Also, both are available used right now under 4k. So, may be a good time to get one even though I have my set amp for another year.
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A Coda s5.5 is also available. A little less power but not an issue. So, are the same things that people like in the #8, in the s5.5? Same characteristics?
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Thanks for the response. Very helpful since I’ve looked closely at every amp you listed! Lol
i will be using it with a 99db efficient speaker and a tube preamp with 50db gain. Could be a very nice fit.
Btw, what is the efficiency of your speakers?
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I get them next week. I hope they are end game but you know how it goes. The #8 would power most speakers that I’d consider if the Volti didn’t work out. It’s certainly a safer bet. Thats why I will wait until I hear them. If I do love them, it would be between the xa-25 and s5.5. I read a lot of nice reviews about the s5.5. But, there are good reviews on most good products now. That’s why I come to the forums. Real world reports
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Yes that’s the logical, smart way to go about things! lol. Good advice. With downsizing on the horizon, I know I have to change quite a bit. I figure if I buy used, I can always resell without much of a hit. So I’d like to sample stuff quickly to get to the final system sooner. Also known as impatience. I will wait. Volti’s come Tuesday. I will get a feel for them and then see. Just want to narrow it down to a couple of options if I can.
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Thanks. There is a used one up that I can actually drive and pick up. Very tempted. Apparently it’s the new model that was released in the last 2 years. Not sure if that’s referring to the resistor change or another update. I would have to find out before purchasing.
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My 300b, a 2 unit amp, has delivered that blackness wonderfully. Thanks for pointing that out. Is important. I wonder how the xa-25 is in that regard. I assume that’s noise floor related?
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Thanks guys. Seems to be the common consensus. I’m always very focused on hearing about the high frequencies. They need to be excellent and Coda and Pass don’t seem to have any harshness or brightness up there. Great sign
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Thank you. It’s fun until I have to commit to a choice! Lol. Buying used and reselling is the way to go for the time being.
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I’m learning ghdprenice. Bought them used. Slightly over a year old. Apparently the guy upgraded, which is a good sign. Greg has explained the best positioning but of course will have to tinker. For me, the biggest adjustment will be the sound. I’m going from Audio Note to Volti. Pretty much opposite dynamically and impact wise. So, I’m not camping out in front of them for a bit. Will just keep them on as I do my thing. Then when the time comes, sit and listen at low level volumes. The ear and brain will take a bit of time to adjust I think. I don’t want to rush the transition.
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Next area to tackle. I currently use a 300b pset from Aric Audio, which is a monster 2 piece unit. Offers clear, beautiful music. Absolutely zero noise in between notes or when paused. There’s a strong possibility that I have to down size this coming year due to a move. I have the tube amp picked out but am looking for a class a, solid state amp as an alternative to switch from time to time. I really would like something that has solid bass and bass control. My initial 2 options are the xa-25 and the Coda s5.5. Any input as to which has stronger bass would be greatly appreciated.
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Update. I received the Volti’s yesterday. I broke every rule I promised myself. I wasn’t going to listen too long, loud or parked right in front of the system. Turned them on and just put some easy jazz on while I put boxes away etc….Piano wasn’t piercing and it sounded great. Ended up listening for 3 hours before I had to leave. Zero ear fatigue.
Came home and put the system on again for another 3 hours with a bit more critical listening. Overall, thus far the Volti’s offer a very balanced sound, treble-mids-bass wise. They seem in the proper proportions to my ears. Nothing lacking. I was concerned regarding the dynamics being too much or a bit manic. Not the case. Certainly livier than the Audio Notes but very enjoyable. The Lucera’s filled in the missing parts that I felt the AN’s lacked perfectly. Just a great speaker top to bottom. Now I don’t want to bash AN. They have a sort of mid range magic that the Volti’s don’t have. A sparkle for lack of a better word. Audio Notes excel at a certain volume with a certain type of music. The Volti’s are a better all around speaker. For my ears anyway.
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Awesome. He’s great and I’m sure you will have a good time. I picked his brain a little regarding set vs push pull tube amps. He would allow you to bring your amp I believe. That would be the perfect way to evaluate. Which speakers are you looking at?
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Sounds like a great time. I’m really enjoying what the Lucera’s have brought to my system. Very full, easy to listen to sound. My first horn so I was curious and a bit apprehensive. Like some have mentioned, I wouldn’t even know it was a horn if I didn’t see it. Let me know what your impressions are. Have a great time.
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