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.
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.
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@ghdprentice - IIRC you’re curious about 300B amplification but have not yet explored, why not? Like the OP, get a used Volti and a 300B amp. Shouldn’t be too expensive relative to your current audio chain. Seems like loads of fun. You only live once. |
I went through XA25 for a couple of years with the PMC Twenty26 @86dB It was the clarity and vice like grip that was a major feature. Mine was silent as it was upgraded fully shielded internally by the upgrade company at the time. Ultimately I found the ARC combo LS10 and D240 MKII suited my taste. Transparency sound stage and musicality. Today I’m still using the D240 in the second system, and a Michi X3 in the main system. I’ve been meaning to swap these around to compare. |
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