2. amps-preamps
  3. 126048-1644

Coda CP pre-amp vs Rogue Athena Magnum vs ARC LS-12 .Need information

I am looking at a Coda CP pre-amp, and can't find a single review on either their website or online So would like some feedback from owners.

I am also looking at the Rogue Perseus Magnum which I read two reviews  As a side note, also considering Rogue Metis Magnum. The "used" price is good on the Rogue Metis M, but it is  classified as an entry level  pre-amp but still received good reviews as the Magnum version.

ARC LS-12 is a sleeper possibility, was issued in 2001, but received very good reviews  I have  a BAT VK-200 power amp which is outstanding,, So, am looking for the best match up in a pre-amp to bring the system to the next level.   Thank you. 


sunnyjim
timlub
2,039 posts
 
I had an old buddy that had a 38s in his system. I hadn't heard it, but he liked a lot. It has a good reputation as one of the better ML pre's.  Not sure this helps. I would say,  Make sure that its the "s" version.  I recall it fairing much better than the 38. 
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Tim, Thanks. I contacted ML about the serial number but they claim the server that contained the info was destroyed.  So I will either have to believe the seller or move on.   I did read some stuff on the blog "Audio Review"  about the major sound quality difference between the 38 and 38S..In addition,  ML sent me the info and a PDF file of the manual.

Were you aware that ML was bought by Harman International?? I also heard though it might be just rumor that they also bought  out  ARC  about ten years ago. 

I got blown off twice by their customer service department attempting to verify a serial number. Maybe, it was a mistake, but I know Victor Khomenko at BAT is always open to answer questions about his older models.

An ARC SP-17 popped up on AG today. and I found an old thread from 2008 asking about what was a better choice the SP 16 or SP 17.  I also was able to clarify via that thread the difference between their two series: that is, the SP and LS. I read that SP models were earlier pieces and had no phono stage, whereas the LS series often have phono stages ( optional, I guess) and remotes. The SP 17 is not   balanced, only RCA's,  but has a phono stage and remote I need to check out some reviews. However, if ARC is going to be hard-ass about answering questions I will need to change horses in mid stream. The Classe CP-60 is looking much better now, and even the Muse CL3 Signature

Onward and upward I go  Thanks.  

larryrs
132 posts
 
In general, for ARC, SP = Stereo Preamplifier (with phono stage), LS = Line Stage (without phono stage). There are some exceptions (e.g., the SP-17L is a line stage only SP-17).

LarryRS
timlub
2,039 posts
 
The Only SP Series that I've sat in Front of is an Old SP10.  It did a lot of nice things, but in the end added color.  Pulled a review of the SP 17, sure sounds good.   The Muse Sold.  I've only seen a couple of these available in the past 5 years.  I'd be surprised if another came around soon. The Old Classe is a great piece.  I've never directly compared it to the Coda,  but I believe that they would have a similar sound signature, My instinct is that the Coda will have a touch more detail, although the Classe is built like a tank. 
My experience with the Mark Levinson models that I've sat in front of has all been mediocrity.  I know that there are a few excellent models, but I haven't sat in front of them.  Good Luck my friend.  You'll finds something that you'll be comfortable with.
 
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To Larry,     Thank you for the info  and explanation. 

To Tim, Thank you for all your advice and recommendations. Sometimes I am reluctant to launch these threads, but don't have the means to  travel to different audio stores even in L.A. county, and there are several good ones; and, going out of state to audition or shop would give the wife  just another reason to commit me.  BTW, I never got a reply from the Classe CP-60 seller on ebay

Also, thank you to the members who have responded.

The search continues!!.

More to discover