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

@vthokie83 

Yeah. I currently have the No.8 which is also 10k balanced.  I was just using the 20x  for impedance matching and it seemed legit to me. $200 for extra room is a good deal though. I'll reach out to them. Thank you.  

@minatophase3 They are big and heavy and visually imposing.  I got used to them and my better half likes to listen to music with me so it wasn't a WAF issue at all.  Mine are piano black so they look cool too.  

@olesno I will have to make sure to give serious consideration to Tekton if I decide to upgrade my speakers.  Not sure they would pass the WAF though 😀

tmac1700,

The inputs to the CODA S5.5 is what we are discussing. The RCA unbalanced 50K ohms are no issue, it is the 10K ohms on the XLR inputs. It was not a big deal really, I believe Aric is adding a couple of 1.0 uf caps.....maybe another change? Cost an extra $200 for the mods, and Aric is perfectly comfortable with the pairing with the mods added.

If you have any questions, reach out to Aric....he's quick to reply by email, and a great guy to talk to on the phone

@vthokie83 shoot. I thought the Motherlode XL preamp would've been an OK match as is. What is he modifying it to? Currently it's 300ohm balanced right? 

I like my Ulfberhts a lot.  My pair has one Be tweeter installed and I made that decision right before I ordered them about four years ago.  Never regretted it. They are big but they literally disappear in my room with the right performance.  All you hear is vocals and instruments in space, unattached to the speakers.  In my opinion they are highly undervalued.  Outside of the Ulfs some of the other speakers I had within the last 20 years were... KEF Blade 2, Gershman Black Swan or Piega.  Also Gallo Acoustics and Legacy long time ago.

@olesno How do you like your Ulfberhts?  I have looked at Tekton offerings in the past and find them interesting.  Never heard them in person.  What other speakers have you had in the past to compare them to?

Very nice pre-amp you have coming!  I like the tube sound but don't want any tubes in my system,  I have too much tube anxiiety 🙂  So the next best thing is to find a pre-amp that has a somewhat "tube" sound to it.  Sounds like the Coda 07x does.  I think my Accuphase integrated does as well.  Will find out shortly if the Accuphase gets more of the "tube" sound from the amp section or the pre-amp section.  My hope is it is from the pre-amp section and I will be happy with it.

minatophase3,

I am currently using a Denafrips Hades preamp, which surprisingly has not been a bad combo with the CODA S5.5. I initially thought it would be totally outclassed, but it's held it's own so far....but yes more performance is there to be had.

I have an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp on order right now, should be about 6 weeks out by now (intially 12 weeks)? I spoke with Aric about the 10K ohm XLR issue, which is the very edge of the Motherlode's comfort level....and he is modifying it for me to be good with the CODA's low XLR load.

So far I have not bothered with the stand by as I don't mind burning it in a bit more. I spoke with Doug Dale at CODA, and he said the S5.5s get about a week burning in before they are shipped.

@vthokie83 what preamp are you using with the S5.5? 

Also, to owners of the S5.5, I have read that to put the amp in stand by you hit the bias button on the front and to take it out of stand by hit it again.  Once you take the amp out of stand by and start using it, does it take a while to warm up and sound good or is it good right away? 

I assume when not using you leave it on and just put it into stand by mode?

I need to mention one more thing that recently improved the sound of my system in a big way.  I've been using the Puritan Audio 156 power conditioner for about 4 -years now.  Recently I added the Puritan's own Ground Master City and the Route Master to ground all my equipment.  Last night I even grounded my Ether Regen which I'm using right before the Pulsar.  I had some expectations of improved sound after I read some reviews but I never expected it to be so dramatic.  The sound just became clean and the background completely black.  The separation between the instruments became real.   Highly recommend trying it if you are not using any special grounding setups.  

@vthokie83 Very glad to hear you are using with a similar type of speaker and it is a good match! 

@olesno Thank you for sharing your experience as well.  I have hear my speakers with a Don Sachs tube gear and they sound amazing.  If you prefer the sound of the S5.5 over your tube gear that is very high praise for the S5.5!

Going to be a long several weeks waiting!

I don’t post here very often even though I’ve been on Audiogon for well over 20 years. I need to however thank Terry London for pointing me in CODA direction and ultimately making me buy the S5.5. I have a decent system and I use it to almost exclusively to stream music from Qobuz via Roon Nucleus+. I use the Innuos Pulsar streamer, Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP DAC and Don Sachs tube preamp and amp. My speakers are the big Tekton Ulfberht towers which are 4Ohm and 99dB efficient. I was very happy with the sound and really didn’t need anything else. Well, it doesn’t work that way with me. I started thinking about adding a solid state amp and tweaking the sound a little. I thought about Pass and couple of other options but I remembered talking to Terry in the past about my Ulfberhts and reading his review of another CODA. After another call to Terry I became convinced that the S5.5 might just be the right choice. 100W of pure class A power into 4Ohm speakers seemed plenty enough. My decision was right. The amp is fantastic and I enjoy my setup more now than ever before. The sound is very smooth and extended in highs and lows with tube like midrange. No edginess or brightness. Very dynamic and clean. Wonderful sound staging and depth with very well defined vocals and instruments. I made the right choice and my tube amp will have to wait a while now before I get the itch to listen to it again.

