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
@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. |
@yyzsantabarbara how would you compare the Coda 16 to the Continuum No.8 V1? That is an upgrade I would seriously consider but a pretty big bump in price. Thanks. |
@agbrace I have owned both of those amps. The #16 is much better though you should take everything I write with the context of me having my #16 up for sale. The #16 is smoother and more detailed on top. That is actually one reason I am selling it to go with the #11 instead, which I think is a bit thicker sounding. The #11 is also better than the #8 v1. The 100 watts of Class A is really noticeable on the #11 and #16 compared to the #8. As mentioned, both are smoother and more detailed. I was surprised at how good the #11 is. I do think the #16 is the most powerful of the 3 and you can really feel the impact on the bass. My friend tells me that the #11 is even better on the bass than the #16 but I am not sure about that. Though he has forgotten more about audio than I know. My friend did not like the #8 at all when we compared it to the KRELL DUO 175 XD, He loved the KRELL. He loves the #11 and #16. I think the Schiit Wotan at $2k gives the #8 a serious run for the money. I am debating whether to return a $995 Class D GanFet 6.5 amp and repurchase the Wotan. Love the tiny size of the Class D and the sound is very good. Though the Wotan is as good on top and more powerful but 2x the cost. I have no interest in getting the #8 again. The reason I am selling the #16 is that I like the #11 on my Yamaha NS5000 + imersiv D-1 DAC. The D-1 is so resolving that the #11 warms up the sound a bit more than the #16. Just a minor thing but I also want to sell the #16 to buy the Meitner MA3i DAC. I need 2 DACs. The D-1 and MA3i are great DACs. I also feel a great source is more important than a great amp. A lot of very good amps sound amazing with the 2 DACs I mentioned. I need another amp along with the #11 for a $1000 Magnepan Mini speaker in the office. The best amp on it is the #16 but that is a crazy waste of money. BTW - the imersiv D-1 DAC is unlike any DAC at ANY price. The most resolving piece of digital gear I have heard. Not the most user friendly and you really should not use a preamp with it, kind of defeats the purpose. Love it with Class A amps such as the #11, #16, Schiit Aegir v1 (20 watts Class A). |
