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
gabriel123
42 posts
 

Some people mentioned that the Coda S5.5, because it operates in pure class A, produces a sound that is somewhat tube-like – a bit on the warm side, yet at the same time it preserves the clarity and detail of a solid-state design. However, in this thread I've read that this amp is mostly transparent.

sls883
798 posts
 

The No 8 V1 runs in class A up to around 18 watts.  That's what I have. 

petaluman
197 posts
 

Many of the finest audio component makers represent the vision (and ears) of one or a few serious audio designers.  Both Pass and Coda have long and honorable traditions in the industry, and plenty of advocates.  I wanted to tip my cap to Nelson Pass, though.  I was barely a teenager when his DIY article for a class A amp design (the A20) appeared in Audio magazine - the first of dozens of published articles since.  His Stasis circuit patent is used in the classic Threshold, Adcom, & Nakamichi amps.  He likes to build speakers, too (BS in Physics, not EE).  He's a regular contributor on diyAudio.  Without him, there would be no Burning Amp (Burning Amp 2025 on Oct 4-5 in Petaluma!).  I trust his ears and his dedication to individual initiative.

petaluman
197 posts
 

Many of the finest audio component makers represent the vision (and ears) of one or a few serious audio designers.  Both Pass and Coda have long and honorable traditions in the industry, and plenty of advocates.  I wanted to tip my cap to Nelson Pass, though.  I was barely a teenager when his DIY article for a class A amp design (the A20) appeared in Audio magazine - the first of dozens of published articles since.  His Stasis circuit patent is used in the classic Threshold, Adcom, & Nakamichi amps.  He likes to build speakers, too (BS in Physics, not EE).  He's a regular contributor on diyAudio.  Without him, there would be no Burning Amp (Burning Amp 2025 on Oct 4-5 in Petaluma!).  I trust his ears and his dedication to individual initiative.

mark200mph
461 posts
 

You guys are having too much fun ie therapy with this audio stuff. Great therapy and it's fun to read and see people's non biased opinions. Enjoy the music and the search.

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