Parasound vs Coda


All,

I've been doing a lot of research into moving up from my current amplifier (Parasound JC5) and have scoured comparisons of Parasound to Pass Labs and others that I've been considering. Speakers are Focal Kanta 3s, Pass XP22, Lumin U1, Denafrips Terminator Plus. The setup sounds great as is but would be interested in an amp that offers a bit more refinement in the midrange and treble. Coda from all my research could fit that goal.

 

One comparison I haven't found has been users who've heard Parasound and Coda amps (I'm considering the Coda 16 or possibly 8) and would love to hear about what others have heard as far as preference, tonality differences, etc. Thank you in advance!

christianb5s4

I absolutely recommend going to a tube preamp. I have owned Pass preamps… I now own Audio Research… no contest in my mind… or Presto, Conrad Johnson, there are others as well. 

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.

I third a tube preamp. Aric would be nice. In addition to tube rolling, you could add it in -- or not -- as desired. I very much enjoy having four components that all mix and match: Amps (tube and class A ss) and Preamps (tube and ss). A lot of variety possible all on one audio rack.

I second the tube preamp. I run solid state amps - Pass X250.5, LSa Voyager GAN, and Ampzilla monoblocks - into tube preamps. The Aric Audio Motherlode is the best of the bunch. The Black Ice hybrid is damn good as is the Audio GD tube preamp. Switching to tube preamp seems like a bang for the buck move.

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 likke the Coda amps a lot more than I like their pres.

Gwnerally speaking, my experience with Parasound has been warm, Coda robust, and Pass lean and itchy.  No questions please.  🤣

@jasonbourne71 

+1

 

Agreed sidways without big change in character.
 

Looks like you have a nicely balanced system.

Might consider Pass XA amp or  a good tube amp to get the character change you are looking for. 

Parasound vs. Coda is a side ways move at best. You've already said your system sounds great! You just have the itch for a new toy! Your brain is in control wanting that dopamine hit that the experience of a new amp will provide. Stick with what you have!