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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
hanki
26 posts
 

I just ordered an s5.5 from Mike from Archon Audio. I should get it approximately March 18th right after I return from vacation. I’m really excited to get into my system. I’ll keep you posted on my impressions as it burns in over time. 
 

Jeff

johnah5 OP
222 posts
 

Hey Jeff,

Have a great vacation. Congrats on purchasing your S5.5! I believe you are in for a real sonic treat. Isn't Mike great to do business with?

Yes, please get back with feedback after you get some time on the amplifier.

 

Teajay

grk
204 posts
 
marco1's avatar
@ marco1
487 posts
 

"I find the comments regarding Class D amps lacking “soul” very interesting when compared to good Class A or AB SS amps and tube amps. I recently purchased some Class D mono blocks to be used in lieu of tubes during the summer and could not describe the difference any better. I think Class D have come a long way in the last few years, but also feel they have a ways to go."

Well if one is willing to pay quite a bit more, it looks like the newest AGD Duet amps have achieved quite a lot!

https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0324/AGD_DUET_GaN_Power_Monoblock_Amplifier_Review.htm

"The AGD DUETs anchored a truly stunning aural experience, retaining perfect control of image and musical energy regardless of amplitude through continued listening sessions. In essence, and with every reference example, I found the DUETs to be a key conduit to the soul of the recorded musician." So much for the amps lacking "soul"!

grk
204 posts
 

Sorry, didn't mean to highjack this thread, but AGD amps were brought up.

johnah5 OP
222 posts
 

Hey grk,

You did not highjack the thread, just sharing information about other's opinions/experiences with D amplifiers. Yes, indeed Dr. Bump raved about the pair of AGD amps he had in for review. Yet, I have listened to AGD's Vivace MKII amps and at best thought they were competent, nothing special or extraordinary to my ears. Of course this boils down to personal taste and system matching. No right or wrong answer. However, I know at least three buyers of AGD amplifiers who regretted selling off their Class A amplifiers and did not get connected to the music with the D amplifier. Obviously, the Dr. Bump had a very different experience compared to his VAC amplifier.

Teajay

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