Coda no 16 amplifier

[analyzer]

Long time ago I promised to post some impressions about Coda n.8 power amp (the smaller brother of n° 16) I ordered.
I apologize but until today I have not received the unit yet, so this is the reason of the delay in updating the WBF community.
My order was placed approx. December 15th; so three months have passed. Local importer told me that usual no more than 30-40 days were required for a new unit, nevertheless the Covid situation is still causing many delays in electronics, chips and component from suppliers to manufacturers. It's disappointing since I sold my amp a few weeks ago; no music here... and it will need at least another month in order to receive the unit, and later make a few hours of break-in...
In the past it was something like a privilège of some rich customers who waited some exclusive gear for six or twelve months being produced, like CH Precision with the L10/M10 line which has a long waiting list... haha.... we're in the same boat...
As I can hear this is an almost common situation worldwide; many friend refers me that also in TV top line brand like Panasonic is going to build and supply minimal quantities for the new line products, so ... by-by discount options, furthermore; in the car line production there are many difficulties in the assembly line of some reputated european manufacturers... we're in a strange era...
please wait, I'll post again as soon as I can.
Marco

 

[yyzSB]

I just bought a CODA 07x preamp last week and the time for shipment is 3 weeks, though I am in California, so that maybe why it is not too long.

 

[analyzer]

I just bought a CODA 07x preamp last week and the time for shipment is 3 weeks, though I am in California, so that maybe why it is not too long.

Thank you for posting your experience. The Italian import told me that the basically the delay was caused by the delay of obtaining the large power transformers for power amps. That's all I was able to know...
My best

 

[AZWink]

I just bought a CODA 07x preamp last week and the time for shipment is 3 weeks, though I am in California, so that maybe why it is not too long.

I’m currently considering purchasing a CP to go along with my no.8... I’ve heard the 07x is really excellent. Not sure if it’s worth the $3k bump over the CP, although the additional connectivity is nice.

 

[AZWink]

Long time ago I promised to post some impressions about Coda n.8 power amp (the smaller brother of n° 16) I ordered.
I apologize but until today I have not received the unit yet, so this is the reason of the delay in updating the WBF community.
My order was placed approx. December 15th; so three months have passed. Local importer told me that usual no more than 30-40 days were required for a new unit, nevertheless the Covid situation is still causing many delays in electronics, chips and component from suppliers to manufacturers. It's disappointing since I sold my amp a few weeks ago; no music here... and it will need at least another month in order to receive the unit, and later make a few hours of break-in...
In the past it was something like a privilège of some rich customers who waited some exclusive gear for six or twelve months being produced, like CH Precision with the L10/M10 line which has a long waiting list... haha.... we're in the same boat...
As I can hear this is an almost common situation worldwide; many friend refers me that also in TV top line brand like Panasonic is going to build and supply minimal quantities for the new line products, so ... by-by discount options, furthermore; in the car line production there are many difficulties in the assembly line of some reputated european manufacturers... we're in a strange era...
please wait, I'll post again as soon as I can.
Marco

Which version did you end up ordering? I have version 2 and it remains in class A 80% of the time.

 

[analyzer]

Which version did you end up ordering? I have version 2 and it remains in class A 80% of the time.

After a positive trial with S20 Power amp I tried a n.8 V1 (150 Watts).
Generally speaking almost 70-80% of the time it worked in class A. Speaking with the dealer and importer they suggested the use of the V3 version (400 Watts)... so I ended ordering this version more powerful but with less classe A mode...
In a Word... I took a risk, I'll let you know if it Will be the right or wrong choice...

 

[AZWink]

After a positive trial with S20 Power amp I tried a n.8 V1 (150 Watts).
Generally speaking almost 70-80% of the time it worked in class A. Speaking with the dealer and importer they suggested the use of the V3 version (400 Watts)... so I ended ordering this version more powerful but with less classe A mode...
In a Word... I took a risk, I'll let you know if it Will be the right or wrong choice...

Nice. I’m looking forward to reading your initial thoughts. I’m running mine through a set of Martin Logan Prodigy speakers. The very first thing I noticed was how dead quiet the amp is between passages. The second thing was the unlimited dynamics. With current output ranging to 150 amps it takes full control of these large, demanding electro-stats. It continues to impress every day..

 

[Vinyl Valet]

Hi analyzer, I spoke to Doug Dale at Coda today. The backordered transformers arrived recently and they are catching up with back orders so the Italian importer should have your No. 8 soon.

 

[analyzer]

Hi analyzer, I spoke to Doug Dale at Coda today. The backordered transformers arrived recently and they are catching up with back orders so the Italian importer should have your No. 8 soon.

Thank you soooo much! Also the Italian importer told me Yesterday about the transformers. He ordered some gears from Doug, there also a n.16 on arrival...
Thank you for your interest!
My best
Marco

 

[Vinyl Valet]

You're welcome Marco. We look forward to your impressions.

