Thiel Owners

jazzman7 - I'm eager to hear your considerations, especially your critique / assessment of the Benchmark vs CODA.

Benchmark AND CODA together is a beautiful pairing, in any combination. I have an all Benchmark system and also a CODA system (preamp + amp). At one time I was mixing the gear and every combo of amps and preamps from CODA and Benchmark sounded so good together. I no longer mix the 2 together because of the need to incorporate my RAAL SR1a headphones. 

I mixed and matched the following with terrific results.
- CODA 07x preamp
- Benchmark LA4 preamp (sold my HPA4)
- CODA #8 amp 
- Benchmark AHB2 mono amps

Benchmark VS CODA is a simple one for me. The Benchmark is a bit clearer, detailed, and quieter. The CODA is a bit warmer, more powerful, and bit more relaxing with a bit less detail. Now I heard the CODA #16 amp recently (with CODA 07x preamp) and wow, maybe the best amp I have heard.

yyzsantabarbara
Thank You for sharing your Benchmark/CODA experience.  Which brand(s) of Cabling did you settle into System?
Happy Listening!

Since my CODA and Benchmark are pro gear and support the AES48 XLR standard I use the low cost Benchmark XLR between each preamp and amp. This is 15 foot XLR cables.

On the sources-to-preamp for each of my 2 systems I spoke about above, I use XLR and RCA Audience AU 24 SE and also WyWire Silver XLR and WyWire Blue XLR. The WyWire is also some great cables and they have 40% off for their anniversary sale. I discovered them when I previously had a Meze Empy headphone.

My amp to speakers use Benchmark speaker wire with SpeakON termination on the all Benchmark system.

On the CODA system (Thiel CS3.7) I have Audience FrontRow with SpeakON connection. I had the CODA #8 customized for SpeakON termination..

I also have incorporated my RAAL SR1a headphones into the CODA system, The 07x has dual XLR outputs so I use CODA 07x preamp | Parasound A21+ amp | Audience Conductor SE speaker cable | RAAL SR1a. I will upgrade these speaker cables sometime in the distant future. They are good value cables.

The Audience AU24 SE XLR and RCA came about from the upgrade and chopping up of a 12 foot Audience AU24 XLR I had long time ago. I think it was much cheaper to get the AU24 SE this way.

Speaker cables for me is where I put most of my cable money into.

All - I am searching for a pair of Thiel CS3.5s for Bill Thalmann of Music Technology to use for listening to equalizer upgrades. His shop is located in Springfield, east-central Virginia. Prefer working condition, any physical condition. Borrow, rent, buy, or upgrade as trade. Any leads much appreciated.

 

Tom