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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
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
Lucky for me I have had the pleasure of owning the CODA CSX amp for the past four years. 330/660 into 8ohm/4ohm. The first 25 watts are pure “class A”. The power supply uses a 3kVA toroidal transformer with independent rectifier and 80,000uF of capacitance. That’s serious iron guys! Subtle styling and built to a very high standard. This has been the best amp I have owned to date. Dead quiet, fast, transparent to the source and musically engaging.

Previous amps have included Audio Research, Unison, Edge, McCormack and Jeff Rowland. They do fly under the radar of most audiophiles. Listen 👂 if you get the chance !
soundhound
46 posts
 
Teajay,

Any updates regarding your upcoming review of the Coda No. 8.  Also have you had a chance to compare the No. 8 to the T series amps which they are scheduled to replace?
teajay OP
1,714 posts
 
Hello soundhound,

My review on the No.8 was submitted last week to my editor.  Coda was going to send in pictures for the review today.  Hopefully, it will go up on hometheaterreview.com in the next few weeks.  I did not have the experience of comparing the No.8 to a T series amplifier.  However, the No.8 S/N ratio is dramatically improved and Doug Dale believes this, with a few other part changes, have lead to a better sounding amplifier.  The greatest compliment a reviewer can give a piece of gear they are reviewing is to purchase it, as I have done.  It's a terrific amplifier and you will get all the details of what makes a special piece in my review.  It's also a great bargain at $6,200 compared to much more expensive amps.
soundhound
46 posts
 
Tejay,

Thanks for the response to my questions.  I may be next in line for a No. 8.
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
what happened to the kinki review?
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