Coincident Statement Line stage

[TP1]

I am not a betting man by nature, but sometimes the only way you can decide on a piece of audio equipment these days is to do as much research as possible and then take a punt. Such as the case when researching for a new preamp to replace my Supratek Cabernet Dual.  The Coincident Statement Line Stage  (CSLS)  kept cropping up as a seriously good linestage.

 

I concentrated on independent  reviews from Stereomojo , Enjoythemusic.com, and audio-activity.com and contacted the reviewers with a series of questions.  I finally emailed Coincident and received a speedy reply from Israel Blume, President of Coincident.  I am happy to report that this level responsiveness continues after the sale is made.

 

Pricing:

 

The CSLS price is $5499 US delivered door to door – customer pays for any brokerage and taxes.  If this was to be sold through a distribution and dealer network, the price could easily be doubled.

 

 

Features

 

1.     CSLS uses directly heated triodes -101D tubes in the active gain stage . No other tubes are used.

 

2.     There are NO capacitors or resistors in the audio signal path

 

3.     Volume control is by transformers. (There is now a new remote control model with conventional volume control)

 

4.     All coupling is by transformers. This means transformer quality needs to be top notch – and indeed it is. Coincident have their transformers custom made  by a specialist Japanese company using supermalloy cores.

 

5.     Power supply is massive and is capable of powering a 100 WPC amplifier. 

 

6.     Balanced wiring throughout– Although 101D’s are single triodes , Coincident have utilised balanced wiring throughout the line stage.  I have read a technical description on the internet about how this could be achieved but the official word from Coincident is - “Without divulging proprietary design topology, we use a completely novel and innovative technique to create a truly balanced circuit without compromising the purity of a single DHT tubeâ€.

 

 

 

 

Listening

 

Although there is a 200 hour recommended burn in time, out of the box it was apparent that this preamp is something special. The first thing I noticed was the focus, level of detail, 3D imaging and massive soundstage – it is simply in a different league to anything I have had in my system before.

The CSLS tonal balance is highly transparent and neutral which allows the natural timbre of the music to fill that huge sound stage. On well recorded music, violins for example sound naturally sweet and organic without adding any flavour. Overall the CSLS is more suitable to a wider range of music which can be sometimes compromised by distinct sonic signatures imparted by equipment.

 

 

The CSLS is very fast and dynamic – something not often associated with tube preamps. It has deep, extended and well defined bass without any hint of bloom that can afflict some tube designs. It seems eminently suitable to drive SS as well as tube power amps, particularly where people may have had concerns with the drawbacks of conventional tube preamps.

 

Downsides:

 

The CSLS has 2 volume pots and I was going to mention the lack of remote control could be a deal breaker for some. However, Coincident have now released a remote control version using a high quality conventional stereo potentiometer. It is the same price as the CSLS but apparently has a slight performance compromise that would happen in any case where conventional pots are used.

 

To nit-pick, I would prefer better marked or different volume knobs to make it easier to see the volume positions on both controls at a glance

 

Conclusion

 

It must be said that Coincident have done an outstanding job in bringing this 101D based preamp to a state of the art design.  It’s expansive sound stage, focus , imaging and transparency has set the bar very high indeed. If you have the opportunity to do so, have a listen and do the comparisons

Edited October 15, 2013 by Tasso

[tuyen]

Nice review and photos, Tasso. I'm guessing a decent L lens for esp that 3rd photo?

I concur with what you have written. I have also been on the hunt for an 'end game' preamp for the past couple of years. Have managed to try quite a number of preamps (both active and passive units, solid state and tube designs) on my system.

The CSLS has been my clear favourite so far. Both on my system and yours.

I just love how it makes good recordings sound so open, 3-dimensional and 'solid'. It doesn't really have that sweet syrupy rich (but slightly soft) tone, which I've found sort of common with tube preamps (esp DHT based ones). I found those things didn't work well with all the styles of music I listen to. Anyway, after having tried a number of other preamps and thinking I knew what a 'good affordable tube preamp' can do, I'm still quite amazed at how different the CSLS sounds to the rest, to be real honest!

After hearing yours, I knew I must have one for myself. Fortunately, I did find a used unit for sale while over in Adelphi, Singapore recently. I would of brought it home with me, if it would fit in my luggage. Have since made contact with the store owner and have purchased it. In fact, it should be arriving sometime later this week!

