Suggestions for a tube pre and power amp

lals

I own both the CODA S5.5 and Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, and can confirm they are a brilliant match. I have no problem running several different speakers: Clayton Shaw Caladans, Buchardt Audio S400 MkIIs, 1990s Infinity Kappa 7s, Thiel CS1.2 & CS 2.3, and any number of speakers I've borrowed. The Infinity and Thiel speakers are not easy to drive either.

The CODA S5.5 may not be the most powerful option, but the new type transistors it uses are beautiful. It delivers 50wpc pure class A, more in A/B, and peak power delivery is 100amps.

Give a call to Doug Dale at CODA and to Aric Kimball at Aric Audio; they are both great to talk to, and quick with an honest opinion.

@porchlight1 To be honest I am looking for 3D holographic sound and high level of clarity. I am not very good in describing my preferred sound. 

Luxman 590Mk2 is Class A 30W @8ohms and then it switch to class AB. I never felt power is less but with bad recording I may prefer a little warm presentation. I can try what you suggested, Luxman can be used as a preamp alone as well as a power amp with separates switch. 

Other question I have is it really needed to go with balanced output or single ended connection is good enough? 

Thank you.

@kevemaher Agreed, A closer look at the measurements indicates the 328BE is  actually a difficult load on the amplifier, dropping down to under 3 ohms in the bass region due to high phase angle and low impedance. 

@agbrace Your both speakers need lot of power I assume. You have very good power amps. I understand the importance of synergy between amp and speakers. I like luxman build quality and I dont want to go sidewise after the upgrade to pre power from Luxman.

Since you are familiar with F228Be I think F328Be must be a step up over it. Revel F328Be is really good speaker (well measured) but again synergy between amp and speaker plays a big role. Beryllium tweeters are very transparent and if recordings are bad it will show immediately and with good recording it sounds very good with Revel and Luxman combo. I have top of line AVR from Arcam (class G) and when I use (You tube/blue rays) it with Revel all bad recordings sound good but when paired with  Luxman Revel highlights the issue very quickly.

@vthokie83  Thanks for sharing your experience with S5.5 and Motherlode XL preamp. I was also thinking S5.5 will be more than enough for my speakers based on my experience with Luxman 590 30W class A integrated. However some members expressed concerns due to low impedance and phase angle and Luxman's power spec is underrated.

I will talk to Doug Dale at Coda an decide. Last week I was very busy with work hence couldn't talk, I  will do it coming week.