Coda 16 or Pass Labs x350.8 with Magnepan 20.7

Hey salc,

I have reviewed and owned all the amps & 20.7s that you are inquiring about. There is no doubt in my mind, based on my personal taste, that the Coda #16 is my favorite with the Maggies. Remember, your 20.7s love current and the #16 can drop up to 100 amperes of current compared to about 20 to 30 amperes for the 350.8. 

teajay, 

good to hear you thoughts on your experience with the 20.7.  The 350.8  with the 20.7 I felt imaged vey well, fairly detailed depending on preamp, more rock and roll amp with good top and bottom, not as romantic or dense as the 260.8, had plenty of weight and didn't run out of gas.  the coda 100 wats in class A  and max 100 amps must be something.  How would you describe the Coda 16 with the 20.7?  

salc,

Take a look at my Stereo Times review on the #16, it's in the archives now, for the details concerning its sonic perspective.

I have a CODA #16 and it is a beast of an amp. The current is what matters for the CODA vs watts. I am hard pressed to find an amp that is more powerful than the CODA #16. I used the CODA #16 on my LRS+ for a bit and it was the most alive I have heard the LRS+. My Sanders Magtech 500 watts is great with the LRS+ but the 150 Watts #16 had way more bass.

I have replaced the Sanders a few weeks ago because I needed a manual STANDBY vs the Sanders automatic STANDBY. I replaced it with the new Schitt Wotan and I am using it with the Magnepan Mini which also needs power. I no longer have the LRS+. The Wotan seems almost as powerful on the bass as the #16. I have both in the house.

You may want to consider the Wotan at $2k for a 15-day home trial for the Maggies. The #16 is a bit better on top but it is 10x more expensive and the margin between the Wotan and the #16 is rather small. I am considering selling my #16 and getting a second Wotan.

Coda without hesitation. I have owned several Pass amps prior to the Coda 16, and none of them measure up sonically.