Preview: CODA Technologies new generation number#8 Stereo Amplifier


I have always had a keen interest in hearing a CODA amplifier in my own system for a long time. This company has been in existence for over twenty years. It's if they were a "stealth" product, very few American reviews, built many highly regarded amplifiers for other companies as an OEM source, and most of their products are loved/sold in the Asian/European markets.

I finally was able to set up a review for hometheaterreview.com on their new generation single chassis number#8 amplifier.  Internally, their has been some very important changes in the power supply, along with "kept in house" different part selections through out the entire circuit pathway.  Externally, the #8 has a pair of blue light power meters and is quite a good looking piece of gear. The build quality and parts used are at the highest level.  The number#8 amplifier is 150 watts into 8 Ohms and 300 watts into 4 Ohms.  The first 18 watts is pure class A.  Regardless of the volume levels I play the amp never leaves its class A rating.  Like all Coda amplifiers a special quality is the #8 ability to provide 150 Amperes of current if needed!

Well, the beauty of what this amplifier has brought to my system has lead to all night long listening sessions.  I have owned/reviewed other great SS amplifiers. However, the #8, being driven by the new Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamplifier has some special qualities, here are a few:

1) It might be the quietest amplifier I have ever had in my system.  This allows all the micro-details to float out and be heard.  Yet, the #8 never sounds edgy/electrical/mechanical as other very detailed amps can.
2) It's lighting fast and provides the speed and aliveness you find in live music to a higher degree then other amps I have had in my system.
3) The overall tonality is "silky-smooth" with not a touch of grain/dryness.
4) The macro-dynamics overall and the control of the bottom end are superlative.


In my review I'll get into all the details why this is a killer amplifier!  I also think its a "bargain" at it's retail price of $6,500.00.  So, if your in the market I strongly suggest you might want to hear the #8 before you purchase another amplifier.  It's that good.





 
teajay

Showing 14 responses by smodtactical

Thinking about the no 8 with Yamaha ns5000. Any thoughts ?

Was going to go pass 250.8 used but it just sold.
Terry how come so few people have the Coda amp? Barely any reviews except for your excellent review.
YYZ ya I was looking at that 15.5, looks good. But with coda its a bit of a gamble. If I don't like the pairing its basically going to be impossible to sell.
wow, XA200.8, max current 50 amps, XA 600.8 50 amps, XA30.8 20 amps, Coda No 8 75 amps! damn that thing has some insane current
I wonder if 1 reason the coda 8 sounds so good are some of its components?
The filter capacitance is 80,000 uf, peak current is 100+ amps and transformer 3 KV.

In comparison even a pass 350.8 is 80,000 uf, peak current of 35 amps and transformer size of 1.2 KV.
The 16 takes things further to 280,000 uf, peak current 150+ amps and same transformer at 3KV.
Oh wow didn't know he sold Kinki LOL. Also maybe his speakers were darker sounding too.
@teajay Did you hear the old 15.5 amp? How was it vs the 8 and 16?
Have you decided to buy the 16 and have it in your reference system?
Point well taken. Its the totality of the ingredients and the 'baking' or overall design that will dictate the end  result.
For me the no 8 is a natural competitor with the X150.8 since they have some similar specifications. I think i will buy one of these 2 amplifiers. Its such a tough choice. From those that heard the no 8 it likely easily wins but X150.8 just looks incredibly well made and of course way better re-sell value. Really tough choice.
I'd love to see the caps and the other side of the main board that is in the coda. Its kind of upside down or has caps facing down though.

When I look at the internals of the x150.8 they seem more impressive than the no 8, as does the machining (external heat sinks) and front baffle machining. But Coda definitely looks solid too.
I think coda transformer is way bigger. I think the width of the internal component bay is probably much wider than the pass.
@rlovendale Thanks for those pictures and material! Look forward to reading through that.

I am curious about Coda not getting that hot. I was told by a dealer that the reason for this is that they do class A in a different more efficient way? Is that right? Or is it more just better heat sinking ?
I did actually ask Doug and he simply said that it does get hot. But didn't really compare it to other class A amps in terms of heat.