I would recommend more power than the minimum required 25w for these speakers. Keep that in mind. Coda S5.5 should be fine but I would probably opt for No.8 V1 just to get more headroom. Not familiar with other amps in your list never heard them. I used to own Pass XA30.8 though and it did drive my Wilson Sabrina ok but it left Class A frequently to deliver more power.
Will an Amp change improve my system ?
My system is WiiM pro ( a great device for $149 !) and a Cambridge CXC V2 CD transport for digital input going into a Schiit Yggdrasil+ DAC going to a Schiit Freya+ preamp into a PS Audio S300 amp into Harbeth 30.2 XD speakers. I am considering replacing the S300 with one of the following: PASS XA-25, Coda S5.5, Benchmark AHB2, or tube Primaluna EVO 400, used Rogers EHF-100 or 200, used Luxman MQ 88uc. I like my current system and wonder if an amp change would improve it significantly ?
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I agree with @audphile1, I would go with a bit more horsepower, even if you don’t listen at higher volumes. I own the Coda #8 v1, and while I have not heard the PS Audio amp, I feel it would be a significant upgrade. |
A note, on your list are radically (!) different sounding amps. The Pass will be very natural sounding, and perform as if it has much more power than the specs would suggest. I think it would be an excellent choice to help your system be much more musical. On the other hand Benchmark (or the Luxman to a bit lessor extent)is highly detailed oriented and is going to reinforce the leanness of the other components in your system. One of the big differences in better systems is they can be more fleshed out and sound much more natural sounding. The CODA will be in between. If you like a very detailed analytical and a strong bass slap (somewhat artificial) the the Benchmark Luxman side, CODA in the middle as is the Rouge (although it is tubed… it doesn’t have the refinement of better tube designs) or the Pass for more musical and natural.
I prefer nartural and musical sound that is still detailed, not in your face, but laid back with a deep - wide sound field… I’d choose the Pass. I had a Pass amps for several decades. |
I have the 30,2 40th anniversary (almost the same as the XD) and matched it with a Pass Labs XA25. It is a match made in heaven. Don't know about your room size but, it is plenty for mine of 20x12. If you want some info about the combo, please check Herb Reichert's review in Stereophile Mar 2018. The interconnect is a RCA Cardas Rev1 and a good match with the Pass. I have tried different stands and highly recommend the Ton Trager. More expensive but it makes Shaw's cabinets sing because of their resonance configuration. Keep us posted about your choice for a new amp. |
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