The new Coda S5.5 amplifier: It's a "Petite Beast"!

@kairosman how does the S5.5 differ from the no.8?  I have the no.8 v2

Hi @johnah5  Terry

Thanks for your quick and helpful response. From everything I have read about both those amps, I was kinda expecting something along the lines of what you said i.e that they are both very good, more similar than different and it will boil down to preferred flavour and system match. Once again, thank you.

@minatophase3   Interesting, my BLACK S5.5 was ordered on March 15 and I am still waiting. 

Hey charan,

First, thanks for your kind words regarding my reviews. With out copping out, both are great amplifiers with slight differences. The SPL S1200 has an overall smidgen of warmth (velvety) while the S5.5 is more neutral and has what I describe as a (silky) overall presentation. Both have great top ends. However, the shimmer/details of the Coda S5.5’s high frequencies is still something very special compared to any solid state amp I have tried. If you have speakers that can get a bit bright/forward sounding the S5.5 might not be a great match-up. Both are great at producing large sound-stages. Each is very musical and the antithesis of being analytical. Regarding overall speed, dynamics, bass control, and a sense of aliveness both amps are reference level. If you love your SPL S800 you would really dig the S1200, keeps the mid-range magic and adds on to it. (If you read my review on the S1200 it gives the details of these wonderful additions.) If you want a slightly different "flavor" the Coda S5.5 would provide that in your system. By the way the S5.5 matches great with the SPL Elector preamp.

I love to use tube analogies to describe the sonic differences between pieces of equipment. For my ears the S1200 is slightly towards the warmth of a great 300B or E-34 tube, while the S5.5 is slightly towards a great 2A3 or 211 tube. These are exaggerations, but give a taste of the differences that people can relate to if they have heard the different tube "flavors". So, it really does come down to personal taste and system synergy.

Teajay (Terry London)

Hi @johnah5 Terry

Thanks for sharing your reviews here with this community. I for one find your reviews honest and educational. I bought my SPL S800 after reading your review, without auditioning it and I have been very happy with it. I then bought the SPL Elector as the preamp to go with the S800 and the pairing is very satisfying. However, the urge to upgrade has got hold of me and I am thinking of upgrading to the SPL S1200, which you also reviewed to be a great amplifier or this CODA 5.5 which you also seem to like a lot. If you had yo choose one between the two which would you pick purely on sonic quality alone. In terms of my preference of sound signature, I obviously like the S800 but i am looking for more speed/tighter bass/ even better dynamics/aliveness/punch. Will i get more of all that from SPL S1200 or Coda 5.5? Sorry, my speakers are Legacy Signature SE (92db / 4 ohm). Many thanks !

@gryphongryph The Supratek is a high gain pre. Inspite of that, both the preamp and the Coda is quiet as a mouse. No noise when music is not playing and components are turned on. I went close and put my ears against the tweeter and there is dead silence. No "clicking" noise when pre or amp is turned on, but of course you can hear the tubes engaging when the tube pre is turned on.

The sound is not at all bright and no sibilance with female vocals.

@sim_audio_nerd

How is the gain between pre and amp, does the pre and power amp make any noise when turning on or off ?

Does the sound ever get bright ? And does male voices have gravitas, off course more depending on speakers. 

@irave I was running Moon 390 pre with the 330A amp few years back.

In my opinion, there is no comparison between the Moon 330A and the S5.5. The S5.5 is in a different league.

I haven't heard the Moon new "North" line though but again they are very expensive

@sim_audio_nerd would you have any comments on how Sim Audio Moon amps compare to the S5.5?  I assume you were running them at some point. 

I was very fortunate when I ordered mine (3/12), was told about a month but since I ordered the black one it shipped within 2 weeks.  Doug said he had quite a few silver orders and was waiting to get the silver chasis back in stock so mine moved up on the list as he had the black chasis in stock.  This was back in mid March. 

While waiting is no fun, I can assure you it will be worth the wait.  My system has never sounded so good!