 

[porselen]

Hello,
I have the Coda 16.0 together with Benchmark LA4. It is the best sound ever in my set up! So detailed, so natural, so defined. I did not think my other set up sounded noisy , but i do now. this is credit to both coda and benvhmark. Next step will be coda pre. 07x fet or whenever the 2 box comes out

 

[AZWink]

Hello,
I have the Coda 16.0 together with Benchmark LA4. It is the best sound ever in my set up! So detailed, so natural, so defined. I did not think my other set up sounded noisy , but i do now. this is credit to both coda and benvhmark. Next step will be coda pre. 07x fet or whenever the 2 box comes out

Is Coda planning a two box preamp? I have not heard this, but I have heard the 07x is the best preamp on the market that no one knows about.... I’d love to pair it up with my Coda #8 to hear the magic.

 

[kairosman]

Is Coda planning a two box preamp? I have not heard this, but I have heard the 07x is the best preamp on the market that no one knows about.... I’d love to pair it up with my Coda #8 to hear the magic.

I have the No 8 version 1 and paired it with a Modwright LS 36.5 tube preamp, fantastic results sonically, this pre has transformers and low output impedance around 75 ohms and -120 db S/N ratio, I replaced the stock rectifier tube with a NOS Mullard. Speakers are inefficient B&W 804 D3s and yet I have all the drive I need, but then my room is only 16 x 12 so not very big. Am interested in the 07x as a companion pre for different genres of music etc. but I don't have the extra cash right now lol, crazy fucking hobby!

 

[porselen]

Is Coda planning a two box preamp? I have not heard this, but I have heard the 07x is the best preamp on the market that no one knows about.... I’d love to pair it up with my Coda #8 to hear the magic.

The 2 box i guess is just a rumour. I believe the one box is the way to go before then

 

[AZWink]

The 2 box i guess is just a rumour. I believe the one box is the way to go before then

I went ahead and purchased an 07x, just waiting on its arrival

 

[yyzSB]

Hello,
I have the Coda 16.0 together with Benchmark LA4. It is the best sound ever in my set up! So detailed, so natural, so defined. I did not think my other set up sounded noisy , but i do now. this is credit to both coda and benvhmark. Next step will be coda pre. 07x fet or whenever the 2 box comes out

You just proved my theory about this pairing. I have the Benchmark HPA4 and was going to get the CODA #8 to pair with it. However, I decided to honour my goal of keeping the preamp and amp from the same company for my future systems. So I moved my all Benchmark gear (DAC3B | HPA4 | AHB2 x2) to the downstairs and have them temporarily playing with the KEF LS50s, until I decide on new speakers for that room. The new speaker will not be one that likes to lounge around the 2 Ohm area like the Thiel CS3.7, thinking of the Yamaha NS5000 (have demoed it).

I should be getting the CODA 07x delivered next week. I am trying to decide between the CODA #8 and #16 to pair with the 07x and the Thiel CS3.7. I think it will come down to the amount of heat I can tolerate in my office. It is already starting to get a little toasty in this room.

At the moment I am listening to the KRELL K-300i integrated on the Thiel CS3.7. It sounds more powerful than the Benchmark stack I was using before. Though that makes sense because the KRELL can work better in the 2 Ohm range and the AHB2 mono are not too happy down there. I also at one time had the CODA CSiB (from July 2018 build so not the latest amp spec) on the Thiel CS3.7. It was very similar to the KRELL with the KRELL being a little smoother and maybe more bass. The CODA #8 or #16 should be better than the KRELL in the bass department going by the specs. Once I sell the KRELL it will be a #8 or #16.

 

[zonto]

You just proved my theory about this pairing. I have the Benchmark HPA4 and was going to get the CODA #8 to pair with it. However, I decided to honour my goal of keeping the preamp and amp from the same company for my future systems. So I moved my all Benchmark gear (DAC3B | HPA4 | AHB2 x2) to the downstairs and have them temporarily playing with the KEF LS50s, until I decide on new speakers for that room. The new speaker will not be one that likes to lounge around the 2 Ohm area like the Thiel CS3.7, thinking of the Yamaha NS5000 (have demoed it).

I should be getting the CODA 07x delivered next week. I am trying to decide between the CODA #8 and #16 to pair with the 07x and the Thiel CS3.7. I think it will come down to the amount of heat I can tolerate in my office. It is already starting to get a little toasty in this room.

At the moment I am listening to the KRELL K-300i integrated on the Thiel CS3.7. It sounds more powerful than the Benchmark stack I was using before. Though that makes sense because the KRELL can work better in the 2 Ohm range and the AHB2 mono are not too happy down there. I also at one time had the CODA CSiB (from July 2018 build so not the latest amp spec) on the Thiel CS3.7. It was very similar to the KRELL with the KRELL being a little smoother and maybe more bass. The CODA #8 or #16 should be better than the KRELL in the bass department going by the specs. Once I sell the KRELL it will be a #8 or #16.

