On the hegel h30 vs coda you probably have to run the hegel in mono like I have to kick it. Its 4 k transients. However it was having a hard time running my magico q7. Nothing like the big kw macintosh amps run everything sound great. I would like to try the coda 40? I have the coda running sanders esl. Nice amps great meters.
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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- 125 posts total
@lals I would like to know what kind of sound you’re seeking that you are not getting now. If I were to recommend the kit I own and sound good to me like most of the posts here I would indicate the Luxman L-590AxII. Sound familiar? Power shouldn’t be an issue as the 590 is capable of 160WPC continuously into 4 ohms and 330WPC dynamically into 2 ohms with 13 amps of available current (Paul Miller lab report Hi-Fi News). Maybe a “shiny” treble? Methinks that post was probably caused by listening through a tipped-up metal dome tweeter that are oh so fashionable these days. The Luxman has a cure for that, just turn the treble control down a notch. And it’s free! If you really have an itch to try a tube preamp, and I completely understand that 😉, try the Luxman CL-38uC. It ticks all your boxes with a remote, balanced inputs (not outputs, tho) that use input transformers, the only way to properly implement balanced connections in tube gear, plus flexible, defeatable tone controls, a great phono stage and tubes that are run conservatively, unlike a number of manufacturers mentioned in this thread. And it’s priced reasonably considering today’s market. Use your power amp inputs on your 590 for the tube preamp and, by using the “separate” button, you can choose between the external tube preamp or the internal one on your 590 from your armchair doubling your inputs and your choice of sound character. Happy listening everyone! “ |
@agbrace Wow you have got lot of preamps. Last year I was planning to get ML523 and N534 power amp somehow it didn't work out. I assume you also have many power amps, which is your favorite power amp?
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@cooperdude6 You have a very important point which never came in to my mind. Luxman have preout but it is single ended. I can try it with power amp before getting the preamp. Does preamp have lot of break in time? |
@jw944ts Thank you for sharing your system details. Good to know that it is never leaving Class A in a big room with Revel Saloon. |
- 125 posts total