I drive my Fyne F703 speakers with the S5.5. The sound quality is outstanding.

I decided to sell my black S5.5 for a silver. I am yet another one that was told two weeks and now passing two months.

Anyone ordering this amp after Terry's review comes out will be in for a very long wait.

I am waiting for my s5.5 too. About 8 weeks out now. It will be replacing my AGD Tempo amp - I hope. Backert Labs Rhythm line stage and Caladan speakers. This will be interesting because my system is sounding great now. BTW, the Caladans take a VERY long time to break in. I also have Fyne F1-8 speakers that I might hook up to see how they respond to the new amp. Patience. 

sim_audio_nerd

Thank you for the review, and yes your findings are roughly the same as mine.....both with Buchardt Audio S400 MKIIs and Clayton Shaw Caladan speakers. I do agree that a better dedicated listening room would improve soundstage depth and width, as my current space is not ideal. I too am really surprised how cool the amp runs, I thought it would be much hotter.

I'm now driving it with an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp.....this combo is ridiculously good, as I'm sure the SupraTek is. Glad you're enjoying it....and yes, thank you Teajay for bringing the amp to our attention....I never would have know or considered the S5.5 otherwise, as their other amps are just not in my budget

Just wanted to add that I am in Canada and if anyone is interested in any of the Coda products here in Canada, they can contact Al Kaglik at HiFi Art in Winnipeg. He has been great to work with as my Coda dealer and has a great knowledge of Coda products representing them for many years. 

@laginz soundstage is wider and there is increased front to back depth, but depending on the recording of course.

In my case, I was hoping the soundstage would go beyond the left and right speakers. It was always between the speakers. Unfortunately, Coda did not make the SS go beyond the speakers. But I can’t blame the amp. It’s probably my room which is odd shaped...and I would have to figure it out eventually..

@sim_audio_nerd as I have a Pass XA30.8 your thoughts and comparisons are really helpful.  Thanks for taking the time to post!

What about sound staging, Sim?

@sim_audio_nerd   Thanks for the report, still waiting for my S5.5  we're at 8 weeks now.

Here is my impression of the Coda S5.5 amp:

System is:

Quboz->Innuos Pulse streamer->Holo May KTE DAC->Supratek Signature Grange preamp->Coda S5.5->Silversmith Fidelium speaker cable->Coincident Super Victory III speakers (92.5dB/8 ohm load)

To keep things simple, I will leave out all the glory details of my turntable/arm/cart, other cables, tweaks, room treatments, power conditioner etc...

Comparison between Pass XA30.8 & Coda S5.5 - I simply changed the Coda amp for the comparison, keeping everything the same:

1. Speed - Coda is the winner, hands down.

2. Highs - Coda is the winner, by a good margin. More airy and open than Pass.

3. Midrange - Coda edges out Pass.

4. Bass - Coda is equal to Pass (The Coda has been playing around 40 hours or so and prior to getting the Coda, I had to change the rectifier tubes in my preamp. I bought the cheapest rectifier tubes I could find). Maybe with further run-in and changing the rectifier tube of better quality, Coda bass would be better?

5. Micro Detail Retrieval - Coda is winner. I am hearing micro details I haven heard before from my well known tracks. Decay is better with Coda.

6. Other minor details - Coda is half of Pass amp in weight and runs cooler than Pass. I like this :)

7. Build Quality - Pass nudges out Coda, but again it is a matter of personal likes.

Overall, extremely happy with the S5.5. Overall musical fluidity, smoothness, micro detail retrieval, speed, listening enjoyment has increased by a significant margin.

I wanted to thank @johnah5 for starting this thread. Terry, your insights on how the S5.5 would differ from Pass XA30.8 is SPOT ON!!! :)

I look forward to reading your "official" review.

Thanks to everyone else who has helped in this thread to make my decision buying the Coda amp.

P.S= The synergy between the S5.5 and the Supratek Grange preamp is like a match made in heaven!!!

Hey Guys,

I just submitted my review on the S5.5 to my editor at Stereo Times. I'll let you all know when it goes live on the website.