You need to stop relying so much on specs. Benchmark focuses on specs, and from I’ve read have a very different sound from Coda gear. The amplifier stage of the current production version of the CSIb is also the same as the No. 8, so likely the only thing different in your 2018 version of the CSIb was not having the latest FET input stage that was rolled out with the No. 8, 16.0, and 07x.

 

[yyzSB]

You need to stop relying so much on specs. Benchmark focuses on specs, and from I’ve read have a very different sound from Coda gear. The amplifier stage of the current production version of the CSIb is also the same as the No. 8, so likely the only thing different in your 2018 version of the CSIb was not having the latest FET input stage that was rolled out with the No. 8, 16.0, and 07x.

There were actually 2 differences with the 2018 unit I had and the latest iteration. I also had Version 1 of the amp section. As someone that actually knows what I am talking about when it comes to the CODA and the Benchmark. I can tell you that the sound the Benchmark has is no sound. That is why it is a great match with many gear that does have a sound. Such as the CODA, my Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE tube DAC, my recent incredible new Gustard X26 Pro ESS DAC. Relying on specs is how I knew the Benchmark was a chameleon before I bought it. The HPA4/LA4 is the best component that I have NOT heard. I am expecting the CODA 07x arriving next week to almost as good as the HPA4. I will have 2 systems so I need I 2 preamps.

I recently did a shootout with the KRELL K-300i (an amazing integrated I own), 2018 CODA CSiB, and my Benchmark DAC3B | HAP4 | AHB2 on my difficult to drive Thiel CS3.7. Going off the specs of the Thiel the KRELL and the CODA should have been better over the AHB2 mono. It was in terms of power and excitement however, I thought the BM stack was better sounding in some ways, especially with the Gustard X26 DAC. However, more amp power is better on the Thiel even at the cost of some clarity and detail from the BM stack. So that is why the CODA is reappearing for the Thiel. That and the fact that the 07x has dual XLR outputs. I need that feature for the RAAL SR1a headphones and Thiel CS3.7.

 

[zonto]

Relying on specs is how I knew the Benchmark was a chameleon before I bought it. The HPA4/LA4 is the best component that I have NOT heard. I am expecting the CODA 07x arriving next week to almost as good as the HPA4.

I'm sure the Coda will sound exactly as you expect it to. Looking forward to your impressions and comparisons with the HPA4.

 

[Steve Rowan]

I’ve had m 07x now several months. I believe since November. Preamps I’ve owned before ARC Sp 3A1, SP 6b, Ref3, Acoustat TNP, The Dude, CODA CP, Levinson 32 and 380s and I’ve had in my system the two chassis Pass Lab (sorry I don’t remember the model from about 4 years ago) Gryphon Sonata, and probably a couple of others I don’t recall. But I’m telling you the CODA CP (with phono stage) has got to be the best buy ever. It’s pretty close in character and in sonics to the 0.7x but lacks the ultimate resolution of the 0.7x. The phono stage is excellent on the CP.

The 0.7x is imho competitive with the best preamps available. No it has not the audio jewelry appeal that some are addicted to but still the build quality is comparable to the best, it doesn’t have the fit and finish as a MK 32 for instance but it sonically can compete with the 32 and Ref 3 easily. I don’t have those two anymore to compare to but the noise floor of the CODA is significantly lower. One wonders how it outperform these wonders in slam, dynamics, visceral grip with such a slim chassis in comparison to these fine products. I can’t find any place in my system for my TRL Dude anymore. I thought I’d keep it so I’d have a great tube preamp and FET preamp for different types of music . But there was. I need to keep the Dude. If I switched from one preamp to the other I ap system wanted the 0.7x back. In the system no matter what type of music I listened to. Goodbye Dude, I do longed to keep you and thought I’d never say goodbye. But so long and farewell.
Of course I also own my pair of CODA 15.5 amps which were converted to the number 16 specs. That had to be one of the biggest no brainers in the history of audio to perform.

My pair of 16s are the perfect match for the 0.7x. My CODA trio paired with my Legacy V speakers and Lampi Pacific Prime DAC make beautiful music. I don’t claim to have heard a fraction of equipment available but I do know this combo outperforms anything I’ve heard at the high end stereo store I used to work at in the 80s, Rocky Mountain, and Axpona.

There’s no doubting the incredible power supply built into the my 15.5 /16 hybrids. Just try lifting one. Their build quality gives nothing up to the other “big iron” amps out there. I’ve owned several amplifiers over the years which include the Hafler DH 500, Acoustat TNT 200s, Mark Levinson 334, 336, two pairs of ML 436s, Krell KSA 250, MDA 250 and MDA 500s, CODA CS and CSX, and probably a couple of others I can’t remember right now. None are the equal of the CODA 16.

if ever in the St. Louis region and want to take a listen just let me know.

If you’ve not heard the CODA electronics you’re missing a rare treat for sure.

Are they the best in the world? I don’t know. There are many superb products on the market these days. I’ve certainly not heard even a fraction.
Are they world class? You bet your life.