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

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

yyzsantabarbara

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

Mark

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?

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. 

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