Parasound vs Coda

I've definitely seen several members with experience from Pass preamps that they aren't the most exciting or lively compared to others, granted the XP12/22/32s are universally considered improvements over the prior generation.

I think I'm going to scan for the aforementioned pre options if any pop up for a good price, worst case would break even by selling if it's not a fit. Plus most are not nearly as pricey as the amp options.

OP… “granted the XP12/22/32s are universally considered improvements over the prior generation”. Yes, exactly.

I used to own one. I would describe them as a bit thin, not natural and musical. They are good technically but lack warmth and soul. Somewhere in there I think I got it.

Ive owned both the jc5 and the coda 16 - i liked the coda better. 100 watts of class A goodness. Wonderful mids. And the thing is ULTRA quiet.

I run a Coda no8 with a Trafomatic Reference Line One tube pre and the sound is sublime.  I recently tried with the Holo Serene (which I preferred over a Benchmark LA4 with the Coda) but it didn’t have the same magic without the tubes.  I also was a bit surprised that I don’t seem to be missing much if any detail with the Trafomatic/Coda combo versus with the Serene in the chain.  

I think I like the LA4 and CODA #16 (or #8) combo the best. Though I only gave the Serene a short workout with the #16. The LA4 also works better with the #16 because it is so small, and I can hide away from the amp.

I have been thinking about of adding a tube preamp into the RCA inputs of my CODA #16, which has a nice switch on the front of the amp to flip between RCA and XLR inputs. So, 2 preamps hooked up at the same time are easy to manage.

I am going to check out the Trafomatic Reference Line One tube pre.