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
What is the difference between the Continuum No. 8 and the Continuum Ts, aside from the aesthetics and the meters on the front panel?
Yesterday, I received my Coda No 8. I am using an Anthem STR as a preamp, and Tekton Moab speakers. The Coda is not broken in yet, but the sound so far is amazing. 
@gb9746 Are you planning on getting a separate preamp and replace the STR integrated, or did I misunderstand and you are using the STR preamp and not STR integrated. 

I am curious as to what criteria should be used to determine how the #8 should be ordered.

  • #1 150 watts w/18 watts pure class A
  • #2 250 watts w/12 watts pure class A
  • #3 350 watts w/8 watts pure class A
I am thinking the sensitivity of the speakers and maybe room size and listening sound levels. Anything else?

So for a speaker with 88 sensitivity, in a small room, and at low to mid volume levels would option #1 be the best choice (I just made this up).