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.
@gabriel123 Did you speak to Doug Dale at Coda?
Your room must be pretty big if you are 16 feet from the speakers. My room is large as well. The No 8 V1 has 150 watts (18 watts class A) and it has plenty of power for me. My speakers aren't super efficient (89dB) |
@sls883 I can probably reduce the distance a bit. I reached out to Doug Dale via email but haven’t received a response, so I’ll try calling the number listed on their website today: https://coda.cc/contact. At this point, I’m considering changing my order from the S5.5 to the #8. While only the first few watts operate in pure Class A, it then provides significantly more power in AB. Given that my Pulsars aren’t particularly efficient (83.5 dB), I’m concerned that I may have invested a considerable amount of money in an amplifier that won’t deliver sufficient power. |
@gabriel123 I've reached Doug by phone and email. They must be really busy given the wait for a new amp. I didn't have to wait long. My speakers are more efficient than yours. My room is something like 18' x 30'. Doug recommended the No 8 V1 for me. If you buy a V1 and want to change to V2 or V3, you can ship the amp to Coda and they will change it. |
Thanks. I have to wait a bit longer since it’s shipping to Europe. Upgrading to V2 or V3 might work for me, but it would probably be really expensive with the distance. I’ll see if the dealer still lets me change my order. There were so many great reviews of the S5.5 that I stopped thinking logically about Watts. |
