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
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.
Now that is very interesting. You really got my attention and if that is truly the case, that would be a first since the Spectral's. Do you have plans to film and record in high quality audio and upload on YouTube?
teajay..forgot to ask regarding the volume control. Back in the 90's I purchased Coda's budget preamp, the Continuum  from Legacy. When you would push in the volume knob in the gain would reverse to maximum
level with the volume knob set to minimum. One afternoon, I was walking back to my home, I got within a half a block and the sound from my system was at maximum volume and you could hear the sound all over the neighborhood. Turns out while I was gone, there was a short power failure in the building, when the power came back on it snapped the gain into reverse. Could never figure out why Eric would do that to a preamp for the home since that is a feature with pro gear. Does the 07X have a dual or single gain design?
Hey audiozen,

I don't do videos on Youtube, you will just have to come to my home to hear for yourself!  The 07x is a single/safe gain design.
teajay..I checked a picture online of the 07x in silver. The faceplate and the front panel end caps are all one sheet of metal. The black version front end caps are separate pieces attached to the left-right ends of the faceplate. The silver looks much better with a single sheet. Is that silver version available or is it a beta model?