SIMPLY AMAZING: Coda Technologies 07x Preamplifier


I have in-house Coda Technologies 07x preamplifier, which is the latest iteration of their '0' series linestages.  Very briefly, over the last seven years I have had over five solid state preamplifiers, price range was between 4K to 20K, in for auditioning in my system.  They were quite good, but lacked what my tube based linestages had to offer.  The solid state pieces were wickedly transparent, micro-detailed, tight accurate bass extension, and had great overall dynamics.  However, they lacked the organic timbres/tonality, 3D imaging, and the ability to create a sense of space between the players that my tube based preamplifiers produced in my system. 

So, I was concerned that based on my personal preferences that the Coda 07x might not be my "sonic cup of tea".  Boy was I wrong!  Besides, the superlative build quality, starting with the double-sided gold-plated circuit boards, and the sane prices Coda charges compared to other much more insanely priced gear, the 07x is priced at $6'500, this preamplifier has patiently shocked me regarding it might be the best synthesis between what solid state offers (transparency-clarity/low frequency extension-control/micro-details/speed-dynamics) and the best of what tubes have to offer (pristine timbres-tonality-color/holographic imaging/three-dimensional sound-staging with a sense of air around the individual instruments).

Coda always, at least in the America "flies under the radar" compared to other US manufacturers, but based on performance, build quality, and  smart evolved engineering they offer cutting edge equipment at reasonable prices that deserve to be heard by more music lovers. I'll get into all the little details in my review on the performance of the 07x, but for right now if you are thinking about purchasing a solid state linestage, consider giving Doug Dale a call to hear this very special piece.
teajay
rlovendale - i'm w/you on this one. u-tube is anything but hi-fi.

i've been a died in the wool tube guy, especially considering preamps, for ~20 years.  fate has conspired, tho, to have me awaiting delivery of a latest-edition-spec coda 07x.  a perfect storm, as it were - repair issues w/my beloved 20 year standby, and a decent deal on this unit, where other tubed units would be above my budget.

yes, i'm a bit wary, even tho i respect terry and his opinions.  and i've heard from an acquaintance of terry's who says that, if anything, terry has understated the sonic abilities of the 07x.  but i still have this bias: it's not tubes, so it's gonna be lacking in what terry describes as "pristine timbres-tonality-color/holographic imaging/three-dimensional sound-staging with a sense of air around the individual instruments".

my personal tube preamp reference has all that, as well as the "transparency, clarity/low frequency extension-control/micro-details/speed-dynamics" of s/s preamps.  so, i'll soon see where this shakes out.

holly hippodaze,

doug s.
Interested for your opinion of it when you receive it.I have had mine for a week now and couldn't be happier.
slamitie, what preamp(s) has this one replaced?

my prior preamp, (which i am still hoping to get back with its gremlins taken care of), is a much modded melos ma333r.

doug s.
thanks, slamitie.  i've heard that the pass preamps are not nearly as nice as their amps.  no first-hand knowledge...

doug s.