Parasound vs Coda

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. 

@yyzsantabarbara Do you know if they allow home demos? I'd be willing to put money down for any dealer willing to do that.

Covina isn't far from me either (I'm in Newport Beach).

@christianb5s4 Not sure about home demos. I have only bought some items online from them. I have gone to the store for some audio events. I definitely recommend that you make that relatively short drive up to Covina. I think the Duo XD is really great stuff. I tend to dislike tubey, warm, and smooth sound. However, the Duo XD works for me. You never get any fatigue and keep thinking that this sounds so nice.

I should really have bought it for my Magnepan LRS+ speakers, but the size of the amp is a bit big for my office. I may change my mind since I have a friend who I visit and he lives 3 miles away. If I do not have an amp the next time I visit I will visit the shop and maybe make an impulse buy.

I love the amp with a neutral preamp (my Benchmark LA4). Most will use something warmer and maybe demoed with warmer gear. I may not have bought it if I heard it that way.