Coda has been rolling out the new FET input stage for a while now, so some 15.5 amps will have the exact same amplifier channels as the 16.0. Other differences include the increased power supply capacitance in the 16.0 mentioned above (which may or may not result in audible differences) and the meters option for the front faceplate of the 16.0.
Review on Coda Technologies 16 Amplifier went live today
Just wanted to inform the individuals that have shown interest in reading the full review on Stereo Times website, not just the comments on the on-going thread about the 16 amplifier, that it was posted this morning. It gets into the details why this is a spectacular piece regarding performance, build quality, and it's very reasonable price for what you get for your money.
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@rlovendale when you say new input stage are you talking about the low noise input transistors ? I wonder would a stock 15.5 have many upgrades over a number 8? I mean I know its a very different amp with more capacitance, more current? Used 15.5's go for around $5000 usd so a used 15.5 might be a good option over a new no 8. |
Yes. FET = field effect transistor. I think the approach makes a lot of sense, especially if the 15.5 has the new input stage. Last I checked there was a used 15.5 with the new input stage on Audiogon listed for $6,600. No brainer over the No. 8. Differences off the top of my head (15.5 vs. No. 8):
There could be others as well, but this is just going off of spec sheets. Seems the bigger amps have better SNR measurements as well and better tonality. |
"I have heard from other No. 8 users that this amp rarely leaves its Class A rating and if that’s the case, wondering if adding more filter capacitance to the No. 8 would bring it closer to the sound of the No. 16 without the added weight : )" Yup, almost like a Coda 12 that has more capacitance and maybe 40-50 watts class A for a price between a 16 and 8. |
Last night I received a phone call from an individual who sold off his Pass Labs XA-60.8 mono-blocks and purchased the Coda # 16. He was amazed how much better he liked the in Coda in his system. Quieter, more details, smoother, faster, and he could play his system at lower volumes and not lose overall dynamics. The XA-60.8 amps sounded kinda "rough around the edges" in comparison. |
This past weekend I had a guest listener who came over to hear the Coda #16 because he was very interested in possibly purchasing one for his system. He presently owns a pair of mono-blocks (Parasound) that he is looking to upgrade from. His first response was how shocking the level of resolution/clarity was compared to what he heard at home. Next, was the overall speed and dynamic control the #16, in the context of my system, was delivering. Lastly, was the beautiful tonality and colors that he was hearing on his musical selections that he had brought over to audition the amplifier with. He agreed with what I said in my review that the #16 sounds like a 100 watt SET 211 amplifier that has all the liquidity of tubes with the beauty and purity of timbres with unlimited power. |
I wonder if they can make a mono version for harder to drive speakers that has more power? Something to compete with gryphon mephisto or big pass XA200.8?They have the S150/S250 Amplifier System. https://destinationhifi.com/collections/coda-technologies/products/coda-s150-s250-amplifier-system?v... |
I don't have a No. 16, but I did pick up (at a fantastic deal) what may be described as a 15.5+
which has the same lower noise input transistors , circuit, and power supply of the No. 16, but not the increased power supply capacitance. It's easily the best amp I've ever heard - dynamic, dead quiet, extremely fast and detailed, very liquid, and, as a musician, everything sounds correct. The dead silent sound floor and incredible dynamics can take the listening experience from small and intimate to immensely powerful and large with superb sound quality and accuracy across that range. I currently have a pair of fully upgraded Tekton Pendragon's (I also got at a fantastic deal), but I really hope to pickup Moab's before year end. |
I did! It was an amazing deal, and though after our verbal agreement he received offers higher than mine, he was a man of his word and completed our deal. I've previously heard all manner of old and new solid state and tube amps: McIntosh, Yamaha, Onkyo, Sony, Harman Kardon, Parasound, Coincident...etc. I'm very partial to really great tube amps (see my username) - my previous post is a good explanation of what it does. In short, compared to all the amps I've heard, it does almost everything better. I loved a McIntosh MC30 I previously heard, as well as my Coincident Dynamo MKII - there is a liquid and musical magic in tubes. However, while the Coda may not quite replicate this sound, it comes closer than any other SS amp I've heard, and surpasses these in all other areas I previously mentioned. I'm very thankful to users here like Teajay, for his many insightful and honest contributions, and Grannyring for the same, as well as modifying my MHDT Orchid DAC and his very fine Acoustic BBQ cables, as well as many others. I nearly have my lifetime system - I now only lack Moab's, which I hope to remedy this fall. |
Last night had a fellow music lover who owns a wonderful all tube based system come over with his music selections to hear the Coda #16.0 being driven by the Coda 07.x preamplifier. He was totally amazed by the system's tonality/colors, how much "meat on the bone" 3D imaging, and air around each instrument was presented by the Coda solid state gear. The only reason he said that he would not be fooled to think the system was all tube based was how totally quiet it was. He found it unbelievable that there was not one tube in the system, yet all the qualities that tubes give was there in sonic spades! |
I am thinking of getting the CODA #8 or #16 to pair with the latest CODA 07x preamp that I own. I am using the dual XLR outputs of the 07x to drive 2 sets of speakers. I have Benchmark AHB2 amps connected to 1 set of 07x output XLRs which drive RAAL SR1a earphones.
