2. amps-preamps
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Pass Labs xa-25 or Coda Continum #8

I’m looking at both of these amps as future contenders. Downsizing to a one box amp or perhaps integrated(another thread for another time) and I’d like opinions on these 2. There are quite a bit of discussions on the xa25 and my speaker builder, Volti, says he’s heard with his speakers and it’s a good match. I currently have a 300b but moving may force my hand. Anyway, it’s really the Coda I’m not as familiar with. It has come up in some of the xa-25 discussions as an alternative. The incoming Volti’s are 99db so they don’t need a ton of juice obviously. Anyone with first hand experience with both? Any comments are appreciated. 
‘BTW, no single box tube amp suggestions. If I stay with tubes I already know which direction I’m going. 

earthbound

Showing 1 response by joeycastillo

joeycastillo
121 posts
 

OP

 

all of the above are great post. I have not heard a Coda, but I am a pass labs kind of guy

However, I notice that your previous gear is a tube 300B. I own an Audio note clone 845 based SET and before I purchased this unit, it was a shoot off between 300B JeLabs design versus 845. I chose the 845 simply because for the dynamics and PRAT, while the JELabs 300B presented a lot of lovely 300B liquidity.

going on, I then compared my XA25 to the 845 clone and I can tell you this, they are nearly close to each other. the xa 25 advantage is its ability to represent music in a 3D like space more than the 845 clone. 

but other than that, the PRAT, tone and vocals of females are very surreal. very palpable.

 So, i hope i was able to convey how a xa25 may sound like.as comparing to your 300b tube, xa25 can push more power. I suggest if you can demo both, that will be the best way.

 

Good luck 
 

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