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
hickamore
737 posts
 

Ditto the Coda S5.5, which never ceases to amaze with my 92dB speakers and tube pre of 18.5 balanced gain in a large room. The one thing lacking is the sense of huge black sky overhead that you get from superpower amps. But as you are downsizing with highly sensitive speakers, the lightweight S5.5 should be an excellent fit. 

earthbound OP
234 posts
 

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?

dmiller01
27 posts
 

I would echo a recommendation for the CODA. I use a #16 so a little different beast, but I have listened to the #8 at length, and it is an excellent amp. I haven't heard the 5.5, but with your speakers it might be an excellent choice. The CODA amps are fast and detailed, while being very smooth and not showing a trace of SS harshness. Extremely well-built products as well. Good luck with your search. 

earthbound OP
234 posts
 

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

thriftyaudio's avatar
thriftyaudio
137 posts
 

I looked at the #8 and the S5.5. In the dealer's showroom the #8 was marginally more appealing to me with the same Legacy speakers (various models). Ultimately I selected the Pass XA 25. I felt it was more neutral with the Coda amps having a bit or warmth (could have been the speakers though).

I have the opposite issue regarding speakers. My Acoustats have a db83 rating and I was concerned the XA 25 would not have enough power for them, in which case I would have looked at the XA 30.8, or reconsidered the Coda options. The XA 25 has no issue with the my inefficient giants. It does get a bit warm, but it is definitely worth it.

Have fun with the search. 

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