Class A Coda 15.5 Vitus SS-102 or Gryphon Mephisto

Hi, Goldman: Not sure I can add anything, but my CODA 15.5 gives me everything I want. I have a large room and 4-Ohm speakers, and I still am impressed with everything from simple jazz trios to full-on Wagnerian Symphonies. I use only one stereo amp, since I am a little tight on space, and it is really nice. Never have a need for more juice. One more thing for those interested- I always appreciate dealing with the main man in any of these expensive undertakings. CODA answers their phone in California, usually by one of the owners, and they do what they say they will do. In my line of work, that is key. Straight dealings with the head guy. Add that to the sonics, and we have a long-term winner.

Thanks. I have a high regard for the guys at Coda, and I think their 15.5 looks like the Class A amp to beat. Does your 15.5 run hot? I had an Ayre V3 that was biased in Class A up to 30W and A/B up to 100W, and it ran like a toaster driving 8/6 ohm Proacs. My VAC throws off plenty of heat driving 4 ohm Proac D40R's. How does your 15.5 compare to your previous amps? Dave.

The 15.5 puts out 100W Class A with a chassis temperature that is mildly warm, although individual units will vary. They will tweak up the bias higher if you request it, and it will be hot, but you will only gain around 5W of Class A. Unless you need that extra 5W in Class A to listen at your regular loudness, it does not seem necessary to me. Extra deep bass passages and orchestral bombastics may drive the amp into AB mode above 100W for brief seconds, but your ears will not detect it.

Stay tuned for the Coda S250 to be released in the Winter of 2015. Pure Class A at 250 watts per channel.

I'm not sure of your budget Goldman, but if you're mentioning the Mephisto stereo amp, well that's a $57k amp. At that level, you could also look at the awesome new Vitus SM-011 mono blocks. They're a definite step up from the SIA-025 and have a lot more power/control. The little Vitus amps seem to sound a bit warmer/more romantic than the bigger amps such as the SS-102. That said, the SS-102 sounds very natural, analogue-like and is the most unfatiguing amp i've ever heard. It is the only amp I've heard which tames the older YG speakers tendency to brightness and a 'metalic' sound. Even the little SIA-025 is a peach. It depends on your system needs and how deep your pocket is. One thing to keep in mind; Vitus sounds best with Vitus. If you go for SM-011 mono's or an SS-102, my next upgrade would be an SL-102 pre. Hope that helps!