Minotophase3,

Congratulations, you will love the S5.5! I'm driving 93db 4 Ohm Clayton Shaw Caladans with it, and the Spatials should be amazing as well.....love my combo

@yyzsantabarbara It will be driving Spatial Audio M4 Sapphire open baffle speakers.  The specs are 90db, 4ohm. I may be upgrading to some YG Tor or Talus speakers in the Fall, not 100% sure on that yet.  Will be using my Accuphase E-380 integrated as the preamp initially.

@christianb5s4 Post some info on it if you go down. I won't be able to go until mid-June.

I am sure that it will be a great amp. Anything that is similar to the #16 is going to be something I will like. Pretty sure I would like the S5.5 and the new one for that reason.

@minatophase3 Congrats, what is the amp going to be driving?

@yyzsantabarbara That's good feedback which I value a lot knowing your experience with the 16 which was a big factor into picking one up of my own. I'll have to make a trip to Destination one of these days. 

Just placed an order for a black S5.5!  Will take several weeks before it is ready to ship.  Really looking forward to adding this to my system!

It was an interesting discussion. He went really deep into the details of what was happening since the old SYSTEM 100 to the new SYSTEM 150.

Strangely, I had a Deja vu moment as I listened. I recalled a similar discussion with Roger Sanders last year when I spoke to him about buying the Magtech. Doug eventually pivoted to Roger Sanders role in discovering something that led Doug and his team to make different choices for parts in the new amp. I won’t get into details and likely not repeat it properly.

One way to learn more about the new amp is to research the old SYSTEM 100. I read a Stereophile review of the old CODA S5 amp (from 2005) and that mentioned the SYSTEM 100. I had never heard of the old amp.

The new one is like the old one which used a 2 chassis configuration. The top part is the size of the 07x preamp (not a preamp) and the bottom is the size of the #16 (I think). They can be stacked.

There are improved internals in the amp, though Doug said he lamented the loss of an old part (the Sanders connection). The 2 chassis implementation is likely what will make it better than the #16 (some important aspects of voltage benefit). The 2 parts cost $19950 and $8000 each = $28k. Comes only with meters.

*******************************

I have been listening so loud with my LRS+ and the #16 that I need to be careful. Everything sounds so good on LRS+ using the #16. My friend, a golden ears type, listened to my Livingroom speaker and was raving about it. Even the next day he was texting me about the sound. I have a feeling that the #16 had a lot to do with it. To my not so golden ears, I wanted the #16 to be a little less warm on the Livingroom speaker, thus the interest in the S5.5 and now the SYSTEM 150. For me the #16 on the Livingroom was 95/100 to my golden ears friend it seemed like 99/100.

@yyzsantabarbara I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on the new flagship. I'm absolutely in love with my #16 and wonder if Doug would update internals with improved parts used in newer creations?

BTW - Anyone with a S5.5 using it with the Magnepan LRS+ speaker. I am curious if the S5.5 can drive the $1000 LRS+. If it can then that would be a great "value" system.

I was using a Sanders Magtech for a while on it, and it was great. For a lark, I recently tried the CODA #16 on the LRS+ in my small office. I am amazed how good this sounds. I am so distracted as I try to work. The Magtech was great but the #16 takes it to another level of engagement. I like the Sanders Magtech more than the CODA #8 v1 (which I owned).

If the single stereo S5.5 can drive it and sounds like the #16, then I need to reevaluate because right now the #16 stays with a $1000 speaker. Which is a bit crazy.

Since some of you asked me on DM about the mono S5.5, here is what Doug at CODA told me today.

It is not the best way to use the amp. A stereo amp bridged to mono suffers sonically and has to work much harder. There is a technical explanation on Audiogon for other stereo amps set to mono. Same logic applies to the CODA S5.5

I am still looking for a slightly brighter amp than my CODA #16 and preferably from CODA. I may be in luck and also unlucky at the same time. There is a new CODA flagship coming out next month. It will be sonically in-between the S5.5 and the #16 (assumption from Doug). It is a 2 chassis amp and I think the name is SYSTEM 150. That is the good part the bad part is the cost; it will be about $28k. Maybe time to get that second job again.

I will definitely have a listen to this amp next month at Destination HiFI in Los Angeles (local to me). My other choices are little bit lower in the want factor than another CODA amp.

