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

Not shopping. It's part of of our Nashville Audiophools group activities. But you never know.

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. 

BTW, your Coda can be kicked a little higher in sound by replacing the two 5x20mm 16 amp slow blows in the IEC. Revolution Power has some inexpensive fuses that worked very well for me. 

https://www.revolutionpower.com/acme-audio-labs-small-silver-ceramic-fuse-cryogenic-treated-with-special-sauce-slo-blow

Greg plays his Volti's with a Cary integrated, SLI-80 I believe it was. Just sublime, effortless, very large sound stage - Vittora's.

@bugredmachine I might try the fuses.  Do you recall the size that is needed in the Coda 8? I don't find it in the manual. 

There’s a sli-80 newer version for sale in Denver for $2700. Someone is going to get a good deal on a great piece of equipment