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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
stampy
10 posts
 
An amp manufacturer completely under the radar, since they are all hand made by an 82 year old, is this
http://www.powermodules.com
Not competition for Coda, these are different, and only the SA100 is truly superb,  small, nearly runs in class B, an he used to export them to the UK (by the UK TAD importer). David builds these all himself and is backordered from now to infinity on his inexepensive integrated.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
At one time, I owned a Coda CL, it was the linestage version of the current CP.  It was excellent in its price point.  I have sat in front of the CP on a couple of occasions and the 07x on I believe 4 occasions.  These pre's have always been excellent in every system that I've heard them in. I compared the CL to a Pass XP10 and slightly preferred the Coda.  The 07X certainly has the same family sound to my old CL, but is more refined and does everything just a bit better. 
audiozen
831 posts
 
teajay...Have you experienced over the years the Spectral DMC-6 or the Spectral DMC-10. I have only heard the 10 and I have yet to come across
a solid state Preamp over the past twenty five that equals the rich, very smooth velvet quality that I've heard from that piece.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,842 posts
 
OMG, finally something to aspire to - A gold Firebird, mine was lowly copper with a 400

seriously, IF Coda can keep pace with Pass for less $$$ good for them and the listeners that choose them in a sea of excellent choices at or near $7,500

enjoy the music
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
Hey audiozen,

I have heard both Spectral preamps and believe that the 07x out performs them.  The longer I have the 07X , in-house for a professional review in the near future, it is becoming apparent to my ears that this Coda preamp belongs in the very special category of "the best of the best".  And this is coming from a listener who is inclined to only use tube based linestages. How the 07x does color and space out does my reference tube preamplifier.

I'm waiting for the new 16.0 amplifier so I can review both as a combo.
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