For yyzsantabarbara, I asked Doug Dale to explain the difference in the S5.5 with the other Coda amps and here's some of what he shared, "The S5.5 uses different transistors then the other Coda amplifiers. This pair of transistors are very similar to those that were used in the System amp architecture but are produced in a way that precludes them being in our other amplifiers."  

There is more information contained in the review. However, the S5.5 could be called a "baby brother" to the prior generation of the System 150 amplifier. The S5.5, not the #16 is closer to the System 150.

Teajay (Terry London)

There is I believe a new System 150/250 coming soon, or is it out already? I'm wondering if it's really the big brother to the S5.5, anyone have any info?

The System 150 that is supposed to be released to Destination HiFi this month is the next iteration of the old System 150.  There is also an old System 250 that likely gets the upgrade treatment.

I do not think the S5.5 and the System 150 have any connection. More likely the System 150 and the #16 are the closet to each other.

BTW - I solved my #16 being a bit too warm for my speakers by getting a neutral DAC. 

I have only 20 hours on the amp..

I want to play it for 50 hours at least before I share my impressions..

Sim_audio_nerd,

Congratulations, please do give us some feedback when you can; would love to hear your experience. Mine has been a revelation, hopefully the same in your system

piebaldpython,

After hearing my S5.5, and loving it; a friend of mine liked the thought of bridging a couple for his Harbeths. He spoke with Doug at CODA (as did I) who basically told him the same as yyzsantabarbara, bridging the S5.5s is not a good idea.

There is I believe a new System 150/250 coming soon, or is it out already? I'm wondering if it's really the big brother to the S5.5, anyone have any info?

@fthompson251 Around 2nd week of Feb...

@minatophase3 thanks!!!

Friday May 3, marked 7 weeks and waiting. Ordered March 15, when did you that have them order? @sim_audio_nerd ?

@sim_audio_nerd Yes just ignore it.  Put left speaker cables of left side when looking at the amp.  I asked Doug about this and he said this is the way some older amps used to be labeled.  Not sure why they did it that way only for the S5.5 but they did. 

@yyzsantabarbara  thank you so much. I was hoping on a cost effective option. 

Just got my Coda S5.5...havent taken it out yet..will do this  weekend..

The manual online the speaker terminals seems to be opposite..the left channel terminals are on the right and same for the right channel..

Do I just ignore it? Put the left speaker cables to the left amp terminals and so on?

@yyzsantabarbara I had the LA4. It was an excellent preamp. Sorry I sold it. The HPA4 is the same in line stage function, as I'm sure you know.

Doug at CODA told me that bridging 2 S5.5's is not a good way to use them. I was wondering if you could use 2 bridged S5.5's instead of a CODA #16. The standard gremlins that apply to bridging a 2-channel stereo amp also applies to the S5.5.

BTW - I changed my DAC from a Schitt Yggi+ LIM to the Schitt Yggi+ OG. I moved the LIM to my office. The complaints I had with my CODA #16, lack of detail, is now pretty much resolved. The OG is more detailed while the LIM is the warm and "musical" one.

I am thinking of replacing my Holo Serene preamp with another Benchmark HPA4 preamp on the CODA #16 system.

Has anyone had an opportunity to bridge them for the 200W @8ohm? Curious to hear back on this. At the price point of this amp a pair bridged up would be a fantastic deal!!

Hey everybody,

I have begun to write my review on the S5.5 for Stereo Times and will be including the comments of participants who have shared their experiences with the S5.5 on this thread. If anyone wants to add new information based on further listening/experience with the amp or new owners that have not posted yet, please do.

Thanks to all of you who have shared, Teajay (Terry London)

I meant musically, what differences are there?
I see talk very little about the s20 model

@paoz 

The S20 is 200 watts of Class AB power, whereas the S5.5 is 50 watts of Class A (at 8 ohms).

I found a s20. does anyone know what the differences are vs s5.5?

