2. amps-preamps
  3. 173933-100084

Buy Back Old or Move On?

I am putting together my retirement system; it has to outlast me (20 years) or at least my hearing. I have an opportunity to purchase back my old Coda CSiB amp which is coming up 10 years old now and recapped in 2019.

I'll be into it for about $3,000 or so by the time it arrives on my door. It will drive KEF R11s, have decent out-board DAC and some form of a steamer for digital music listening only.

Do I go back to it or move forward, any thoughts? If forward, what would you suggest?

Thanks

high-amp
gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 

Tubes is not moving forward. It’s taking several steps back.

high-amp OP
508 posts
 

gosta - I’m sure many here may disagree with you, but I don’t think I’m going the tube route, thanks

As alternative, this seems to be getting rave reviews and it would be cheaper than the Coda and brand new to boot. Although, I’m not sure if I’d get 20 years out of it?

https://www.kinki-studio.com/ex-m1 - $2,614 shipped to my door.

I’e also been hearing from others here that Hegels are great as well. An H390 is an integrated amp that has a DAC & streamer inclusive. I have seen open boxes for around $4,500.

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
796 posts
 

Keep it simple. Purchase the Coda. If it’s aged badly, dump it for a small loss and move forward. Or purchase a tube pre with the Coda to run the preamp side of the Coda integrated to see if it’s all it’s billed to be. 

gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 

Why not have a look at the new NAD all-in-one amps (incl Dirac) like the M33.

There are other manufucturers too.

The future!

 

 

high-amp OP
508 posts
 
wturkey - I have reached out to both the owner of the Coda and have a wanted ad on USAM, but no responses yet. Still open to plan B.
gosta - I was always a separates guy, so it was really tough to go with an integrated amp. I just don't think I can do an all-in-one just yet...maybe in 20 years?

 

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