Amp For Sopras

The 100% Class A Krell Duo 175XD. amp

Krell Duo 175 XD Stereo Power Amplifier Bl... For Sale | Audiogon

This linked ad is for my old unit that I bought new and sold to fund the purchase of a CODA #16 amp. The KRELL Dou XD lineup is amazing on brighter gear. The line is large and ugly but not heavy. It also runs cool. You will never hear the fans nor did I think it ever went on when I owned it. The unit above was in MINT condition when I sold it, and it looks like it has had a bit of a journey since then.

This is one of the finest amps I owned and really the only amp that I liked better was the CODA #11 and CODA #16, but I would take the Krell over them for Beryllium.

+1 on Krell.   Simply a great amp all around, very musical, engaging, dynamic, and stunning control of the bass drivers.   Mine run warm, but never hot.

jaybe

Your speakers are relatively easy to drive, as long as the amp can maintain control. I can highly recommend the CODA S5.5. I drive mine with the Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, which is incredibly similar to your Raven preamp.....both utterly brilliant. Can find it new for under $6,000; I bought mine from Audio Archon, Mike Kay is a really good dude and will work with you.

CODA S5.5 specs - 50WPC full Class A (quite a bit more in A/B), 100WPC 4ohms, 200WPC 2ohms.......peak 100 amp delivery. It's a terrific companion with a tube preamp, and drives any speakers I've tried without any issues.....as long as it's not some ridiculously difficult load.

CODA #8 would be a great match as well, and it's just a bit more than the S5.5 at a little over $6,400. It's a power beast by comparison

I'd definitely give Doug Dale a call at CODA to discuss both options, I've always found him to be really giving of his time.

The Pass Labs XA 25 might do well.  It can handle difficult loads and is sonically excellent.

Read the reviews, they are spot on.  It is (for me just) OK to move at 45lbs.  I still have mine (driving Rockport Atria IIs) but I am now going through a 300B phase.

@vthokie83 

Thinking hard of going with the #8. A little research tells me it might be better on the top end with the Sopra. I’m going to get in touch with him.

I almost pulled the trigger on the Motherlode XL. Going back and forth with Aric last year. Came close. Talked to Supratek too but the wait was very long. In the end went with Spatial. The better remote was part of it. I’m sure I’d be happy with any of them sound-wise.