Also, what are your thoughts on this reviewer's take on the CL's sound?
http://www.hifinews.co.uk/news/article/coda-cl-cs-pound;1450-pound;2450/9209 |
Czarivey and Timlub: I've been reading about the Muse 3, and it really does sound like a sweet pre. Unfortunately, it also looks really rare on the used market. Anything similar come to mind? |
Unfortunately, the TRL Dude is way out of my price range. |
Thanks Lak. The Dodd looks interesting. I'm guessing it doesn't have a remote, which is something I definitely want.
Hey Dweller. Yep, I know about driving the A21 with the Oppo, however, I listen to enough vinyl to make switching cables to the amp inputs a PITA. |
Mechans: I'm open to SS and tubes.
Czarivey: I'll keep an eye out for the Muse Model 3.
Daniel825: I was reading about the YS pre last night. Do you still run it with the A21? If not, what did you replace it with and why?
Runnin: I've thought about the P5, but I'm waiting for some reviews to trickle in. |
Daniel825 and Mechans: Which YS Audio preamps have you both used? I see there are a few different models. |
Thanks Dan. What other preamps have you used that you can compare the YS Audio Symphonies to? Where do you think it comes up short? |
How about an Audible Illusions Modulus 3? I want a remote, but maybe I could live without it... |
Thanks everyone. You've given me a lot of options to work with. I'll circle back once I make my decision and purchase something. |
So as I continue to hunt for the pres recommended in this thread, I've been thinking (always dangerous) about going with a tubed unit. Any thoughts on the Parasound Halo A21 with either an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A (used) or a PrimaLuna Prologue Three (new)? In both cases, I'd be sacrificing a remote, but I might be willing to do it if the sonic rewards are there. |
Czarivey: Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but are there any balanced tube preamps? |
The YS audio gear looks interesting, but I'd be more comfortable buying from an established brand (even if it's also made in China). Any other balanced tube preamps in this price range, used or new? |
I don't necessarily need a balanced tube pre, but I'd like to consider all of my options. |
New possibility: Has anyone heard the Coda CLX pre? From what I gather, it's a Window IV with upgraded parts. |
I wish I could get one for $1,000, but it will actually be closer to $1800. I'm willing to go that high if the performance is there. But since I'm now thinking in that range, the other pre that seems comparable is the Wyrrd4Sound STP-SE. Thoughts on how they compare? |
Thanks for the generous offer Tim. Alas, I'm in NJ, otherwise I'd take you up on it. |
So I've definitely narrowed it down to either the Coda CLX or the Wyred4Sound STP-SE. Anyone else have experience with the sound if either pre (or both) using the balanced connections with a solid state amp of the A21's ilk? |
Update: I bought the Coda CLX. It was a dealer demo, so practically new and has the full warranty. I'll give my impressions once I have some time with it in my system. |
So I've had the Coda CLX in my system for a few weeks now, and I couldn't be happier with it. (I'm running it balanced with Mogami 2534 cables to my Halo A21.)Compared to the Anthem, I'm hearing a lot more detail, a deeper and wider soundstage, great instrument separation even at higher listening levels, and all the dynamics that I imagined were to be had from the Halo A21 driving the Alon IIs. I also like that it's neither noticeably warm or at all lean, but rather staking out a perfect (to my ears) middle ground of neutrality. Timlub mentioned that the sound should continue to improve as the CLX burns in, so it appears there's a little more of the same to come.
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Not much has changed in my system since my last post, so I don't know how helpful I can be. Other than the addition of the Coda CLX, I've just put the A21 on a maple amp stand with Dayton Audio spikes between the stand and the floor, and replaced the stock power cord with a Quail, a.k.a. the former Jellyfish Iron Lung. I'm still very happy with the sum total: very neutral and balanced top to bottom. |
