2. amps-preamps
  3. 195414-178422

Pass Labs xa-25 or Coda Continum #8

I’m looking at both of these amps as future contenders. Downsizing to a one box amp or perhaps integrated(another thread for another time) and I’d like opinions on these 2. There are quite a bit of discussions on the xa25 and my speaker builder, Volti, says he’s heard with his speakers and it’s a good match. I currently have a 300b but moving may force my hand. Anyway, it’s really the Coda I’m not as familiar with. It has come up in some of the xa-25 discussions as an alternative. The incoming Volti’s are 99db so they don’t need a ton of juice obviously. Anyone with first hand experience with both? Any comments are appreciated. 
‘BTW, no single box tube amp suggestions. If I stay with tubes I already know which direction I’m going. 

earthbound
ghdprentice
8,270 posts
 

I'd get the Volti, get them broken in, carefully set up, and then start thinking about an amplifier. I typically want to have a known starting point... as in I know what the speakers sound like with what I have... then start the search. 

sls883
814 posts
 

Sounds like a good plan.  

earthbound OP
236 posts
 

Yes that’s the logical, smart way to go about things! lol. Good advice. With downsizing on the horizon, I know I have to change quite a bit. I figure if I buy used, I can always resell without much of a hit. So I’d like to sample stuff quickly to get to the final system sooner. Also known as impatience. I will wait. Volti’s come Tuesday. I will get a feel for them and then see. Just want to narrow it down to a couple of options if I can. 

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
634 posts
 

If you can make it fit the Coda s5.5 is a very good amp. If you buy it used you could flip it for little loss. It will surprise you. 
 

earthbound OP
236 posts
 

Thanks. There is a used one up that I can actually drive and pick up. Very tempted. Apparently it’s the new model that was released in the last 2 years. Not sure if that’s referring to the resistor change or another update. I would have to find out before purchasing. 

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