Coda no 16 amplifier
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Further update: ordered a n.8 V3 version, much more powerful than the V1 now on trial in my hands.
The V1 (150 w) seems sufficient in terms of power, I have not exceeded the red area of Vu-meters, nevertheless my experience shows that usually an higher reserve of power in SS amps grant more realism also at lower SPL's.
I look to a similar experience had by Mike Lavigne going from Dartzeel 108 (150 w) to the monos 458 (450 w). Speakers were same as mine, the EA MM3's with an impedance module of 7 ohm declared with minimal deviation.
Amp will arrive in Italy in January I Hope and I'll put my final impressions. Source and preamp are Emmlabs an old CDSA-SE-X going into a Pre 2SE.
The V1 (150 w) seems sufficient in terms of power, I have not exceeded the red area of Vu-meters, nevertheless my experience shows that usually an higher reserve of power in SS amps grant more realism also at lower SPL's.
I look to a similar experience had by Mike Lavigne going from Dartzeel 108 (150 w) to the monos 458 (450 w). Speakers were same as mine, the EA MM3's with an impedance module of 7 ohm declared with minimal deviation.
Amp will arrive in Italy in January I Hope and I'll put my final impressions. Source and preamp are Emmlabs an old CDSA-SE-X going into a Pre 2SE.
Looking forward to you feedback on the V1 and V3. I finally got my Thiel CS3.7 sorted out (new drivers and many other fixes). So now I am looking for an amp that is more suitable for the Thiel CS3.7. The amp needs to go down to 2 Ohms since the speaker spends a lot of time at 2-3 Ohms. I was also wondering if more power would translate into better sound at lower volume. So the best speaker+ amp match between the V1 and V3 were something I was wondering about.
I am also looking at the #16 but I have not figured out if it is a good match for the power hungry CS3.7. Likely no problems with the pairing.
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Hi Steve, do you think the Coda 16.0 is a better amp than the 41.0 ?
Class A vs huge class AB.
I've never heard Coda amps as they are not well distributed in Europe but would be interested in the 0.7x pre and the 16.0 amp to drive Thiel CS 3.7s speakers that need very hight quality current to sing.
My other option for a little less money is the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated.
Purchased a Coda no. 8 v2 a couple of weeks ago to replace a Krell FPB-600. I am very impressed with the increase in realism and dynamics this amplifier is able to deliver over my beloved Krell. I’m constantly searching to find time during this busy time of year to sit and listen more...now to find a good matching pre-amp to pair up..
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Coda Continuum Ts - Upgraded this year to full #8 Specs and sound
This amp was upgraded by Coda and it now matches the new #8 amplifier in specs, design and parts in January of the year. Thus, the amp is really less than a year old internally. New R&L channel boards with newly sourced FETs. The power supply board was also upgraded to new specs. Doug Dale of...
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I have decided to get a second Benchmark AHB2 instead of the CODA. However, the above unit is interesting if you want to dip your toes in with a CODA.
I would have used the Benchmark HPA4 if I got the CODA. The LA4 (HPA4 minus headphone amp) is $2500 with a 30 day home trial. It will not add any sonic signature so that maybe good or bad.
First component that I’ve owned with meters since the 80’s. I have to say the performance of this amp makes me forget all about the meters... really, really good!
I was uncertain about my choice. I ended choosing a n.8 without meters (expecting arrival: end January or early February). First: the vu-meters version is listed almost 700-1000 euros more; second: actually the vu-meters pointers are barely and poorly visible from my listening point; only in the front of the amp you can detect easily where the pointers are and if the amp works in the safety range.
In off mode IMHO they looks pretty, likes some old SAE amps of the Seventies; on the contrary when amp is powered on the Blue light is a bit aggressive, not an elegant choice.
My Coda 16 played superbly with my TAD ME-1 stand mount speakers. Highly recommend. My problem now is that the Coda doesn’t seem to have the same synergy with my new GamuT RS5i speakers. The GamuT‘s definitely prefer tubes. I just bought the Coda and now I’m considering selling it. Does this Audiophile insanity ever stop?