Has anyone hooked up a REL line level sub to the S5.5? With my Accuphase I put the ground into one of the black speaker terminals, but if the S5.5 is a balanced design I think I would float the ground wire and not connect it? Will be hooking up a REL S/812 to the amp.

Will be calling Coda tomorrow to talk with Doug about the amp, think I am getting close to pulling the trigger and ordering one!

Hey fthompson251,

I'll be writing my review for the StereoTimes website in the next couple of months. I have two reviews to write before I do the S5.5 write up. As I stated at the beginning of this thread I was so impressed by the performance of the S5.5 I wanted to give the GON members a "heads up" on this amplifier. You can read my past reviews on the Coda #8 and #16 amplifiers, along with the 07X line-stage to get information on my experience with their gear. These pieces are superlative in their own right, but the S5.5 is turning out to be one of my favorite SS amps for the reasons stated on this thread. I have gotten feedback from three GON members who have recently purchased the S5.5 who are delighted with its performance in their systems.

Teajay (Terry London)

@johnah5   When will this review be coming out? I cannot find any reviews on this amp.

Correct, no issues at driving your speakers, not with 100 amperes of current and 100 watts into 4 ohms. I have reviewed/owned the #8, great amplifier, like the S5.5 better for the reasons stated in this thread.

Teajay

Thanks Teajay, very helpful indeed.  Sounds like this may be a great addition to my system.  I assume no issues driving a 4ohm 88db speaker?

I love my Accuphase but do feel the top end is a bit rolled off and the bass isn't quite as good as it should be, great mid range though. 

I started off thinking I would get the #8 amplifier, which looks great as well, but came across this discussion and think the S5.5 is what I am looking for.

Hey Tim,

First, there should be no problem using the preamp RCA's output to drive the S5.5.

I'm quite familiar with Accuphase's overall presentation, which I'm a fan of, relatively warm/velvety with overall good tonal balance leading to a very musical experience. The Coda S5.5 is more silky, much faster, deeper/tighter bass frequencies, a much more airy extended top end, and it's overall dynamics are quite superior to what you get from your E-380. The S5.5 is never bright or analytical but offers accurate fidelity in both tonality and dynamics.

Hope this helps, Teajay

I just recently discovered Coda and unfortunately live in an area without a dealer (Seattle area) so I cannot hear them.  I currently have an Accuphase E-380 integrated and am considering adding the S5.5 to my system and using the E-380 as the pre-amp for the short term.  The E-380 only has RCA out for the pre-amp section, would that be an issue with the S5.5?  If I like the S5.5 I would probably get a dedicated pre and sell the Accuphase. 

Does anyone have any insights on how the S5.5 would sound compared to a class A/B Accuphase?  I am very happy with my Accuphase but the allure of a Class A amp sounds really good!

My speakers are Spatial Audio M4 Sapphire's (4Ohm, 88db).

Thanks,

Tim

The Audio Hungary Qualiton C200 tube preamp is a true balanced design and that is what I use to drive my S5.5 - I am getting solid, articulate bass, pure, resolving midrange and sparkling high frequency extension. Wide and especially deep soundstage. Speakers are Mofi Sourcepoint 10s with Inakustik cables. I paid $5.5K new for the preamp so it's not expensive. It was a recommended pairing from Al who owns Hifi Art in Winnipeg (we're in Canada), google the website it has a list of what he carries. 

yyzsantabarbara,

Give Doug Dale at CODA a call, I spoke to him a few times and he was helpful and great to speak with before I bought my CODA S5.5. I don't want to speak for him, but I think he'll suggest the #16 vs bridged S5.5s

I have heard their ksa 400 it is exceptionally good ,but much too expensive for me. 
my dealer friend casually mentioned these new products. You will not hear about them until they are fully tested li cannot say exactly if they are running on their June release date or waiting until the fall for the Audio shows. I also am very curious.

I am waiting to hear back from my CODA dealer about the S5.5 and running it in mono vs the #16. Anybody have an opinion on that?

Maybe I should call Doug at CODA .

@audioman58 Have you heard the KRELL KSA i400? I have an amazing offer to trade-in my CODA #16 for that amp. I owned the KRELL Duo 175XD and loved it. Moreso, then the CODA #8. I think the #16 has the edge over the 175XD, mainly with power.

Do you have a link to the information on the new KRELL models? A smaller version of the KSA i400 at $13k is in line with what I am considering next for my Livingroom,

- CODA #16 or S5.5 monos

- SimAudio 761 North Collection

- KRELL ?

I moved my CODA #16 to my office, and it is incredible with the Magnepan LRS+ ($1000). I am keeping it there and need an amp for the Livingroom.

The benchmark I don’t feel has much meat on the bones .

Krell is a name o watch they have some new models coming out by June 

thierksa 400 is incredibly good but Waay too expensive ver $30 k 

I am told a smaller version  around $13 k is coming out .

a ksa integrated. Would be also great .

