2. amps-preamps
  3. 126048-1644

Coda CP pre-amp vs Rogue Athena Magnum vs ARC LS-12 .Need information

I am looking at a Coda CP pre-amp, and can't find a single review on either their website or online So would like some feedback from owners.

I am also looking at the Rogue Perseus Magnum which I read two reviews  As a side note, also considering Rogue Metis Magnum. The "used" price is good on the Rogue Metis M, but it is  classified as an entry level  pre-amp but still received good reviews as the Magnum version.

ARC LS-12 is a sleeper possibility, was issued in 2001, but received very good reviews  I have  a BAT VK-200 power amp which is outstanding,, So, am looking for the best match up in a pre-amp to bring the system to the next level.   Thank you. 


sunnyjim
timlub
1,649 posts
 
@sunnyjim 
Well Jim,  this would be a very tough choice for me... Really too bad that you can't compare and if I understand correctly, you haven't heard any of them.... So:
The Muse is really very good,  I understand that you are unfamiliar with it and that probably kills that piece, but I really like this preamp.
The Conrad Johnson and Audio Research we know are good and both sport 2 of the biggest names to ever exist in Audio, so there is some comfort that both of those pieces will be good and you can easily resell... Then here comes Coda,  Not the biggest name, but for sure a company that everyone knows is no slouch and offers built in phono. 
You know, in the end,  One of these truly will offer just a little something to your taste in sound that the others don't, but you have no way to confirm,  but I can tell you this,  in the end, if you get any one of these 4 preamps,  you'll have a NICE Pre.  I think all but the CJ offer balanced and single ended.  I know the Coda has variable gain inputs.  Make the best call that you can and maybe its none of these,  but in the end,  be comfortable that your decision is sound.  These are nice pieces.
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

 Tim, 

Yes, it is a tough call, and you offer good common sense advice. I may put this all on the back burner for a bit, because I am taking a short vacation at the end of September, and  would resume the quest when I return

The Muse pre-amp has become a distant possibility for a few reasons which I need not go into.  The low profile of both Muse and Coda concerns me less than not knowing what to expect. The key trigger for me is that what ever I choose advances the sound quality similar to the BAT-VK-200 amp which really opened my eyes about aspects of high end audio I either did not understand or appreciate.

Let me note, that the BAT pre-amps are a given as far as a possible choice. However,   I was hoping to get something lighter in weight and smaller in size, and not dressed in "graveyard black".  I did not talk to CJ today to clarify about the compatibility of their LS-18 pre-amp and the BAT  amp.

One  last point, I was thinking of launching a new thread about asking whether the electronic "design" of a component is still viable after say 15 years, that is, do newer designs necessarily provide better sound quality. I realize and know from experience that speaker design may be hardest to pin down, whereas electronics, and to a lesser degree cables over time "usually" ( I say usually) get better in sound quality incrementally.   I know that the idea of buying some companies "newest" amp, pre-amp, CD player, etc. does not guarantee improved sound quality compared  to either its previous models, or models of  other manufacturer with similar dates of issue.  That is an interesting question!!

Cheers!!

timlub
1,649 posts
 
@sunnyjim 
Classe CP60 with phono just popped up on ebay.
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

 Tim,

0I will checkout  the ad on e-bay.  In the meantime,. do you know anything about the Mark Levenson 38S  pre-amp.  I always thought Levenson products were overrated and the company continued to flourish because of his constant crusading for its products which always seemed over inflated in price.  There is one on AG now, but the seller Tansen Audio wants too much for it.  The design  must be at least 15 years old.   Thanks 

timlub
1,649 posts
 
I had an old buddy that had a 38s in his system. I hadn't heard it, but he liked a lot. It has a good reputation as one of the better ML pre's.  Not sure this helps. I would say,  Make sure that its the "s" version.  I recall it fairing much better than the 38. 
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