A dimmer option is one thing I wish they would have included. I have thought about changing the lights to an amber backlight to tone it down a bit.
I'm a bit surprised that Coda n.16 does not have a satisfying synergy with Gamut speakers. Gamut produce solid state amps only, and their widely appreciated d200i has some similar specifications with Coda's amp.
With tube amp probably you'll got much light and pleasant midrange while losing bass control and overall speed.
Let us know your decision in the future...
I think I’m just getting used to these new speakers. I did change some cables and I’m getting better sound now. The #16 is very good. Definitely not selling.
Lance
Lance
I posted above about buying the Benchmark AHB2 instead of the CODA #8. Well I got a second AHB2 and also bought a used CODA CSi8 integrated (a July 2018 build). Not exactly the same as the #8 but supposed to very close sound wise and identical configuration wise. I got Version 1 with 150 watt and fist 18 Class A. I compared the mono AHB2s vs the CODA CSiB and liked both. I decided on the AHB2 because for the increased clarity in sound. I also have an all Benchmark stack and the AHB2 was just better, cannot ignore component synergy either.
However, the CODA is an amazing integrated and the amp section was more than adequate power wise for my notoriously power hungry Thiel CS 3.7's. A single AHB2 was not cutting it power wise. I was 80%+ on the volume dial for only 65dB of sound. The CODA CSiB had a lot more room to move on the volume dial as does the mono AHB2's.
I am using the CSiB as a headphone amp for my RAAL SR1a headphones. It is amazing on this application. The Benchmark AHB2 was awful as a headphone amp with the RAAL SR1a. The RAAL are pretty amazing and I think a lot of 2 channel folks would like it. The sound is unlike other normal headphones. It is like speakers attached to your ears.
Now that I dipped my toes in with the CODA sound I will try and do a home demo of the CODA #16 and their top end pre-amp with the Yamaha NS5000 speaker. It is now the right time to build out that system. I heard the Yamaha with the Yamaha 5000 series separates and after hearing the CSiB I believe the CODA #8 or #16 would be a good match.
BTW - Whenever I saw photos of CODA gear I was not that impressed. However, now that I own a CSiB and see it up close I think the CODA is a rather attractive piece.
However, the CODA is an amazing integrated and the amp section was more than adequate power wise for my notoriously power hungry Thiel CS 3.7's. A single AHB2 was not cutting it power wise. I was 80%+ on the volume dial for only 65dB of sound. The CODA CSiB had a lot more room to move on the volume dial as does the mono AHB2's.
I am using the CSiB as a headphone amp for my RAAL SR1a headphones. It is amazing on this application. The Benchmark AHB2 was awful as a headphone amp with the RAAL SR1a. The RAAL are pretty amazing and I think a lot of 2 channel folks would like it. The sound is unlike other normal headphones. It is like speakers attached to your ears.
Now that I dipped my toes in with the CODA sound I will try and do a home demo of the CODA #16 and their top end pre-amp with the Yamaha NS5000 speaker. It is now the right time to build out that system. I heard the Yamaha with the Yamaha 5000 series separates and after hearing the CSiB I believe the CODA #8 or #16 would be a good match.
BTW - Whenever I saw photos of CODA gear I was not that impressed. However, now that I own a CSiB and see it up close I think the CODA is a rather attractive piece.
Ask for the no. 16 without VU meters to save approx $3000 USD! Also the 15.5 sometimes can be modded by coda to have the same low noise output transistors for a substantial savings and very close to no 16 performance. I look forward to your thoughts on either of those and the NS5000. I have been really curious about ns5000 but it seems not many people have them.
I am the person that told you about the 15.5 mods. 
My issue right now is convincing the wife to put a speaker where the kids play area is (our living room). It will happen one day, I am hoping in 2021.
My issue right now is convincing the wife to put a speaker where the kids play area is (our living room). It will happen one day, I am hoping in 2021.
