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


I have in-house the New Coda Technologies S5.5 amplifier for review for Stereo Times website. It will be awhile before I write the review. However, I'm so impressed by the performance of this petite amplifier, it only weights 45 pounds, that I wanted to give a heads up to you GON members if you are in the market for a balanced pure class A amplifier, delivers 50 watts @ 8 Ohms, and can drop 100 Amperes of current on a peak!

The world class build quality of Coda amplifiers is on display with the S5.5, along with the most beautiful purity of tonality, precise sound-staging, complete liquidity offered by pure class A design, and what might be the best top end regarding details, decays, and a natural shimmering without brightness or any edge at all.

The S5.5 uses extremely wide bandwidth output transistors instead of the usual TO3 devices used in most transistor designs. I own the Coda #16, which is great, but the midrange/high end is taken to another level of musical enjoyment with the S5.5. The S5.5 has a sense of speed/aliveness that is exciting to listen to that you experience in live music. The amp is dynamic as hell, has driven with ease any speaker I have tried it with, hence my nickname of the "Petite Beast". Remember, 50 watts pure class A, can drop 100 amperes of current and only weights 45 pounds.

Teajay (Terry London)

johnah5

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!

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?

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. 

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).

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.

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.

Post removed 

I have a Coda #8 and it definitely responds to different interconnects. I have tried cheapos, Analysis Plus and am now trying Wireworld with Acoustic Zen on deck. AP was a bit lean, Wireworld has a good full sound, AZ is TBD. 

I’m using Kubala Sosna Elation interconnects (xlr) and speaker cables. They are very open, detailed, weighty and slightly warm. They seem to be a great match for the S5.5 and the rest of my system. 
 

I now have over 120 hours on the amp and it is sounding wonderful. It has all the power I need to drive my somewhat inefficient speakers. 
 

I definitely have more weight and dynamics than my other amp. It is easily the best I’ve heard in my system. 
 

Jeff

I borrowed a pair of Nordost Heimdall 2 RCA's to connect my E-380 to the S5.5.  I was amazed at the increased detail, clarity and speed they added to the music.  The downside is that they are a bit too revealing and made the music sound a bit clinical and a tad bright.  But it made it clear that I want to upgrade my RCA's if I keep the Accuphase as my preamp.

I would prefer a slightly more laid back presentation leaning to the warmer side.  The Heimdall's are excellent but almost too much is coming through 😀. 

I am currently using Signal Cable Analog Two Interconnects with upgraded Neutrik ProFi connectors.  I really like the way they sound, they are just holding back some of the detail and dynamics.  But given the choice between those and the Heimdalls I would stick with the Signal Cables.  Not as detailed but easier to listen to. 

Would be interested to hear what interconnects others are using. 

How does the 5.5 treat the presence and “weight” of instruments in front of you?With certain amps, usually ones that are a bit forward in presentation, you can almost feel the palpable weight of the instruments in the room with you. It’s a combination of not just focus and size of images,  but also I suspect of  dynamics and frequency balance. How does the 5.5 compare in this regard?

 

yyzsantabarbara

Thanks for the reply. If your speakers need the power then the #16 is a great way to go...

Mark

Just like yyzsantabarbara I have reviewed and owned the Coda # 8, # 16, and the 07x preamplifier. All terrific pieces at their price points. Unless you need the extra watts /current of the #16 to drive either very inefficient speakers or listen at insane dB levels the S5.5 will be plenty of amplifier for your system.

Their is no doubt in my mind that regarding the mid-range and high frequency range that, as of right now, the S5.5 has more pristine tonality, refinement in the micro-details, and one of the most beautiful presentations of the top end compared to the other Coda amps.. I would not call it "night and day" in its difference in these areas compared to the #16, but you can clearly hear it. Until, the System 150 amp ( which is a two chassis design and will retail for around $25,000) is released I believe the S5.5 is the most musical of all the Coda amplifiers and the least expensive! The only caveat is your speakers are not "pigs" to drive. So far I have tried the S5.5 with five very different speakers that it drove effortlessly and its sonic virtues shined through each time.

Teajay

 

I have not heard the S5.5, but have owned the #8, #16, and 07x preamp. I have also discussed the S5.5 with Doug at CODA about the appropriateness of using the S5.5 with either my Yamaha NS5000 or Magnepan LRS+ speaker. After I gave him feedback on what other amps sounded good with these speakers, he said not to get the S5.5. I am going to go with Doug's opinion on the CODA gear. He suggested the new SYSTEM 150 amp coming out next month for my needs (keeping the #16).  This will be their new flagship. Things went a little pear-shaped for me with regards to affordability last week so that new CODA amp is on hold until the long term.

The S5.5 sounds ideal for speakers like my friend's crossover less prototype that can be driven by even 5 watts. For my current speakers the S5.5 is a downgrade from the #16. The S5.5 seems great for the new headphones I am getting.

I was able to figure out how to drum up the money for the headphones without selling the #16. I will have to sacrifice my fav speaker cable, Audience FrontRow (buy it again later). Amongst a few other items. Unfortunately, I have expensive tastes and low income.

Have you compared the #16 to the S5.5? From what Terry is saying…the S5.5 is a step up in quality of sound all the way around.

@aolmrd1241 The S5.5 is not really comparable to the #16.  Definitely with the speakers I listen to. I have 2 other amps that I think I can sell I and I am exploring that first. Though that would mean 1 system will be unplayable.

@firefly627s I took down my great streamer and DAC and cables. However, his router was in a spot behind 200lbs of marble. We said the heck with that has just used a low-end CD player into the Serene connected by RCA. This was only for the crossover less speaker. We used a computer and RME DAC for the more elaborate phones tests with my incredible RAAL VM-1a amp.

Next week the phones I heard are heading off to The Absolute Sound and then Stereophile. I do not think they has as good gear as I have for these phones.

One reason I want to get whatever he builds is because I think he is a bit of an audio genius. Stevie Wonder uses his mic's, Keith Richards uses his guitar strings, etc ...