Edited October 15, 2013 by tuyen

[pulinap]

Thanks for the nice write-up and the pictures.....

 

Just a quick query, (please do spare my ignorance), do you need to set the volume pots individually? 

Edited October 15, 2013 by pulinap

[tuyen]

Yes pulinap, individual left/right volume knobs. Bit of a turn off I can imagine for some.

Edited October 15, 2013 by tuyen

[pulinap]

Yes pulinap, individual left/right volume knobs. Bit of a turn off I can imagine for some.

 

Thanks.

 

Yes it is a bit of a turn-off as one has to match the exact levels of the two pots....   

 

But I guess you get a hang of it as you go......

 

Nonetheless, a stunning looking amp....... 3

 

Cheers

P

[tuyen]

It isn't too difficult, as it uses a stepped 23(I think)-click switch behind each left/right knob. So say as you turn the left channel up 2 clicks (you can feel and sort of hear the clicks as you adjust), you would turn the right channel up 2 clicks too.

Hope that helps gives you and others a clearer idea

[WhakPak]

Nice review and photos, Tasso. I'm guessing a decent L lens for esp that 3rd photo?

...pro camera, pro photographer, or pro both I suspect?

About the separate L & R volume controls...I did listen to the CSLS in my system and the absence of a remote control is something you can live with, just means you need to get up out of your chair occasionally which isn't such a bad thing!

[AccuTidal]

Very nice review Tasso! Great photos too....!   Exposure(s) looked either on stand or high iso (1600) with 1/30 - 1/60 at f2 - f5.6. I think the macro one aperture is about f2 or 1.8.

 

Maybe a review for Accuphase DP-700 too?    Love that Accuphase.....

[TP1]

Tuyen, Chanh, Brodric

 

I used a Canon EOS 5D Mk 2 with 50MM 1.4 lens - It is  often overlooked but it is a very sharp and fast lens. Camera was hand held and photos would have been better on a stand but I couldn't find the mounting piece for my tripod. The capacitor shot was at 1/40th of a second, F1.6  at ISO 500 . The other 2 were at 1/50th second, F5 at ISO 1600. I would have preferred to use either of my Tilt and Shift L series lenses but these really need a tripod for shots like this. With those I could focus as per normal then shift the focus  plane to bring everything into sharp relief  without having to compromise the integrity of the picture with very small aperture. I am clearly not a pro because a  pro would not  compromise any photo to  be displayed  because of convenience.

 

Review of Accuphase isn't a bad idea - maybe after Melbourne show and I'll find that tripod part!

Edited October 16, 2013 by Tasso

[AccuTidal]

 

Review of Accuphase isn't a bad idea - maybe after Melbourne show and I'll find that tripod part!

 

You could borrow my gears, tripod, flashes, umbrellas, Sekonic meter,.... elec-trigger and filters. They are collecting dusts while my priority change to audio.

 

Edit: I've just realised you and I are from different camp but tripod's hardware are common. Love Tiltshift, which focal lenght did you have? 24mm, 45mm or 85mm?

Edited October 16, 2013 by 24Bits

[tuyen]

Wooo, 50mm 1.4 prime.  nice!   I really enjoyed using the super cheapy 50mm 1.8II, back when I had some gear.

 

Anyways, who's keen for another preamp GTG?

[AccuTidal]

Anyways, who's keen for another preamp GTG?

What's your CLSP arrived? If so, maybe Tasso could bring over his DP-700 to sweeten the combo?

Keen? Definitely am....

[tuyen]

Should be here hopefully by Friday, else will be early next week.

 

I'll be in Melb til Tuesday for the show, so maybe weekend after if there is interest.

[Peter_F]

I'll be in Melb til Tuesday for the show, so maybe weekend after if there is interest.

Yes count me in. 

[TP1]

Thanks.

 

Yes it is a bit of a turn-off as one has to match the exact levels of the two pots....   

 

But I guess you get a hang of it as you go......

 

Nonetheless, a stunning looking amp....... 3

 

Cheers

P

 

The 2 pot thing isn't a real issue once you  can live with no remote. Both pots  have a very high quality feel about them and  are a pleasure to use. As Tuyen mentioned it is very simple to match volumes but there is always the remote control model if RC is a must have item.

