2. amps-preamps
  3. 139065-3787

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
rlovendale
91 posts
 
Audiotroy,
what are the Coda 8 amplifier specs (input impedance?) cannot find them anywhere
Is there any difference as far as sound quality using balanced/unbalanced inputs?
Thanks,
Dan
You should email Coda to confirm, but the input impedance should be 10 kOhms for the balanced input and 50 kOhms for the unbalanced input.

As the amp has a fully differential input stage with a DC-coupled balanced input, that would be the purest signal path. Going through the AC-coupled unbalanced input would route the signal through additional circuitry. Whether this is audible likely depends on your ears and your particular room/equipment and whether you have any ground loops.

See: https://www.noiseengineering.us/blog/2017/5/12/ac-vs-dc-coupling-what-where-why ("Different types of voltage are handled differently at the input. DC-coupled inputs are the more straightforward: the circuitry just takes the input as it is. The entire signal passes through, more or less untouched. AC-coupled inputs are different. They include a capacitor in the circuit that allow them to filter out very low frequencies.")
kairosman's avatar
kairosman
279 posts
 
I do not post often as I come here mostly to learn, but having recently purchased a No. 8 amp (Version 1 for 18 watts of Class A bias 150/300/600 watts into 8/4/2 ohms) I thought I'd share my experience.

To keep it short and to the point, it is the best amp I have ever owned. No matter the quality of recording or the volume I am listening at, I am constantly astonished. There seems no limit to it, even LOUD the meters barely register the deep bass plunges, and my B&W 702 S2s are notorious for wild impedance swings.

I paid 6k for it, I would pay double for it and still feel like I got a smoking deal.

Anyways, just my 2 cents.
smodtactical
979 posts
 
Thinking about the no 8 with Yamaha ns5000. Any thoughts ?

Was going to go pass 250.8 used but it just sold.
lancelock
1,093 posts
 
@smodtactical,

I concur with @kairosman, the #8 was the best until I got the #16.
yyzsantabarbara
4,815 posts
 
@smodtactical Take a look at @soundhound CODA #15.5 that is upgraded to almost #16 level. He has it on sale on USAudiomart. Same price as a new #8.

BTW - I decided to pair the CODA #16 with my Benchmark HPA4 preamp. I think it will be a nice blend of the Benchmark AHB2 and Luxman m900u. A super quiet amp (130 SNR almost good as AHB2), with a sweet top like the Luxman m900u, and more slam than the m900u. PM me if you want to know a bit more I spoke with a dealer that maybe useful to you.
More to discover