The Schitt Tyrs are outstanding. I returned the Pass XA-30.8 in favor of the Tyrs. The hefty amount of money saved was a nice bonus.
Coda #8, Pass XA25, or Schiit Tyr to replace PS Audio M700
I recently upgraded my power amp from a Nakamichi PA7Aii to PS Audio M700 monoblocks. I honestly expected to flip the M700 pair quickly because I did not think they would be better than the PA7Aii. The M700s actually provide a wider and more detailed soundstage. I sold the Nak.
I listen (often passively) for several hours each day. I began to identify a 'shrill' on the high end. Since I had upgraded my DAC (DirectStream Mk1) I initially thought that could be it. I rotated three DACs through the system (DS, N130, and Eversolo DMP-A6). All of them had the shrill. I then put in an old NAD 7600 and the shrill went away along with a lot of the detail. Put the M700 back in and used the EQ from the DMP-A6 streamer to limit extreme high end. Ended up with a -1 Q starting at 19,500 Hz that solved the shrill, but also muddied the high end detail. I don't trust the EQ a lot and figure more is being impacted than the targeted range.
This led me to consider upgrading the M700 pair. I have a pair of Acoustat 1+1 speakers with low sensitivity efficiency (81 to 86 depending on who the source is) with a pair of Rythmik F12SE subs and an active crossover at 100 Hz controlled by the SPL Crossover. My budget is around $6K.
Looked at the Pass XA25. Not certain there is enough power there although a Pass representative encouraged my to try it. I was hoping to get two used and use them as mono blocks.
The Schiit Tyr has been on my short list for awhile (prior to buying the M700). The Schiit AI tool actually stated the Tyr was not a good match and suggested other Schiit amps. This seemed strange to me. I sent an email to Schiit seeking clarification, but have not heard back. I may go to there store in LA this week to talk to someone live.
The Coda #8 came up as an option as I was exploring. I looked at other Coda used products, but #8 seems to match up best. (Well, the #16 matched up best, but was more than double my budget). I will go take a look at it later this week. Not a mono block but could work.
I am essentially seeking the last 1-2% of the detail the Acoustats can provide. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
One final note. I am not interested in tube power amps. I don't like the fussiness of tubes and the Acoustats seem to pick up the hum from tubes. I know it shouldn't happen with their sensitivity, but I notice it. It could be my prejudice, but please no tube suggestions.
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sid-hoff-frenchman The XA 30.8 are supposedly very similar to the XA25 but with a significant different build approach. The XA25 is more like First Watt. the 30.8 are on my long list. What did you like about the Tyr pair over the 30.8, besides the cost? Used 30.8 run $4-5k. Can't find used Tyr, so they are $3.2k plus tax so around $3.5k. In the ballpark. |
@thriftyaudio yes I am sure you must feel that way about your speakers! Another good amp choice for reasonable money is the Denafrips Apollo which is biased heavily into Class A; it runs hot, and it’s heavy as hell, I think around a 100lbs - but only $4.5K new delivered to your door. Sounds like a classic slightly warm muscular Class A/B amp, lots of headroom and current. But it’s made in China and has only 3 years of warranty, while CODA is manufactured in Sacramento CA and has a 10 year warranty. No experience with Krell so I won’t offer an opinion but the "word" is the company is back making very good amps again. |
Hi I owned the M700's and was impressed with them. When I upgraded to Kef Reference 5 speakers and a DCS Bartok streamer/Dac/Pre I naturally wanted to upgrade the amps. I went with the BHK 300's which I am very impressed with and will keep for many years. They do have a tube input stage but they are quiet in operation. A bit out of your budget new but they are in reach on the used market maybe? good luck, Mark
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