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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
teajay OP
1,696 posts
 
Just got through with bringing the 07x preamplifier to another high-end music listener's house who wanted to try it in his system compared to his highly regarded tube based line-stage.  His response was a very big WOW!  Not only did it produce more natural colors and tonality then his tube based preamp had in the system, it also was superior in 3D imaging, space between these images, and took the whole system to another level with macro-dynamics and bass extension and control.

I think he might be selling off his present preamp to order the 07x linestage.  
baranyi's avatar
baranyi
719 posts
 
Teajay,
            What tube preamp was it?
regards,
Brother Bob 
teajay OP
1,696 posts
 
Hey Brother Bob,

Let's just say it was 6SN7 based and from a famous English company.
jafox
1,459 posts
 
Did teajay mention his original reference tube line stage here?  If so, I missed it.  And why hide or feel shame to list the actual tube line stages that were "outperformed" by the Coda with the big, WOW?

From my own experience with going through many tube preamps, line stages and phono stages, in 30+ years, very VERY few have passed the test.  And those that have, were with tube rectified and or tube regulated power supplies.  This is where the awesome 3D kicks in and I am a huge skeptic that ANY solid state replacement can take on such tube based designs.

So come on, tell us what tube products were sent out to pasture.  And then we all have a better idea the weight of the reported claims here. Without such a reference, a review just becomes another one of those, "the best I ever heard" conclusions which is meaningless if the comparison products are not listed. 
muzikmann
61 posts
 
"So come on, tell us what tube products were sent out to pasture. And then we all have a better idea the weight of the reported claims here. Without such a reference, a review just becomes another one of those, "the best I ever heard" conclusions which is meaningless if the comparison products are not listed."
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