@lals I have a coda s5.5 and an Aric Audio Motherlode XL in my system. They sound wonderful together. The coda is a newer addition that replaced a Hegel H30 and I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed the sound the coda produced over the Hegel. Doug over at coda is a good guy and can tell you if he thinks the s5.5 or the #8 would be better with your speakers and their impedance dip. I don’t think you will be disappointed with either coda unit.
Suggestions for a tube pre and power amp
Dear Audio Friends,
I am writing to seek your experienced suggestions regarding an upgrade to my current stereo setup. My current system consists of Revel F328Be speakers powered by a Luxman 590Mk2 Class A integrated amp. My frontend includes a Sonic Transporter (Roon core) powered by a Farad LPS, a Holo Red streamer, and a Holo May KTE DAC.
I am considering transitioning to a tube preamplifier and a solid-state power amplifier combination. While my speakers have a 91dB sensitivity, the impedance dips to 3 ohms between 100Hz and 200Hz.
My current shortlists are as follows:
- Power Amps: Coda S5.5 Class A or Coda No. 8 V1.
- Tube Preamps: Backert Labs Rhumba, Spatial Audio Raven, or Motherlode XL.
I am looking for a 3D holographic, warm sound with a high level of clarity and detail. While I am aware of the general rules regarding impedance matching, I would value your insights on how these specific components might pair together. I am also very open to any other combinations you might recommend.
Thank you for your help.
Rlal
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@mm1tt77 Thanks for sharing your experience, I think in general preamp and power amp from same manufacturer works well together. Mixing preamp and power amp need special attention/care. Hear Holo Serene also work well with Coda. My aim is to try a tube preamp with solid state power amp. My aim is to get the best of both worlds. |
@mrsprinkles thanks for letting me know. Great to know that you liked Coda S5.5 over Hegal H30. I will definitely talk to Doug at Coda. I know that input impedance of Coda balanced inputs is much lower compared to single ended. Since you are pairing it with Motherlode Xl do you have to make any additional changes to make it match with Coda amps? I would like to use balanced connection from Holo May KTE dac to the preamp. I would prefer a fully balanced preamp from input to output unless it is very difficult to get one or I have to spent a fortune. |
@lals I am using RCAs, but there was another thread discussing the S5.5 and Aric Audio Preamps on this forum. It was mentioned that @aricaudio can change the XLR impedance levels to accommodate the low impedance of the s5.5 balanced input. Aric did that for another audigoner. If you go that route just talk to Aric about it. He is a great guy and provides top notch customer service. |
@mrsprinkles Oh okay. I have seen that thread, I thought you are using XLR. Another question I have is about the wait time from Aric audio preamps. I read that there is a long wait time. Now is it good enough to go with RCA only? I have tried switching between XLR and RCA between Luxman and Holo May Dac on the fly and observed volume difference due to gain difference and to my ear I liked XLR over RCA, may be higher volume is playing the trick. |
- 125 posts total