Coda FET 02b Balanced Pre vs Newer Preamps

Definitely don't like the looks of Coda stuff. A friend has my Serene and loves it more than his BHK preamp! 

In my experience, Coda is a great, under appreciated company. Probably due to their complete lack of marketing. Great service and support as well.

You won't be disappointed in any Coda purchase.

Zlone - I got the same type of advice on the CB vs the 07, if I was really happy using the CSiB as a pre only and it was likely one generation behind in the pre section, I would be really happy with the CB, 07 potentially falling into the law of diminishing returns.  I was thinking about the Athena but after talking with Coda highly likely I’ll pull the trigger on the CB.  Keep me posted on what you end up rolling with. 

Good Luck! 

@mm1tt77 Did you get the CB or are you looking at? 

I will be upgrading my preamp from a Freya + sometime this year and the Coda CB is #1 on my list, Holo Serene is in second place. I have heard neither due to my location, and have to go by reviews and forum chatter to make my decisions.

Speaking to a dealer, he recommended the CB over the 07 for my system, suggesting the 07 would be overkill. 

Hi Zlone - thanks for pointing me in the direction of the CB.  I called Coda, great guys, they walked through the 02b, CB and 07.  
 

CB likely makes a lot of sense.  The 02b is per Coda at least 25 years old and some of the parts aren’t really available anymore.  Great Pre but parts have improved over the years per Coda.  
 

07 sounds amazing but not sure I’m looking to put that much more $$ into my system at the moment.  
 

Did you get the CB or are you looking at? 

Check out the GaN 1 Beta thread. You may not need a preamp

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/peachtree-gan-1-beta?highlight=GaN%2B%2B

I have had the following CODA gear:

#8 amp, #16 amp, CSiB integrated (from 2019 build), 07x preamp

I also owned the KRELL Duo 175XD that I paired with the 07x preamp for a while.

I also had a Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) and I eventually came to the conclusion that the LA4 was preferable to the 3x more expensive 07x preamp. The LA4 is so silent and does not add to the sound, unlike the 07x.

All I got left is the CODA #16 and the LA4. I also have a Holo Serene preamp that sounds great with the #16. I am sure it would sound great with the KRELL Duo 300XD. The Serene is very similar to the LA4 preamp.

Thanks Zlone, I’ll give the CB a look as well.  Enjoy the # 8 amp, it’s a great amp.  Good luck with your Preamp search. 

While the Coda might be a good deal, my guess is you will do better with some fresher electronics. For the record, I am considering a Coda preamp to go with my #8. Why not consider the Coda CB preamp, it is in the price ballpark of the others? It is a fairer comparison.