@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.
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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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. |
OP
all of the above are great post. I have not heard a Coda, but I am a pass labs kind of guy However, I notice that your previous gear is a tube 300B. I own an Audio note clone 845 based SET and before I purchased this unit, it was a shoot off between 300B JeLabs design versus 845. I chose the 845 simply because for the dynamics and PRAT, while the JELabs 300B presented a lot of lovely 300B liquidity. going on, I then compared my XA25 to the 845 clone and I can tell you this, they are nearly close to each other. the xa 25 advantage is its ability to represent music in a 3D like space more than the 845 clone. but other than that, the PRAT, tone and vocals of females are very surreal. very palpable. So, i hope i was able to convey how a xa25 may sound like.as comparing to your 300b tube, xa25 can push more power. I suggest if you can demo both, that will be the best way.
Good luck |
@joeycastillo Thank you Joey. My local dealer doesn’t demo models unfortunately. I’m going by word of mouth I guess. Whether it’s the xa-25, sit-4 or sit-5, I’m sure I will be happy. They are all excellent choices. I do like the idea of the extra power. Leaning sit-5 or xa-25. I’m in no hurry so I don’t want to rush. Trying to enjoy hearing from people and getting their viewpoints. So, thanks again. Much appreciated |
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