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SIMPLY AMAZING: Coda Technologies 07x Preamplifier

I have in-house Coda Technologies 07x preamplifier, which is the latest iteration of their '0' series linestages.  Very briefly, over the last seven years I have had over five solid state preamplifiers, price range was between 4K to 20K, in for auditioning in my system.  They were quite good, but lacked what my tube based linestages had to offer.  The solid state pieces were wickedly transparent, micro-detailed, tight accurate bass extension, and had great overall dynamics.  However, they lacked the organic timbres/tonality, 3D imaging, and the ability to create a sense of space between the players that my tube based preamplifiers produced in my system. 

So, I was concerned that based on my personal preferences that the Coda 07x might not be my "sonic cup of tea".  Boy was I wrong!  Besides, the superlative build quality, starting with the double-sided gold-plated circuit boards, and the sane prices Coda charges compared to other much more insanely priced gear, the 07x is priced at $6'500, this preamplifier has patiently shocked me regarding it might be the best synthesis between what solid state offers (transparency-clarity/low frequency extension-control/micro-details/speed-dynamics) and the best of what tubes have to offer (pristine timbres-tonality-color/holographic imaging/three-dimensional sound-staging with a sense of air around the individual instruments).

Coda always, at least in the America "flies under the radar" compared to other US manufacturers, but based on performance, build quality, and  smart evolved engineering they offer cutting edge equipment at reasonable prices that deserve to be heard by more music lovers. I'll get into all the little details in my review on the performance of the 07x, but for right now if you are thinking about purchasing a solid state linestage, consider giving Doug Dale a call to hear this very special piece.
teajay
rlovendale
91 posts
 
Thanks for starting this thread.

A few notes:
  • The new amp will replace the 15.5 stereo amplifier and will be called the 16.0. In addition to the component changes in the circuit (presumably similar to those implemented in the Continuum No. 8), it will also have a 40% increase in power supply capacitance and meters on the faceplate (similar to the Continuum No. 8).
  • The current version of the CSIb seems like a great buy. Its amp section is now exactly the same as the Continuum No. 8 amplifier. And, if SalonAV is correct, the preamplifier section was revised to be closer to the 07x circuit vs. the 05x circuit it was formerly based on. (Source: http://www.salonav.com/arch/2018/12/coda-technologies-perestroila-integralnik.htm). It's also beautiful in silver (Source:  http://www.salonav.com/arch/2019/02/integralnyj-usilitel-coda-csib.htm)
  • One can order the newer amps without the meters if they want to save some coin. They are pretty expensive.
@teajay I thought you bought the Continuum No. 8 amp, no?
stampy
10 posts
 
Yeah, I have one. I've had mega$$$ dual chassis ss preamps here but the only thing they do better is enhanced, possibly over enhanced, dynamics.  Great preamp that does everything exactly right and makes you realize by paying more, you are only paying for casework, over engineering and/or coloration (and maybe ultra extended dynamics as I said). Casework and styling are early Rockford Files, so get used to it and use the 15k you save to buy a nice used, gold Firebird.
stampy
10 posts
 
An amp manufacturer completely under the radar, since they are all hand made by an 82 year old, is this
http://www.powermodules.com
Not competition for Coda, these are different, and only the SA100 is truly superb,  small, nearly runs in class B, an he used to export them to the UK (by the UK TAD importer). David builds these all himself and is backordered from now to infinity on his inexepensive integrated.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
At one time, I owned a Coda CL, it was the linestage version of the current CP.  It was excellent in its price point.  I have sat in front of the CP on a couple of occasions and the 07x on I believe 4 occasions.  These pre's have always been excellent in every system that I've heard them in. I compared the CL to a Pass XP10 and slightly preferred the Coda.  The 07X certainly has the same family sound to my old CL, but is more refined and does everything just a bit better. 
audiozen
831 posts
 
teajay...Have you experienced over the years the Spectral DMC-6 or the Spectral DMC-10. I have only heard the 10 and I have yet to come across
a solid state Preamp over the past twenty five that equals the rich, very smooth velvet quality that I've heard from that piece.
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