2. amps-preamps
  3. 195414-178422

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 jsqt

jsqt's avatar
jsqt
121 posts
 

So funny, I have recently been torn between the XA25 and Coda No 8 myself. My main system is a Technics SU-R1000 but I have been wanting to rebuild something similar to my old Backert Labs Rhythm/Luxman M900u pairing, with clean, holographic imaging and staging of tube preamp but the power and finesse of a high end solid state amp. 

Since I have a beautifully restored CL40 preamp already, I’ve been looking at starting with the amp and have been leaning toward the Coda 8 V2. I’m a little torn though because to afford one I’d have to liquidate the Technics and I really want to keep that amp. Plus I would hate to let go of the Technics and then be unhappy with the Coda. And if the Coda didn’t work out, the Pass seems much easier to resell. 

So to tide me over for a bit I got a massively upgraded Adcom 545II to pair with the Luxman CL40 in a “high end” vintage system to swap out with the Technics when I get urge to change things up. It sounds wide, clean, and powerful and is incredibly transparent - I am hearing the CL40 in all its glory (and its flaws). 

But I’ll probably be moving to the Coda No 8 when I do make a change. 

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