At the moment , the second set of the CODA 07x output XLR's is connected to a Class D amp driving Thiel CS3.7 speakers. I am thinking of replacing that amp with a CODA #8 or #16. My question is, since I have to turn OFF 1 amp whenever I want to use the other amp, does a CODA #8 or #16 makes sense. I will be turning the amp ON and OFF every single day. How would the CODA amps tolerate that type of abuse? My D-Sonic M3a 800s Class D amp seems to be OK with the constant ON and OFF and it does sound pretty good. BTW - the CODA 07x and Benchmark AHB2 are an incredible pairing. My dealer said a few of his customers have this combo. I like it more than the CODA CSiB (from 2018) integrated I owned a few months ago. |
I was just reading Terry's review after my post above. He states the following. Just below the logo, there are two sets of LEDs/buttons that allowed you to choose between RCA/XLR inputs and to put the amplifier into standby bias. So I think I can solve my turning ON and OFF issue by just leaving the amp on all the time (or STAND BY) and using the RCA button on the front of the amp to deactivate the amp since the XLR is what is used to connect to the 07x. |
Hi Terry,
I am only now discovering the buzz about CODA and am more than a little impressed. In your experience as a professional reviewer (or any member with this experience) have you listened to the Krell Duo 300 XD? I am THRILLED with the performance of this amp and how it gels with my Illusion II preamp as well as my Dynaudio Confidence C2’s. I have two massive REL 212/SX subs.But of course always seeking the optimal system as budget and space allows. So in your opinion, would the No 8 present a meaningful upgrade for my system? Will I HEAR the difference much between this Krell and a No 8? And what about the step to the big daddy - the No 16. The Krell draws only 4 watts in standby. Would the 16 break the bank in the summertime here in the desert when I run the AC almost non-stop? Thanks so much all! |
I owned the CODA 07x and the CODA #8. I recently sold both from my office sytsem. I liked my Benchmark LA4 preamp better. I am debating between the following 2 amps for my Livingroom: - the soon to be released KRELL KSA i400 - CODA #16 I heard the CODA #16 and loved it with a dealers Legacy speakers. We used a CODA 07x preamp in the demo. The CODA #16 is smaller than I expected and does not run that warm. The top end of the #16 was better than the #8. It took me just 1 song to hear the improvement. The #16 is cleaner sounding like a Benchmark AHB2 but with a bit more Class A warmth. The #8 sounds a bit grainier in comparison to the #16. My CODA #8 was being used as a RAAL SR1a headphone amp and when the RAAL VM-1a dedicated SR1a/CA-1a amp was released I sold the #8 to buy the VM-1a. I thought I would miss the #8 but the VM-1a is incredible and it was a great trade. I was planning on using the VM-1a in my office but it is too good and I cannot get any work done, so I moved it to my bedroom. I moved my KRELL DUO 175XD amp into the office to function as the headphone amp to the SR1a. I like the KRELL amp more than the #8 for both speakers, and especially for the SR1a headphones. I am less distracted by the KRELL and can get work done. I use Benchmark AHB2 monos for my KEF LS50 Meta in the office. Both the Benchmark AHB2 and KRELL DUO 175XD are driven by a single Benchmark LA4 preamp. The KRELL DUO 175XD is smoother than the #8 and very relaxing. It is clear on top, smooth, with strong bass, and very relaxing. Some competing sonic characteristics but that is how I hear it. The #8 sounds more Class AB to me than the super smooth Class A KRELL. Don’t get me wrong. I loved the #8 until I got the KRELL DUO 175XD. It just a matter of preference here, not that anything is better. I also owned the KRELL K-300i integrated amp and I loved that one a lot and upgraded to the KRELL DUO 175XD. I also owned the CODA CSiB integrated amp at the same time as the KRELL K-300i. The CSiB was from 2019, so not the most recent version. I liked the KRELL K-300i more since I liked the smooth sound more than the not as clear CSiB. I sold the CSiB. My Livingroom system is finalized except for the amp: - KEF Blade 2 Meta speakers - Benchmark LA4 preamp (have another LA4 in my office) - Musetec 005 DAC (have another Musetec 005 in my office) - either CODA #16 amp or KRELL KSA i400 amp I want an amp that can double down to 2 Ohm and the KRELL KSA i400 and CODA #16 can do this While the KRELL 300XD and KRELL 175XD cannot. This is my until death system so I want to be done and put audio buying in the rearview mirror.
