@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).
Parasound vs Coda
All,
I've been doing a lot of research into moving up from my current amplifier (Parasound JC5) and have scoured comparisons of Parasound to Pass Labs and others that I've been considering. Speakers are Focal Kanta 3s, Pass XP22, Lumin U1, Denafrips Terminator Plus. The setup sounds great as is but would be interested in an amp that offers a bit more refinement in the midrange and treble. Coda from all my research could fit that goal.
One comparison I haven't found has been users who've heard Parasound and Coda amps (I'm considering the Coda 16 or possibly 8) and would love to hear about what others have heard as far as preference, tonality differences, etc. Thank you in advance!
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@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.
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@christianb5s4 I am also considering the CODA #15.5 (an upgraded model). I have a #16. Though I am leaning towards the CODA #8 or Bryston 4B3 for my LRS+. Not in a rush. |
@yyzsantabarbara There's also this one floating around, it's been re-listed a few times. CODA No. 16 Amplifier For Sale - US Audio Mart
I too am not interested in something overly 'tubey' but a touch of warmth with all the detail and refinement would be perfection. I feel the Pass XP22 is fairly neutral with a tinge of warmth so an amp with the same quality would be a great match with the Focals I think.
Fortunately for us working folks, Sunny is open on Saturdays. Maybe I can trek out this weekend. |
@christianb5s4 If you do buy a used #16 be aware that there is some special setup needed to be done on the amp before it is shipped. Luckily, the guy I bought my used amp from had it checked out by CODA and they informed him how to pack for shipping. You need to open the top panel and insert provided foam inserts so that certain internals do not fall. This is to be overly cautious. I just bought the PeachTree GAN400 amp again for $1200. I will sell it again once I have decided on what amp to get later (or maybe be happy with the GAN400 and save money). I was wrong I need an amp in my office immediately. With the Focals I think I would go with the KRELL. For my Yamaha NS5000, which has a tinge of warmth, I went with the less warm CODA #16. That is how I hear it but a KRELL dealer I am working with insists the CODA is warmer.
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