Suggestions for a tube pre and power amp

I have the following 2 preamps in the office system connected to my CODA #16 amp (for sale). The $15k Allnic HPA 15000 OTL/OC (on demo) and the Schiit Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL. Both are primarily headphone amps, but both have RCA outputs to work as a linestage. A beautiful detailed holographic sound on the headphones along with the 2-channel to my #16.

For the Schiit Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL preamp ($500) I also use a custom-made RCA switch ($800). This setup is only RCA, but it is surprisingly good. Both of these preamps are OTL/OCL

Here is a blurb on OTL/OCL from Allnic.

OTL/OCL means “Output Transformer-Less” and “Output Capacitor Less”. In an OTL/OCL preamplifier, there is no coupling device between the preamplifier and the power amplifier, that is, the preamplifier’s final output tubes are directly connected to the power amplifier. Normally, an Output Capacitor or Output Transformer for separating AC music signal from the DC operating potential; if this is not done, the latter will destroy the power amplifier or loudspeakers. But these two types of coupling devices are effectively obstacles to signal transmission that add their own character (color), increase distortion, and consume small signals according to physical efficiency theory. In addition, they limit signal dynamics. Because of all these adverse effects, OTL/OCL has been considered the best solution for amplifiers in order to maintain signal purity. Some circuit experts might worry about DC potential in the music signal, but there is no need to worry. Allnic uses a “floating power supply circuit” which prevents the creation of any DC potential in the first place.

Here is Schiit on OTL/OCL

With Valhalla 3, there’s nothing between the tubes and your headphones. No transformer. No capacitors. You’re hearing nothing but the tubes. This OTL/OCL topology makes Valhalla 3 the rarest of breeds, an amp where tubes directly connect to your headphones. 

The reason I love the OTL/OCL design is that these things are super detailed and also have that tube holographic sound. I am coming from a background of the Benchmark LA4 and HPA4 SS preamps. These OTL.OCL preamps are as detailed but ALSO holographic. I dislike rolled off tubey sound. If something is missing, then it is not musical to me.

The preamps linked below from Allnic are top notch. I had the top end one on my Livingroom setup once and it was spectacular.

Products – Allnic Audio

Thank you ghdprentice for your suggestions. I also heard that X series have more slam because of higher power. Does X series have the same musicality as XA series?  In my listening with Luxman 590 my volume knob is between 9 o clock and 10 o clock position it never goes above that. Hence I am not sure if i need lot of power or not.

I heard from some friends that though Class A is less efficient and generates heat it is still more musical than other type of Class AB amps. Is that true?

Thanks sls883 for your suggestions. Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL 2 preamp was in my list then I noticed it doesn't have balanced XLR outputs. My Dac is fully balanced and hence I was looking for a fully balanced design. I read recently that it is difficult to find truly balanced tube preamps from input to output. I am not sure if single ended system is good enough or not. I know truly balanced system have better noise cancellation. I don't have an electrical or electronics degree hence don't have much knowledge.

Also I have a question if you have compared Coda No8 V1 with Coda S5.5 amp?Based on my listening I am little confused between No8 and S5.5. I heard that Revel loves power due to impedance dip hence not sure which amp suits my setup.

@lals ,

If you can swing the Backert Rhumba + Coda 5.5 you might swoon on what you would hear. I recently switched from a class AB to class A amplifier ( Accuphase) and now I understand the “magic”. What your friends said about class A is true. Unfortunately you have to experience it yourself. Till that time you will not believe it. That Coda should be able to drive your speakers.

Thank you yyzsantabarbara for your detailed response. Allnic top of line preamp is out of my budget but other model you suggested is very interesting. Thanks for the details about OTL/OCL, Let me do more reading about the Schiit preamp model.

Thank you.