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Is the added Class-A warmth keeping your attention towards the Coda 16 ($16k) vs the Benchmark AHB2 ($3k)? In other words, is that warmth worth another thirteen grand to ya. If yes, the Coda 16 must be really nice sounding. I’ve not heard either yet. Almost tempted to demo that AHB2 and slap some Cardas Clear Reflections on it and see what kinda added warmth happens just for fun.
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Read the Stereophile review of the KEF Blade 2 Meta using benchmark AHB2 monos. KAL R loved that pairing. I however think it will not be as good. I went through the AHB2 love and hate with my hard to drive Thiel CS3.7. No way I use the AHB2 on the easier to drive KEF Blade 2 Meta. I read a ASR post of the AHB2 sound (which I love love on the KEF LS50 Meta). That post is how I feel and is written better than I can ever do. Review and Measurements of Benchmark AHB2 Amp | Page 5 | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum I tried the Schitt Freya+ tube preamp for about 2 months with the AHB2 as a RAAL SR1a headphone amp. This was the only preamp that I could use with the AHB2 and bright SR1a. BTW - I am looking at the $13K CODA #16 without the meters. I had the meters on the CODA #8. They were surprisingly useful with my RAAL SR1a headphones but a non-factor with my Thiel CS3.7 speakers. |
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@rlovendale I was thinking of 2 #16's in mono but I was wondering if that would be the optimal sound from the #16. I believe most amps (except AHB2) increase distortion and other negative factors when switched from stereo to mono. I will discuss this with Doug Dale at CODA. My hesitation on the cheaper CODA #16 is the 150 watts vs the 400 watts on the KRELL in stereo form. In terms of sonics, I know I love the CODA #16 and assume the KRELL KSA i400 will knock my socks off too (based on the KRELL XD lower models I owned). At this point I am leaning more towards the KRELL but I do not know how it pairs with the KEF Blade 2 Meta. Does that extra power make a difference. I read about a dealer in Redmond, WA that carries both the KEF Blade and KRELL KSA i400 (soon) but not the CODA. |
yyzsantabarbara; I know a few ppl who’ve heard the new Krell amp and yep, for sure it’ll knock your socks off I’m told. Then again, if you’ve got any concern about how some of the existing KRELL amps might drive your KEF blades, fear not. Dennis at Leesburg Listening Room is a dealer for both lines and would tell you that the existing Krell 575 mono blocks will drive those Blades into blissful oblivion with ease. Here is a link to that mono block. Hard to imagine anything sounding much better. Maybe that new piece might ……
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@krell_fan1 I spoke with a KRELL dealer today in WA about the new amp. His partner had demoed the KRELL KSA i400 at a WA show and loved it. The guy I spoke to found the KRELL XD not as warm as he prefers (he is more of a PASS fan). He had not heard the new KRELL i400. I told him the KRELL XD was at the upper limit of warmth for my ears, I do not favor PASS and I love my KRELL 175XD. We got to talking about different amps for the Blade 2 Meta and I am tending to think that the massive current of the CODA #16 is enough in stereo mode for the Blade 2 Meta. That is at moderate volume I would get a similar sound as a 400 watt amp (maybe the 400 watt KRELL i400 is different) I may fly up to WA and demo the KRELL i400 with the Blade Meta but the CODA #16 looks like a great choice for the Blade 2 Meta. The dealer in WA also tried 4 Benchmark mono amps on the KEF Blade Meta. There is a photo of that session on the internet. He preferred the PASS to the mega watt AHB2 setup. I am going to talk with Doug Dale about what you lose when you go mono with the CODA #16. Something to have in the back pocket if needed. |
