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
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. 

ghdprentice
8,206 posts
 

OP, 

Yes I understand. I am by nature not a patient person. I completely get it. Whittling it down to a hand full is good. When you get your speakers you can focus on getting to know them and positioning them. Sounds like you already know it will take a couple hundred hours to break in. So, while nothing wrong about listening to them out of the box... they are likely to sound terrible, and sound disappointing. Some speakers sound pretty good out of the box, many sound terrible... but virtually all change a lot in the first couple hundred hours. Run them 24 hours a day... so by the weekend you have a hundred hours on them... at least that will take the edge off them... maybe more. Break in time varies by speaker. Keep them running 24 by 7 for at least 10 days. Then they should sound like they are going to sound, 

earthbound OP
234 posts
 

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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