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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 7 responses by soundhound

soundhound
46 posts
 
Teajay,

Any updates regarding your upcoming review of the Coda No. 8.  Also have you had a chance to compare the No. 8 to the T series amps which they are scheduled to replace?
soundhound
46 posts
 
Tejay,

Thanks for the response to my questions.  I may be next in line for a No. 8.
soundhound
46 posts
 
Teajay,
Appreciate your insights regarding the Coda 8's.  Given your evaluation that the No 8's are competitive with much more expensive amps, I am curious as to what level price wise you feel this amp competes with.

soundhound
46 posts
 
My understanding is that the principal differences between the TS and No 8 amps are the use of new lower noise transistors, I believe FETs, in the input stage, and the presence of power meters as well as the associated circuitry needed to run these meters.  The lower noise input circuitry FETs are also being incorporated into other CODA models.  According to Doug Dale the decrease in noise levels with the newer input circuitry devices is readily measurable.  I have not seen anyone comment on a direct listening comparison of the TS and No 8 amps.
soundhound
46 posts
 
Teajay,

Saw the Coda No 8 review.  You stated that you started serious listening after a 70 hour break-in period.  Did you notice any further evolution in sound after that initial break-in?  Also, did you try different power cables with the No 8?
soundhound
46 posts
 
Hi Teajay,

Thanks for the prompt response and recommendation for Audio Archon power cords.  I have purchased a No. 40 amp from Coda with the new input transistors installed.  So far I have run it in for about 18 hours and there is a noticeable improvement in very low level detail.  Even at this time, I find it to be a remarkably fine amplifier with excellent transparency of low level detail and better imaging depth and specificity than my previous Krell 402e.  I have Martin Logan CLX's and the No 40 is an excellent match.
soundhound
46 posts
 
Teajay,

There are a number of Audio Archon power cables.  Do you have a recommendation as to which of the Audio Archon power cables high work well with the Coda No 40 amp - 400 wpc Class AB.

Thanks.
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