Hmm. Interesting. I am not really familiar with Pass so cannot speak with any authority. I DO know at least TWO Krell dealers who heard the new 35K amplifier at a trade show and were blown away, claiming it to be the single greatest amplifier they'd heard at any price. As you know with CODA, power is not the end all. Current supply and other variables count as much if not more. There is magic in the XD platform that has to due with how the designer tweaked the impedance, but from what I hear, there is FAR more magic in the new i400. from Krell. What it is I do not know. -:) All that said, this is what I would likely do, IF you indeed take this one dealer at his word that the XD is not as "warm:" pass on Krell XD 100% if you are OK to place all your trust in one man whom you've never met. Personally I feel it is warm and have owned the 300 FBPcx and the 400 FPBcx. I like the XD better. BUT...all THAT said, I totally trust and believe in the magic of No 16 CODA based on what I have read and the few dealers with whom I spoke, and would not hesitate to purchase it. For the money, there may be no better option, though many would state my Krell DUO 300 XD might sound as good or better. I dunno. And FOR SURE those mono block 575 XD's will blow you away. Of that I am sure. I just haven't heard the CODA but DO take all at their word it is FABULOUS. So if it about the money, buy CODA. I would for the money! But if you want the very best amplifier EVER you could certainly try to listen to those 575 XD blocks bc many believe they crush anything out there. But they cost a LOT more than the CODA No16. Otherwise if it is NOT about the money, wait on that new 35K Krell. I have met the engineer, David Goodman, and the man is a genius. And the fellow who ran Krell until recently said it was like something the world never heard before. And I always trusted his judgement. David Goodman has done something special with that amp. |
When I heard the CODA #16 I thought it sounded a lot like my KRELL DUO 175XD. The 175XD cannot go down into 2 Ohm as strongly as the CODA. I heard a bit of that when I had my Thiel CS3.7 speakers and thought the CODA #8 drove them harder. I liked the Benchmark AHB2 and the KRELL DUO 175XD overall more than the CODA #8 with the Thiel CS3.7. The CODA #16 is sonically a slightly cooler 175XD and slightly warmer AHB2. A real great amp. If I owned the CODA #16 when I had the hard to drive Thiel CS3.7 I am 100% sure it would have been my favorite on the Thiel. With regards, to the dealer. The fact that he likes the PASS more than the KRELL means he prefers a different sound than me. So I really do not take his opinion to match my tastes. Different strokes. An amp that is warm is really not my personal preference. The KRELL XD does a great job of not going over my warm threshold. Luckily for me, if needed, I have an ’extra’ KRELL 175XD amp that I can use temporarily with the Blade 2 Meta while I go and listen to the i400. Walter Schofield and Dave Goodman helped me select the 175XD for the Thiel CS3.7. Very helpful and KRELL also made me a custom power cord for the 175XD. I have been watching this for a while, but wanted to wait for the i400. |
I know Walter very well and have met David. Stand up guy Walter is 100%. He is no longer at Krell, sadly. I checked out that listing and the MSRP is actually less than the new price of $11,250 each or 22.5k for the pair. I get that you cannot get more than 600wpc with that 575 XD. But do you really NEED more than 600 wpc? At 14K all in for those 575 mono blocks that’s a steal. And I believe warranty is transferrable. Talk to Dennis at Leesburg Listening Room in VA. He’s also a dealer for Bryston and Bricasti. I think he’d tell you that the 575 XD mops the floor with that Bryston unit that puts out 1000 wpc. And I don’t know Bricasti gear at all. It recall him saying it (575 XD) was as good as anything he’d ever hesrd and assume he was including those very pricey Bricasti amps. The M28 are rated @ 400 wpc into 4 ohms and retail for 30,000. They (Krell 575) are likely to sound as good if not somewhat better the No 16 but in all fairness I’ve never heard one. I DO know that Krell is killing it with their 300i. Can’t make them fast enough. And I don’t think ANYONE is making a better multi channel amp than Krell.I have their Chorus 5200 and it’s amazing. Happy to know you’ve dug the 175 XD. I LOVE my 300XD and will likely hang tight until and when I can HEAR a No 16. That said, if I had the space to accommodate those two mono blocks for only 14K they’d have been bought by now, FOR SURE. It wouldn’t bother me if I subsequently heard the i400 and found that it were perhaps “2%” better or something nominal like that. No way is it gonna sound 10% better, IMHO. Dennis has heard. He could tell you. -:) |