Hey fthompson251,

Besides the very satisfied owners who have already posted on this thread that they love their new S5.5, I have received another 3 Emails from other individuals raving about what this amp has added to the enjoyment of their systems. So please, when you get yours let us know what your experience. I believe you are in for quite the treat!

I hope to write the review on the S5.5 in the next two weeks. It will be a fun one to write because its such a great piece.

Teajay (Terry London)

This thread by Terry has caused quite a stir for Coda, as of today my 5.5 S has been on order for 5 weeks and it may ship maybe by next week! And Terry's review has not even gone live yet!  Selling like hot cakes just from this thread evidently. Cannot wait to hear from those that get their amp and can report back here how they like them. for me it's going to provide my "escape route" from a lifetime with tubes, hope it works out for me! I need to simplify my life.

sim_audio_nerd,

I just looked up your Supratek Grange Signature, that looks like a beautiful beast! I'd love to hear your comments once the CODA shows up

@gryphongryph totally will do. I have a hunch the Supratek+Coda would be great match but I hope my hunch is true!

@fleschler I am not sure, I have an Accuphase E-380, never heard the Westminster labs REI.  Compared to the Accuphase I think the S5.5 is better in every way with the exception of the Accuphase has a bit warmer sound which I like but that is personal preference.  Lows and Highs are better on the S5.5 and I would count the Midrange to be equal on both.

@minatophase3 Is this new Class A Coda amp equal or better than my anticipated purchase of the Westminster Labs REI (I know they have double the power but I have 96db 6 ohm efficient speakers so that's not an issue).  

@sim_audio_nerd Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the Grange and the Coda synergy, I myself have the Supratek Cabernet driving a Belles SA30 class A power amp, it sounds great on my Graham Audio LS 5/9 also very nice on low volume, my amp gets quite warm 56c so is very useful for heating up the listening room in the winter, although in summer it can be a bit annoying, only thing I sometimes wish for is more detail, but at the same time I don’t want to lose my systems musicality, have also wonder about the Atmasphere class d offering and the Musiklab 200.

Good luck with your purchase 👍🏻

FYI - I saw a CODA 07x preamp on sale for an amazing price on USAM. 

I am listening to the Class A Schitt Mjolnir V3 preamp ($1200, no remote) with my CODA #16. I am using a bight Benchmark DAC3B with this setup. This is a really good combo and I bet sounds as good with the S5.5. Something to consider for a low-cost preamp. 

I have the Benchmark LA4 and Mjolnir connected to the #16 at the same time since the #16 supports such as setup.

@vthokie83 that sounds like it going to be killer combo wise!

I’ll be getting my Coda S5.5 next week.

It will be: source-->Supratek Signature Grange preamp/phono-->Coda S5.5-->Coincident Super Victory IIIs.

Teajay,

Got some good news this week, Aric Audio is shipping my new modified Motherlode XL preamp! It will be a little while for me to reconfigure my setup, but really looking forward to hearing the CODA S5.5 and Aric Audio Transcend "Push Pull" amp through the Motherlode.....lot's of fun listening ahead.

Thx, Teajay:)

Hey laginz,

To answer your question regarding how the S5,5 presents individual instruments and overall sound-staging:

1) On five different speakers the sound-stage was wide and deep an behind the front of the speakers. It also in my system offered excellent layering and exact positions of the players on the stage.

2) What I call image density or "meat on the bones" imaging was very well done. However, it was not at the expense of what you were describing of having the images thrust towards the front of the other instruments. The individual images stayed  accurately placed in the sound-stage.

Teajay

@jc4659 I would assume that the LA4 would be not as good. My friend said anytime you add a power supply you are going to be a bit worse than passive.

I have the CODA #16 and the LA4 back together again. It is a bit different than the Serene and CODA #16.

I’ll send you a DM.

@yyzsantabarbara Curious how the Benchmark LA-4 might compare to your friend's passive pre. Or are the Benchmark and Serene more similar to each other than the passive pre.  You can PM me as I don't wish to derail this Coda thread.