a friend who I visit and he lives 3 miles away. If I do not have an amp the next time I visit I will visit the shop and maybe make an impulse buy.

I love the amp with a neutral preamp (my Benchmark LA4). Most will use something warmer and maybe demoed with warmer gear. I may not have bought it if I heard it that way.

@christianb5s4 If you do buy a used #16 be aware that there is some special setup needed to be done on the amp before it is shipped. Luckily, the guy I bought my used amp from had it checked out by CODA and they informed him how to pack for shipping. You need to open the top panel and insert provided foam inserts so that certain internals do not fall. This is to be overly cautious.

I just bought the PeachTree GAN400 amp again for $1200. I will sell it again once I have decided on what amp to get later (or maybe be happy with the GAN400 and save money). I was wrong I need an amp in my office immediately.

With the Focals I think I would go with the KRELL. For my Yamaha NS5000, which has a tinge of warmth, I went with the less warm CODA #16. That is how I hear it but a KRELL dealer I am working with insists the CODA is warmer.

I think I like the LA4 and CODA #16 (or #8) combo the best. Though I only gave the Serene a short workout with the #16. The LA4 also works better with the #16 because it is so small, and I can hide away from the amp.

I have been thinking about of adding a tube preamp into the RCA inputs of my CODA #16, which has a nice switch on the front of the amp to flip between RCA and XLR inputs. So, 2 preamps hooked up at the same time are easy to manage.

I am going to check out the Trafomatic Reference Line One tube pre.

@sworksone Where did you hear the Trafomatic preamp. Is your model listed on this website?

Preamplifiers - Trafomatic Audio

@christianb5s4 Did you get to listen to the KRELL Duo 300XD?

I have to agree with the post above regarding Parasound and CODA. Though I only had the A21+.  The A21+ is good for the price, the A23 I had was not so good, even for the price.

I got my new CODA #8 from Destination HiFi. An excellent dealer.