Parasound vs Coda

@christianb5s4 "interested in an amp that offers a bit more refinement in the midrange and treble."

While I run a tube preamp when paired with my Pass/Forte’ Class A amp, and yes it sounds nice, and we also understand what your JC5 amp is, I’m wondering what you feel your XP22 / JC5 combo is missing now with midrange and treble?

i.e Is it too detailed/grainy or too soft/veiled over, or what’s going on that you don’t care for,...and now have the itch to buy another amp or another preamp. The JC5 is no slouch and neither is the XP22. Maybe there is another way to get you "there".

In other words what is "more refinement" to you - can you share a little more?

I own a Coda #8 and in my opinion it is superior to Parasound. I was making the same considerations as you. I am lucky to live 15 minutes from the factory so not only did I buy direct from Doug Dale but he took me on a tour of their small facility, and we talked for over an hour with their history with Threshold and Nelson Pass. Two huge advantages with the coda are the versions 1, 2, and 3 are all the same costs and he will do the upgrades for free minus shipping if needed. Also, these units have a 10 year warranty with 5 years being transferable. The parts quality and build on these is amazing. I’m driving some Magnepan's with them and it sounds amazing. Many people in these forums are making recommendations on this and have never heard the Coda products. Coda was rarely at audio shows, and they don't do these anymore per their owner. Legacy used to use them at shows but that's been a while. Yes, I have heard Parasound amps many times.

I had a Parasound A23 and A21+. The A21+ was rather good, though a little too warm for me and not as detailed. I got a KRELL Duo 175XD to replace it and it was much better for my tastes. Ultra smooth and more detailed, slightly less warm.

At that time, I also had a CODA #8 v1. It was not as detailed or smooth sounding as the KRELL. The smoothness is not usually something I look for but on the KRELL it was a nice sound. The CODA seemed better in every way for my taste’s vs the A21+. I liked the KRELL a little bit more than the #8.

I now have the CODA #16 to replace the #8 and KRELL. Not sure if the CODA #16 is better than the KRELL. They sound different. The KRELL is smoother, and the CODA has a bit more detail and maybe if I remember correctly a bit more bass slam.

I need to buy 1 more amp since I am down to 1 amp with 2 systems. Luckily, I am broke, so I am thinking instead of buying. I am considering the CODA #8, the upcoming Sim Audio North Collection (for neutrality), Bryston 4B3, and Mitchi S5. I am not considering the KRELL Duo XD because I do not think I would like it with 1 of my 2 speakers.

No tubes for me in either of my 2-channels systems. I use a tube amp for headphones. My 2-channel preamps are uber neutral and let the amp dictate the sound. I have a Benchmark LA4 and Holo Serene preamp. I have heard the LA4 with all the amps mentioned before. I did try a Schitt Freya+ tube preamp and it was not to my taste, nor was the CODA 07x preamp which is described as tubey.

@jeffreyw A local dealer suggested a M462 over Parasound and even above either, the 611. I ended up going JC5 used for a good deal as they didn't allow in home demos and was space limited on monoblocks at the time.

@decooney I haven't had a ton of gear in my system to compare to, but in my mind i would like a bit more shimmer / sparkle and a more pronounced upper midrange. It's definitely not veiled and the Focals shine in that department to my ears. I guess it's more so figuring out what might be the 'weak link' in the chain which based on price at least, is the amp (which doesn't necessarily mean much I know).

@willywonka Thank you for the insight, I like companies that don't need marketing or publicity yet have loyal followings for a reason. Is there anything specific you like from the Coda versus Parasound as far as performance? 

@yyzsantabarbara Krell has been one I've looked into with a lot of interest, originally the 402 and then 300XD. Personally I feel that Parasound is relatively neutral and I like that aspect, so something along that same vein but more refined / special is very much of interest hence why Coda really intrigued me. 

@christianb5s4 Sunny's in Covina, CA has the Duo 300XD trade-in model for $6250.