I absolutely love my Coda #16. It is the best SS amp I’ve ever owned. The only thing that could make me part with it would be the custom built tube mono blocks that will be arriving this week and that’s a maybe.
|
@smodtactical
SS Amp’s I’ve owned:
Coda #16 (current amp)
Coda #8
Benchmark AHB2
Van Alstine AVA FET400
Plinius SA103
Mirror Image Audio 1.1 SB
Musical Fidelity M6PRX
AGD Audion’s
|
Damnit Terry, I purchased and have the No. 8 amp on the way but after reading you’re review I’m already jonesing for the 16. |
@tom6897
I was just kidding around. As nice as the 16 sounds. The No. 8 is more in my price range right now and I don’t think I’m going to be disappointed.
|
@teajay
That’s good to hear but if my audiophilia gets out of control, Mike at Audio Archon said he would take it back on a trade. |
@seaglance
I have TAD ME-1, 85db, 4 Ohm speakers. My new No. 8 amp will arrive next week. My amp will have meters so I should be able to monitor when it leaves class A and goes into class AB. I will report back to you.
Lance |
My #8 arrived today and I have to agree with teajay and the other new owners. Seaglance, I am powering my 85db 4 Ohm speakers to my normal listening levels, loud to me and the needle on the meters barely move. Plenty of class A watts for sure.
Lance |
@teajay
I will chime in on the #8 with some more break-in. After a bit more run-in I will put the good 300B tubes back in the Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT and spend some time critical listening. So far I’m very happy.
Lance |
@teajay After giving the #8 a good run in over the last week I can report only the sweetness of quality sound. Im in agreement with the review that this amp has amazing dynamics, holographic depth, micro detail galore and just smooth, probably because its so quiet. There is a boogie factor here too that makes your foot tap and body move. It has a certain je ne sais quoi for lack of a better word. I can’t explain it but I love it.
I used both the Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT and LTA Micro ZOTL Preamp. I love both of these but the MZ Pre seemed to have better synergy with the #8. Even with the Elrog 300B tubes in the LIO, the MZ Pre has the last word in detail and sound stage. My source is a Modwright Oppo 205. I’m already scheming to trade up to the #16. Is there a 12 step program for this disease? |
@wig
Im not done with the LIO. I do have some tube rolling to do. My preference for the LTA and having synergy with these particular components is more a testament to the quality of the ZOTL pre. I can take nothing away from the DHT pre. I absolutely love it but it might find a better home Upstairs with my hybrid electrostats.
|
It seems the Preamp shootout results were tainted because of continuing break-in of the Coda #8 and just as I’m getting it broken in I will be sending it back in exchange for the #16. Yes, the #8 is that Good, an entry drug if you will.
I would also like to mention that if your looking for a good dealer look no further than Mike Kay at Audio Archon. He is a true gentleman and a pleasure to deal with.
Lance
|
@smodtactical,
Probably only Doug could answer that question but what I am hearing right now is unbelievable. I can’t emphasize enough how happy I am with what I’m hearing. This my endgame SS amp. |
|
@smodtactical
Of that bunch I can firmly put the #16 at the top of the heap but a special shout-out to the 35 year old Mirror Image Audio 1.1 SB for competing with the best current day amps. My friend (Dave Rayden) used to own the company.
|
@rlovendale
the #16 sounds better to me than both of those SS amps. I thought the Plinius was too warm. The AVA FET400, even though not class A was a decent sounding amp with excellent bass but not on the level of the Coda #16.
|
@decooney
60’s vintage Altec Lansing 1570B built by John Tucker (Exempler Audio) they use (2) 811A tubes in each mono block and produce 165 watts per channel. These mods surpass Tom Tutay’s mods. Sounds like a high powered SET.
|
@decooney
i have not tried any other Van Alstine amps. I bought that one from David Janszen
|
@jaymark
The #16 is not as big as as my old Plinius amp for example, but don’t let that fool you. Like your X250.5 it weighs 110 lbs.
|
@jaymark
congratulations I don’t think you will be disappointed.
|
@smodtactical
They are both Incredible sounding amps just different flavors. The tubes provide greater depth and size of sound stage. The tube sound is more dense and maybe I’m just listening to a beautiful distortion but I love it. My preference for tubes doesn’t take anything away from the Coda. It’s the best sounding SS amp I’ve ever heard.
|
@smodtactical
The Modded Altec Lansing 1570B mono blocks have 165 watts each. They run (2) 811A power triodes. The high voltage Peerless transformers are what makes them special. No one makes these anymore.
|
