Coda CB vs 2016 07X

I would like to try a 07x or a higher end tube preamp for a bit more warmth, but I’m also considering a change to less bright speakers instead to get the same effect while maintaining the crystal clear transparency of the LA4.

I had the LA4 and 07x on the same system to the CODA #8 and it was the best of both worlds. Sometimes when that bit of extra warmth is needed I switched to the 07x. I tended to like hard rock with the LA4. Both are good with all music, it was just a matter of preference on a particular day.

My LA4 is now on an all-Benchmark system in the Living room. Which sounds different from the CODA/KRELL system in the office.

BTW - the $600 Topping pre90 sounds like the LA4 on my Benchmark AHB2 amps. Though on other amps I had issues.

I ended getting the CB pretty cheap(hifi cheap lol). Dealer gave me a good deal on a new one. I know it's what's pretty much in the CSiB and I could've saved myself hassle just getting that but I wanted seperates to play around with. I enjoy the Focals I have but there are more I'd like to try. I'm still trying to find my preferred sound and if I'm going to be trying new speakers than a clean neutral sounding pre made sense.   There's a balanced Decware preamp I like the look of. Unfortunately I was told wait time could be anywhere from 8-24 months. It'd be nice to have both preamps. Something about tubes I like. 

https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZTPRE.html

Congrats on the CB. Going separates is better than the integrated. I have the CODA 07x and #8 now and had the CSiB (from 2019) before. Let's hear your impressions of the CB once you have the gear broken in.

Last night, I moved my Schitt Freya+ off the office system. The Freya+ was my second preamp to the CODA #8 and KRELL 175XD office amps. I put the Benchmark LA4 pre back in as the second preamp. I am listening to it today with the CODA #8 driving my Thiel CS3.7's. The LA4 is really my fav preamp on the CODA #8. Maybe not for everyone, but the absence of any sonic character on the LA4 really agrees with me. It cost $2600 with remote.

I was not overly excited about the Schitt Freya+ (tube preamp) on the CODA or KRELL. However, the Freya+ sounds great on my Benchmark AHB2 amp in my living room. The tubes on the Freya+ were not a good match for me with the CODA and KRELL.

yysantabarbara: Just curious if you compared the Freya in solid state mode, tubes off, to the LA4. Any thoughts?

Ive been using matched pair Sylvania 6SN7 6SN7GTA Vacuum Tubes Valves Bad Boy Chrome Dome Top & matched pair General Electric GE 6SN7 6SN7GTB in the Freya + I have. I wish I had more time to A/B test things. Never really planned on using the Freya with the Coda. I am interested what a really good tube pre would sound with it though.  I was looking at the LA4s... don't remember why I decided against it.