Preamp for my CODA 5.5 amp

Like @yyzsantabarbara I was using a Holo Audio Serene KTE on my Coda #8 with good results. Very transparent sounding. I now have a Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-80 Tube preamp that I am extremely happy with. Sold my Serene preamp.

@yyzsantabarbara I was very happy with my Serene and Coda but wanted some tube sound in my system and the price was right for my VK-80. I blindly bought the BAT preamp, but I bought from Music Direct who has a 60 day return policy. I have zero regrets in the purchase. I still have my SRa1’s but need to sell them. Great headphones but I decided to concentrate in just my main system instead. I did sell my VM-1a though and don’t have an adapter box so I can’t even listen to the headphones. I thought you purchased the newer 1995’s?

I am purchasing new speakers after the April AXPONA show. My LRS+ are the last component that really needs to be upgraded. I’ve budgeted $25K on this purchase so hopefully I can find something I’m happy with. I see your for sale adds often and you definitely go through lots of equipment. I think the reason I see them so often is because our taste in equipment is very similar. As you know synergy is so important in equipment and that is especially true with amplifiers and preamps. My guess is the Serene just wasn't a good match for Danny's system.

@yyzsantabarbara I'm trying to get rid of my headphones, so I wasn't really interested in the adapter. If I could get one really cheap maybe, but $800 more for something I rarely listen to isn't worth it to me. I just don't want to put any more money into them. My only concern is if I can sell them without the adapter. When I bought my headphones and amp together, they didn't send me the adapter. After thinking about it they should have sent me that since I paid full price.  Also, I actually do have a pair of electrostatic headphones I can use if needed.

I have actually heard the Diptyque speakers at the last AXPONA. They are very nice. Also looking at several other brands including ATC, Pure Audio Project, Perlisten, Joseph Audio and a few others. As you can see, I'm all over the place and open to most anything although I do admit I love Planers and Open baffle speakers. Thanks for the offer though, I appreciate it.