[TP1]

You could borrow my gears, tripod, flashes, umbrellas, Sekonic meter,.... elec-trigger and filters. They are collecting dusts while my priority change to audio.

 

Edit: I've just realised you and I are from different camp but tripod's hardware are common. Love Tiltshift, which focal lenght did you have? 24mm, 45mm or 85mm?

 

I have the 24mm and 90mm Tilt and Shift lenses 

[WhakPak]

... but there is always the remote control model if RC is a must have item.

 

The CSLS is the same price as the Statement RC, so the remote control option costs no more! Differences between the 2 models being (taken from the web site):

 

- Single variable stereo volume control replacing the TVC dual controls;

- Front panel push button controls for mute, input selector, input and output balanced or unbalanced operation;

- remote control for mute, volume, input selector and input and output balanced or unbalanced operation.

[TP1]

Thanks Brodric for the detailed information. To quote the company regarding the RC model, "there is a subtle sonic compromise when compared to the Statement".  I don't know what i would have purchased had the RC model been available when I bought mine, but I suspect  I might have gone for the remote control because that was what I was used to.  Its no bother at all now however.

[tuyen]

If I had a free choice between the non-RC vs new RC model, I would still choose the non-RC model.  Less compromise in regards to quality of signal attenuation, plus I can lower volume/mute on the ipad via JRemote  

[Guest kab]

It isn't too difficult, as it uses a stepped 23(I think)-click switch behind each left/right knob. So say as you turn the left channel up 2 clicks (you can feel and sort of hear the clicks as you adjust), you would turn the right channel up 2 clicks too.

Hope that helps gives you and others a clearer idea

My vintage Stax Ca-x preamp has an ingenious way of adjusting the 2 volume pots together. You pull out the centre knob and a silicon ''o''ring grabs the two tapered pieces and there you go!.

 

You push the knob back in to adjust each pot individually.  cheers.

Edited October 16, 2013 by kab

[TP1]

Cool design , the CSLS is different but it might be possible. It is probably more necessary on infinitely variable pots to equalise the output quickly. I can't post photos at the moment and probably won't get a chance till after the HiFi show but the CSLS with its stepped transformers and unique wiring might not be that easy. Still, the Stax solution looks well engineered and worthwhile although I have to say I wouldn't want to pay any extra for it. But being stepped pots, having 2 is not really an inconvenience in practice like the other type because you turn each pot up or down by the same number of clicks- no guesswork

Edited October 16, 2013 by Tasso

[tuyen]

Plus, it isn't actually that uncommon for top-model 'dual mono' preamps to have separate left/right stepped attenuation controls.   This can actually be seen as a benefit, as it doubles as a balance control (without having to sacrifice 'purity' of the signal when passing through a typical balance pot).  Not sure if people have noticed, but sometimes recordings are recorded slightly off center and can be 'fixed' with the balance controls. That was actually the reason for the balance knob from on the preamps from yester-year.     

 

I use the balance control every now and again to sort out off-centre recordings. 

 

Bit of banter re balance controls if you are bored: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1253067970&openfrom&1&4#1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 16, 2013 by tuyen

[Guest kab]

Plus, it isn't actually that uncommon for top-model 'dual mono' preamps to have separate left/right stepped attenuation controls.   This can actually be seen as a benefit, as it doubles as a balance control (without having to sacrifice 'purity' of the signal when passing through a typical balance pot).  Not sure if people have noticed, but sometimes recordings are recorded slightly off center and can be 'fixed' with the balance controls. That was actually the reason for the balance knob from on the preamps from yester-year.     

 

I use the balance control every now and again to sort out off-centre recordings. 

 

Bit of banter re balance controls if you are bored: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1253067970&openfrom&1&4#1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes dual pots can be a pita, but i really like the way you can snap everything back into focus if need be.

[TP1]

To be clear we are talking about dual balanced transformer based volume controls, not the compact resistor based ones. To illustrate this a bit better, this is a photo of a Stereoknight passive volume control using the same principal as the CSLS. Not so easy to automate either with its distinct detents.

Balanced transformer volume controls like this are also far more costly than conventional Alps pots

Edited October 17, 2013 by Tasso

[tuyen]

Nice!