GREAT NEWS! The Coda Technology new #16 amplifier will arrive this week

I have spoken with Doug recently and he was kind enough to explain the changes in going from the 15.5 to the 16.   First, the low noise input devices first used in the No.8 are incorporated into the input circuit of the No. 16.  Second, the capacitance in the power supply has been increased from 200,000 to 280,000 microfarads.  I believe that the price for the No.16 without meters is $12,000 versus $11,000 for the No.15.5.  No. 16 amps with meters will cost $14,000.  There may be other changes but these are the ones that I recall.  I agree with Teajay that Coda amps fly under the high end radar most of the time, and that they offer sonic performance well above their retail price compared to similar products from other manufacturers.  I am sure that the No. 16 will prove to be a great amp.

Here's some specific specs on the #16 amplifier.

1) Class A operation to 100 watts/ 300 watts A/B into 4 ohms

2) Maximum current: 100 amperes per channel

3) Power supply: 3KVA  power transformer/ Dual independent rectification and 280,000 of power supply filter capacitance

4) Weight: 110 pounds

Finally, got the # 16 in-house after a lengthy delay caused by bad weather according to UPS that made the delivery four days late.

It was definitely worth the wait!  The # 16 takes the already wonderful performance of the # 8 to a higher level of finesse and sophistication.  What ever Doug and Eric learned/developed in this new generation, starting with the # 8, of amplification pays off in spades with this amplifier.

Even more purity of tonality/timbres, so quiet that the most delicate micro-details just pop out of the mix, explosive overall dynamics, and even more 3D sound-staging with precise layering and space between the players.  None of this comes at the expense of sounding analytical like many Solid State amps that offer this type of resolution. This amplifier is way past the "dryness or grain" you still can hear in many solid state pieces, it oozes the sound into the room with total liquidity, and yet is explosive when the music calls for those moments.  

I know this is heresy, but what keeps going through my mind is that the # 16 sounds like a SET 2A3 on steroids.  The purity of tonality and sheer musicality that a reference level SET amplifiers provide, but with unlimited power and control to drive any speaker with its unbelievable power supply and current!

Last night a fellow music lover came over who is familiar with the performance of my system, with his own musical selections, to hear what the Coda # 16 would change in the sonics of this system.

About an hour of listening, no talking he was mesmerized about what he was hearing, he shared that this was the best the system had ever sounded.  Explosive dynamics, expanded accurate sound-staging, and overall natural beautiful rendering of his favorite musical selections. Yes, he thought the # 16 is a great amplifier, indeed!

@teajay 

Does it run warm or hot?

Have you heard the Luxman m900u amp to compare against? 

How about a photo(s) on the virtual systems to see you big this beast really is? You would think Coda would do this on their web site but I believe we have a better chance with the virtual system here.