We are a Krell and Coda dealer
the krell xd amps are very liquid and we have a demo of the 300 xd and 175 as well as the coda so we can answer any questions you might have
Dave and Troy
Audio intellect NJ
Coda and Krell dealers
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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erik_squires I value your posts. I often skip to see your thoughts on various questions here on audiogon. However, the shrill on occurs with the M700s. It did not happen with the Nakamichi and two different NAD units. I did move the M700s to the TV room (AV room for the aficionados) and run it with the 3D Acoustics and the same shrill was apparent. Totally different room (20'Wx12'Dx10'H). The test was completed as a 2.0. The M700 did expose me to an improved soundstage and detail versus the Nak and the two NAD I currently have. So, I am looking for a new power amp that will not have the shrill at the high end and will hopefully improve on the soundstage and detail the M700s present. |
I’m using the Orchard Audio StarKrimson Stereo Ultra V1 on Acoustat 3 Medallion. Orchard Audio is running an amp tour. Listen a week for free and pay shipping to next person. Sign up on their website. I also have a PS Audio S300. It isn't as detailed as the Orchard. Haven't hooked it up to the Acoustats. Thanks, aldnorab |
@thriftyaudio I originally was running a single Schitt Aegir and was happy with it. But I was really curious about the Pass stuff, so I popped for the XA 30.8. There was a lot about the Pass that was great, but when I swapped the Aegir back in I was struck by how well it was holding its own against the 7x more expensive Pass. In the end I preferred the Aegir, all things considered. At one point I had my wife blind listen to the two amps back-to-back. She said "Ok, I can hear why that's the more expensive one." Turns out she was mistaken - it was the Aegir she was saying that about! Anyway, I returned the Pass and happily sat on the money saved + the knowledge that I wasn't getting any "second rate" sound by any means. Quite the contrary - I now had the direct experience that the Aegir absolutely played with the "big boys" and absolutely held its own. I stuck with Aegir until the Tyrs came out. I jumped on a pair, and they ended up taking the new top spot and replaced the Aegir. The Schiit gear has a sweeter tonality and richness to my ear. The Tyrs are incisive and powerful without calling attention to themselves. They can swing for the fences when necessary while never losing their ability to sound musical. In a hobby where the running joke is the rabbit hole of never enough, I have no desire to change anything up. |
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