Preamp for my CODA 5.5 amp

 My Backert Labs Rumba tube hybrid preamp has great synergy with the S5.5, adding in some beautiful tube harmonics combined with hi resolution. 

Like @yyzsantabarbara I was using a Holo Audio Serene KTE on my Coda #8 with good results. Very transparent sounding. I now have a Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-80 Tube preamp that I am extremely happy with. Sold my Serene preamp.

You’d get much better and more targeted recommendations if you share what specific improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics in general are most important to you.  Do you find the Coda to be sufficient to drive your Aerials?

@willywonka this thread got me to thinking of a tube preamp for my #16. I was trying to remember what preamp you switched to from the Serene. Glad you posted the comment above. I owned a BAT VK-42SE preamp long ago, but it was solid state.

The Serene is a nice preamp however, I was very disappointed when I took it to my friend's house (Danny from RAAL) and I put the Serene into his system. It was good but the preamp he had built just outclassed the Serene.

The preamp I really love is the Benchmark LA4 or HPA4. I have this in my office system.

BTW - I repurchased the RAAL SR1a earphone and VM-1a. I think you owned the SR1a at one time. I realized after some demos that the SR1a was really the best. 

@yyzsantabarbara I was very happy with my Serene and Coda but wanted some tube sound in my system and the price was right for my VK-80. I blindly bought the BAT preamp, but I bought from Music Direct who has a 60 day return policy. I have zero regrets in the purchase. I still have my SRa1’s but need to sell them. Great headphones but I decided to concentrate in just my main system instead. I did sell my VM-1a though and don’t have an adapter box so I can’t even listen to the headphones. I thought you purchased the newer 1995’s?

I am purchasing new speakers after the April AXPONA show. My LRS+ are the last component that really needs to be upgraded. I’ve budgeted $25K on this purchase so hopefully I can find something I’m happy with. I see your for sale adds often and you definitely go through lots of equipment. I think the reason I see them so often is because our taste in equipment is very similar. As you know synergy is so important in equipment and that is especially true with amplifiers and preamps. My guess is the Serene just wasn't a good match for Danny's system.