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GREAT NEWS! The Coda Technology new #16 amplifier will arrive this week

I was just informed that Coda's brand new model #16, which is based on the latest generation of improvements used in the #8, will be arriving later this week for review for The Stereo Times website.  Since the reviews I have done on the #8 amplifier and the 07x preamplifier, I have received numerous inquires when I'll get this piece in for review.

This beast of an amplifier, over hundred pounds with one of the largest power supplies in a single chassis design on the market, delivers 100 Class A before it crosses over into A/B. The Coda #8, is in my opinion, one of the best SS amps on the market for under ten grand.  I expect, based on the run Coda is on with their new generation of gear, that the #16 will be a beautiful musical performer.  We shall see! I still find it amazing based on build quality/performance that Coda's prices are so damn reasonable.  Yes, the #16 will retail for around 12K, not inexpensive.  However, I guarantee if this amplifier was manufactured by other high-end American or European companies it would be triple the price. If the #16 takes the already superlative performance of the #8 to another level, it will be truly a "killer" of an amplifier. 




teajay

Showing 12 responses by lancelock

lancelock
1,102 posts
 
@oem-wheels 

I had a #8 for a couple of weeks and loved it. I couldn’t help myself, I sent it back and traded up to the #16. I expect it to arrive any day now.


lancelock
1,102 posts
 
My Coda #16 has been in house for five days now and break-in is going well.  The sound stage is really opening up and the layered 3D imaging is outstanding.  Dynamics are off the charts.  The nonexistent noise floor is showing off the smoothest textures on a black back ground that I’ve heard.  I’m a big fan of tubes and I love Linear Tube Audio,  I have often said that LTA was the best compromise between tube and SS but I feel the coda is in the same camp.  More to come.
lancelock
1,102 posts
 

I forgot to mention that the separation of instruments in this dense sound stage is uncanny.


lancelock
1,102 posts
 
@oem-wheels 

yes, my bank account and my back has suffered but my ears are in heaven.
lancelock
1,102 posts
 
@smodtactical,

I have not owned as many SS amps as I have tube amps. The closest I’ve had to the Coda is the Plinius SA125 and a Mirror Image Audio 1.1 SB. The MI amp is about 30 years old and is better than the Plinius overall but can’t match the Coda #16 although the MI is still an amazing amp. You rarely see them pop up used but they are a bargain when you do. I also had a Van Alstine FET 400R but it wasn’t in the same league.

The more I listen to #16 the more I feel like I’m listening to a tube amp. It is so very smooth. I try to find a weakness, grain, harshness or brightness but I cannot hear any such flaw. It has tremendous dynamics, speed and bass slam. I know how cliche it sounds but I can hear sound, instruments in the back ground that I haven’t heard before.


lancelock
1,102 posts
 
I agree with Terry on all accounts of this amp.  He is far better at conveying what he hears in writing than I am.  I do rely on his reviews and have never been disappointed once hearing the Reviewed product.
lancelock
1,102 posts
 

@tomlhuffman

I own both preamps now and I feel that the LTA MicroZOTL preamp with the most recent "plus" mods is superior to the Coda FET 07x preamp by a pretty good margin. The one advantage is the Coda has balanced in and out. Not to take away from how good the 07x is but my setup and my opinion.

A local dealer has thrown another wrench into the works by loaning me a Backert Labs Rhythm 1.3 to try out. Shootout time.

lancelock
1,102 posts
 

@mapman,

Coda’s web site looks the same for many years now. It seems like he’s need an update pretty badly. The Coda #16 sounds phenomenal in my system. I don’t think I hooked it up that day you visited because of your interest in the AGD’s but I should have. 

lancelock
1,102 posts
 

@bhvf 

The Coda #16 has the RCA to XLR switch on the front. I have run it both ways on my 16.

lancelock
1,102 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara 

which preamp did you keep?

lancelock
1,102 posts
 

I didn’t think I would part with it, but my new modded 1960’s Altec Lansing 1570B mono blocks are so damn good. I will end up selling  the Coda 16. I just don’t want to ship this 110 lb. Beast.

lancelock
1,102 posts
 

@jaymark 

I look forward to meeting you.

Lance

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