@yyzsantabarbara seems like an awesome system
What did you like more about the Krell XD over the no 16. Or why did you choose the XD over no 16 ?
Review on Coda Technologies 16 Amplifier went live today
@yyzsantabarbara seems like an awesome system What did you like more about the Krell XD over the no 16. Or why did you choose the XD over no 16 ? |
The CODA #16 is really an excellent amp. One of the very best amps I have ever heard. It reminded me of my Benchmark AHB2 on the top end, so clean and smooth. I did not spend much time with the #16, though I knew immediately that I preferred it to the #8 that I owned. The dealer that I am working with for the KEF Blade feels that the CODA is a bit warmer than the KRELL XD amps. I disagree with him on that. The KRELL XD amp is not an amp that I am normally attracted too sonically. However, after owning the K-300i for a year and now the KRELL 175XD (up for sale) I realized that I ALWAYS have a great time listening to music on these amps. The sound is very smooth, with enough details, and a bit rounder on top. I also think the bass is very strong. The pairing with the new KEF speakers is something that I have done for a year, with LS50 Meta. So I know that is a great pairing. My dealer also says that is how he prefers the Blades paired. So that is why I am going with the KRELL over the CODA. My office system has Benchmark AHB2 monos and the CODA #16 is also on the neutral side, so the KRELL is a change of pace from that sonic signature. Another reason for getting the KRELL XD for the Livingroom system.
|
@yyzsantabarbara It sounds like we have some similar tastes, I am running LS50's with a Coda #8 and a Freya + pre. What caught my eye was your pending choice of the Holo Serene as your next preamp, it is what I am eyeing as well as an upgrade to the Freya. I look forward to your review of that piece. Meanwhile, I will have to live vicariously through you and your Blades, no room for those on this end. |
@lancelock what other high end amps have you owned? @yyzsantabarbara if i could get a demo id love to put it up against my arc ref5se. I did talk to one audiophile who said he liked the ARC LS27 more than his 07x but of course I have to hear for myself. |
@zlone From what other owner’s have told me about the Holo Audio Serene and also from the measurements. It seems to me very similar to the Benchmark LA4. I have been told the Serene has a touch more warmth. I can tell you that the LA4 and the CODA #8 were amazing together. I spent a year flipping back and forth between the Benchmark AHB2, Benchmark LA4, CODA #8, and CODA 07x. That is, I used them in various permutations. All combinations of the gear matched so nicely to my ears. I got rid of some of the gear because I thought it was a little to crazy to do this. I only sold the CODA #8 (reluctantly) because I wanted to buy the RAAL VM-1a headphone amp. In hindsight it was a great move. I also owned the Schitt Freya+ for a few months and I was very happy to find it pairing nicely with my RAAL SR1a headphones and the Benchmark AHB2. I had a tough time making the AHB2 work with the RAAL SR1a, even though the SR1a designer used the AHB2 when developing it. The Freya+ was a great tone control to the bright SR1a and neutral AHB2. Today, I am using the LA4 and AHB2 monos with the SR1a headphone (on my 2-channel) setup. I cannot believe it works because it was awful before. However, this time I am using the Musetec 005 DAC which seems to be the magic sauce that holds it together. The Musetec 005 is not good with my RAAL VM-1a headphone amp (surprising). The Blades are a decade+ in the making for me. Either no space, no money, or new baby.
|
@smodtactical There is a dealer in Winnipeg that sells CODA. I have spoken with him in the past and he maybe willing to send you a demo 07x. I was not able to quickly find his contact info in my emails or a search of ad's on USAM. CODA can get you his info and other Canadian dealers.
|
@yyzsantabarbara yup ive talked to him too, he said no to demos |
@lancelock nice history there |
Uh oh, you did it now. Just kidding, or maybe not. 😉 It’s what I run again now after 35+ years with ss amps. What output tubes?
|
@lancelock by chance did you ever try the other Vision SET 400 class A/B design by AVA? |
@lancelock how do u park the Coda 16 ? Move it around? It seems like it is a monster size/weight wise. Well, the question is moot cause the X250.5 weighs 110#. I should be able to handle it. Now, the price tag.... |
@lancelock maybe my fixation on the Coda #16's size and weight was perhaps looking for a reason to move on to the #8. However, my wife grudgingly gave me the green light to spring for the Coda #16. So, 110# be damned, I will be getting the 16. |
@lancelock how do your tube amps compare to the 16 ? |
They are both Incredible sounding amps just different flavors. The tubes provide greater depth and size of sound stage. The tube sound is more dense and maybe I’m just listening to a beautiful distortion but I love it. My preference for tubes doesn’t take anything away from the Coda. It’s the best sounding SS amp I’ve ever heard. |
I have a 96db speaker currently use an OTL and very happy too. |