Hey, yyzsantabarbara! For your benefit to assist you in your decision making process I am pasting in this comment on Krell mono blocks you’re considering. This comes from a moderator on a FB Krell member group. “I have a pair of Solo 375 XD’s and despite them not having a crazy oversized power supply as typical in older Krell models, they are performers and can handle most anything you throw at them. Controlled and accurate bass, warm mids and highs. Non-fatiguing. In fact, I MIGHT be on the verge of buying a pair of 575 XD’s to biamply my Egglestonworks Viginti. 575 XD’s on bass with 375 XD’s on the mids and highs. All connected via CAST. I would not go down the line to anything else, personally. XD is currently they best sounding amps Krell has made, to date.” good luck to you in your decision process. |
@krell_fan1 Thanks for the contact info on Dennis. I spent an hour in conversation with him. We agreed for the most part, except his opinion that the CODA #16 was slightly warmer than the KRELL. I thought the KRELL was slightly warmer than the CODA though I only heard the #16 for a bit and owned the CODA #8. He said the KRELLL 375XD monos would be killer on the Blade 2 Meta, better than the KRELL 175XD I have in the house (power wise). He also said the CODA #16 would be killer on the Blade 2 Meta, but a bit warmer than the KRELL. I was very impressed by this guy. Thanks for the contact info. |
You bet! Dennis is one of the single, most knowledgeable and reputable authorities on high end audio I’ve ever spoken with, and his views issue from a world of experience selling nothing but the finest components. I don’t believe he has a dog in the fight and speaks from the heart. I hope this was helpful to you! Cheers, |
Oh, and by the way, that’s precisely why the 575 XD’s on sale at AudioMart might even present a more compelling solution for you. That would certainly be the final wrap on a system to the end of days. And who knows, Dennis may be able to help you on the purchase of a brand new set of blocks though not sure. Best, |
@yyzsantabarbara So how you liking the No. 16? Any plans on moving to something else? I really wish i could see a shootout between the 16, the x350.8 and the m900u. |
@smodtactical I did not buy the CODA #16, I instead bought the CODA 07x preamp and CODA #8 amp. I also bought the KRELL Duo 175XD amp. I sold all of that gear, except the KRELL Duo 175XD which went up for sale yesterday. I am going to get another KRELL XD amp with more power. It has not been determined yet by me which KRELL amp to get. The next KRELL amp will be for KEF Blade 2 META. The other speaker choice was the Yamaha NS5000, which you own. I went with the Blade because I am finally able to fit it into a proper room. The NS5000 would also be great in this room, but I am going with the Blade. A safer choice would be the NS5000 because of my young son, but if the speaker gets damaged, too bad. The CODA #16 is very similar to the amp I am selling. The Duo 175XD is all Class A, similar to the mostly Class A #16. When I heard the #16 with the CODA 07x preamp I was thinking that sonically it is very similar to the Duo 175XD amp. The #8 and #16 diverge more sonically to my ears. A shootout between those amps you listed will of course be subjective to listener preference. My preference from those 3 would be the CODA #16. It is not as warm as the other 2 and likely the most powerful. I would still take the KRELL Duo amps over those 3 since they just seem to work best for my ears. Does not mean it is the best. I have had the KRELL K-300i integrated (an XD amp, now sold) and the KRELL DUO 175XD. The next amp will be my last amp and it will be a KRELL XD. The system I am putting together for the Livingroom will be: - KEF Blade 2 Meta (not sure the color) - KRELL XD amp (not sure the power) - Holo Audio Serene preamp (similar to my office Benchmark LA4 preamp) - Musetec 005 DAC (have 2 of these now) - Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval 8 speaker cable My Office system, where the KRELL DUO 175XD was used, is competed and will not be touched. BTW - the CODA #16 is more than powerful enough for the Blade 2 Meta |