Hey vthokie83,

Please do share! I'm quite interested in what your experience/take will be on the Motherlode/S5.5 combo.

Teajay

Teajay,

I didn't have a chance to compare the Motherlode XL with the Backert, but the Backert Rhumba 1.4 vs the Rhumba Extreme 1.4.....that's why I suggested the demo between the two if near a dealer. The Rhumba Extreme 1.4 would have been my choice had I not gone with the Motherlode XL.

I'll have some short listening notes on the CODA S5.5, I've been able to get about 10 hours listening on it so far.

Hey vthokie83,

Both the Backert Labs and AricAudio preamps are great pieces and Andy and Aric are first rate gentlemen. I have owned and reviewed preamps from both companies. The Backert Labs,using 12AU7 tubes, and AricAudio, using 6SN7 tubes offer a different presentation. The Backert Labs is lighting fast, quite detailed without being etchy, very transparent, and very pure in tonality. It reminds me very much of the Linear Tube Audio's David Berning sound. The Aric Audio offers those virtues, but because it uses 6SN7s its midrange  is fuller and a bit more romantic. It really comes down to personal taste and system matching. I personally love the sound of1940's NOS 6SN7 TungSol black glass oval plates in my Motherlode preamplifier.

Because the S5.5 is so transparent you will hear the "flavor" you inject into the system using different preamplifiers or the tubes you select.

Teajay

tmac1700,

If you have the opportunity, I'd suggest you find a Backert dealer and audition both the Rhumba 1.4 and the Rhumba Extreme 1.4....I think you will find a pretty big difference. The Rhumba Extreme 1.4 is very close to the $13,000 flagship Rhythm in a Rhumba case; Backert confirmed that opinion when I spoke with them.

I found the Rhumba 1.4 was a really nice preamp, but the Rhumba Extreme 1.4 was world class. My opinion is that the Motherlode XL will easily outclass the base Rhumba 1.4, but the Rhumba Extreme 1.4 will give it a run for it's money. I was able to find dealers willing to price the Extreme 1.4 considerably less than the $8,500 list price.

BTW- Before my above system...I had a Pass Int 60...which I had no complaints..The Coda beats the Pass Int 60 easily...

I recently sold/traded a Pass 250.8 and an XP-22, and took a Coda Csib V1 Integrated amp in trade with cash. I was downgrading and just trying to recoup some cash. I had no experience with Coda, but had read about them for years. The guy I traded/sold with raved about the Coda Csib V1 and said it was a great match with my big Harbeth's. He also has Harbeth's.  My impressions....I'm extremely happy. This is a fantastic integrated amp. Extremely detailed...actually i think more than a 20K Pass combination that I sold. I think the Pass combination is a bit smoother/musical, maybe quieter, but the Coda Integrated is no slouch and I'm very happy with my trade.

I’ve been wrestling between the Aric Audio Motherload XL and Beckert Labbs Rhumba. They both seem like a good match to pair with a Coda amplifier. 

+1 on the Aric Audio preamp.  I used an Aric Audio preamp with my Pass Labs XA-25, and it was a great, musical combination; wonderful match. I have since sold the Pass, and replaced it with an Aric Audio 300B PSET tubed amp, and the combo is magical! Highly recommend Aric's gear! 

christianb5s4,

After much consideration I looked at several tube preamps: Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4, BAT VK-80, Rogue RP-9, used Audio Research REF 5SE, and Aric Audio Motherlode XL....and had previously looked at Atma-Sphere MP-3, LTA MircroZOTL, along with a few others. The LTA MircoZOTL does not have XLR outputs, but does have XLR inputs.

I found the Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme and the BAT VK-80 to be favorites, thought the BAT was out of my price range....my friend however did buy one.

One thing to consider is that the CODA S5.5 has an input impedance of 10K Ohms on it's XLR outputs....which can be troublesome. I ended up purchasing the Aric Motherlode XL preamp, and Aric is modifying it's circuit to work with that 10K Ohm circuit. The Motherlode XL has 2 sets of XLR inputs, 2 sets of single ended RCA inputs, one XLR output, and one single ended RCA outputs.

I'd reach out to Aric 413 627 2543 to have a conversation about the S5.t combination, he's a GREAT guy to talk to, and is very helpful. I know he's created several Motherlode XLs for clients that will end using them with CODA S5.5s.

I also purchased my CODA S5.5 from Mike Kay at Audio Archon, he's also a great guy to talk to, and carries several tube preamps.

Hey christianb5s4,

I recommend you give a call to Mike Kay (Audio Archon) who will give you the specs necessary for a tube based line-stage to optimally drive the S5.5 or the other Coda amplifiers. 

Teajay 

Does anyone have recommendations on a tube pre that matches well with Coda amps? Mainly preamps that are or offer balanced.