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.
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.
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.
@yyzsantabarbara "The #16 is cleaner sounding like a Benchmark AHB2 but with a bit more Class A warmth.".
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Stereo Times list for 2020's MOST WANTED components has just been posted. The #16.0 is on the list, along with the new CSib integrated amplifier. Great year for Doug and his team, congrats to them for designing and building great gear at reasonable prices.
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!
My Model 16 amazes me more with each listen! Best solid state amp I have had in my system, and there have been some highly regarded pieces in the past. Doug and his engineers are brilliant at what they do!
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.
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 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?
I am still amazed by Coda 16 stats! 3000 watt toroid, 280,000 uf PSU capacitance. For an amp of its size its truly amazing. 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?
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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 : )
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):
Class A bias: 100W vs. max of 18W
Power supply filter capacitance: 200,000 microfarads vs. 80,000 microfarads
Output transistors: 28 per channel vs. 20 per channel
Weight (due to larger case and massive heatsinks): 110 pounds vs. 62 pounds
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.
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.
The differences between the new Coda No. 16 and 15.5 amps are twofold, the use of low noise input transistors and somewhat higher power supply capacitance. The 15.5 has 200,000 versus 280,000 microfarads in the No. 16.
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.
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.
You may want to look into a more linear sounding tube in your LIO than the 300B as in my experience it's shouldn't even be close between those 2 pre-amps.
Those small octal tubes do sound beautiful and are transparent but when compared to a DHT, it sounds like you are listening to a recording verses actual instruments occupying a space between your speakers with body, texture, reverb and nuances that are unmistakable the hallmarks of a DHT; refinement and precision.
I'm also using a 2A3 DHT Pre and I have never heard this type of sound emanating from my speakers with such delicacy and realism...
Thanks for sharing the details of why you are enjoying the music with your new #8 amplifier! I can understand why you would have the passion to try its big brother the 16.0. Enjoy yourself totally now and look forward to getting the 16.0 when you have a chance. We both know Mike will help you when you are ready and able.
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 certainje ne sais quoifor 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?
I have not heard the CSIb with my own ears. It is a combination of a #8 amp and the baby brother to the 07x preamplifier. However, I know two people who have it in their systems and love it.
If you can you should really try to audition the 16.0, you might find it to your liking even though your x250.5 is a great amplifier.
@teajay Thank you for coming back, really appreciated. The midrange in the Pass (X250.5) is great. I guess I will have to hear Coda in order to make up my mind. Have you had the chance to compare it to the integrated CSIb? Cheers, Mike
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