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Preview: CODA Technologies new generation number#8 Stereo Amplifier

I have always had a keen interest in hearing a CODA amplifier in my own system for a long time. This company has been in existence for over twenty years. It's if they were a "stealth" product, very few American reviews, built many highly regarded amplifiers for other companies as an OEM source, and most of their products are loved/sold in the Asian/European markets.

I finally was able to set up a review for hometheaterreview.com on their new generation single chassis number#8 amplifier.  Internally, their has been some very important changes in the power supply, along with "kept in house" different part selections through out the entire circuit pathway.  Externally, the #8 has a pair of blue light power meters and is quite a good looking piece of gear. The build quality and parts used are at the highest level.  The number#8 amplifier is 150 watts into 8 Ohms and 300 watts into 4 Ohms.  The first 18 watts is pure class A.  Regardless of the volume levels I play the amp never leaves its class A rating.  Like all Coda amplifiers a special quality is the #8 ability to provide 150 Amperes of current if needed!

Well, the beauty of what this amplifier has brought to my system has lead to all night long listening sessions.  I have owned/reviewed other great SS amplifiers. However, the #8, being driven by the new Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamplifier has some special qualities, here are a few:

1) It might be the quietest amplifier I have ever had in my system.  This allows all the micro-details to float out and be heard.  Yet, the #8 never sounds edgy/electrical/mechanical as other very detailed amps can.
2) It's lighting fast and provides the speed and aliveness you find in live music to a higher degree then other amps I have had in my system.
3) The overall tonality is "silky-smooth" with not a touch of grain/dryness.
4) The macro-dynamics overall and the control of the bottom end are superlative.


In my review I'll get into all the details why this is a killer amplifier!  I also think its a "bargain" at it's retail price of $6,500.00.  So, if your in the market I strongly suggest you might want to hear the #8 before you purchase another amplifier.  It's that good.





 
teajay
dep14
336 posts
 
I like Coda having owned one years ago, very nice amp.  Doug is a good guy, and I trust TJ's review.

I dig meters and machining and typically like Coda's look, but something about that amp looks too "Busy" for me.  I'm sure it sounds excellent and the built quality is likely great.  I think it's the combination of the meters and the + machining that makes it look a little too much like a tic-tac-toe board for my liking.

I'd like to see it with less machining, or maybe just the "coda" circle in the middle. Seems like an amp that is so close looks wise.

But, beauty in the beholder.  I've had conversations about meters and I know he is not a big fan but the market likes it.


jetter
3,035 posts
 
For speakers that either the Coda or Pass xa25 would both drive without problem, would anyone recommend one amp over the other based purely on sound quality?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
soundhound
46 posts
 
Teajay,

Saw the Coda No 8 review.  You stated that you started serious listening after a 70 hour break-in period.  Did you notice any further evolution in sound after that initial break-in?  Also, did you try different power cables with the No 8?
teajay OP
1,696 posts
 
Hi soundhound,

No, after the break-in period I did not notice any more changes.  I use the Audio Archon power cords throughout my system.  I have auditioned many other power cords, some very costly, and find these cords to be as good if not better then others.  Very reasonably priced.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
soundhound
46 posts
 
Hi Teajay,

Thanks for the prompt response and recommendation for Audio Archon power cords.  I have purchased a No. 40 amp from Coda with the new input transistors installed.  So far I have run it in for about 18 hours and there is a noticeable improvement in very low level detail.  Even at this time, I find it to be a remarkably fine amplifier with excellent transparency of low level detail and better imaging depth and specificity than my previous Krell 402e.  I have Martin Logan CLX's and the No 40 is an excellent match.
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