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

I was just informed that Coda's brand new model #16, which is based on the latest generation of improvements used in the #8, will be arriving later this week for review for The Stereo Times website.  Since the reviews I have done on the #8 amplifier and the 07x preamplifier, I have received numerous inquires when I'll get this piece in for review.

This beast of an amplifier, over hundred pounds with one of the largest power supplies in a single chassis design on the market, delivers 100 Class A before it crosses over into A/B. The Coda #8, is in my opinion, one of the best SS amps on the market for under ten grand.  I expect, based on the run Coda is on with their new generation of gear, that the #16 will be a beautiful musical performer.  We shall see! I still find it amazing based on build quality/performance that Coda's prices are so damn reasonable.  Yes, the #16 will retail for around 12K, not inexpensive.  However, I guarantee if this amplifier was manufactured by other high-end American or European companies it would be triple the price. If the #16 takes the already superlative performance of the #8 to another level, it will be truly a "killer" of an amplifier. 




teajay
teajay OP
1,700 posts
 
Hey markusthenaimnut,

Even if you do not exceed the class A rating of the #8 you still get an overall higher level of fitness /polish to the overall sonic presentation with the #16 amplifier. It takes the already wonderful level of performance of its less expensive sibling to a more effortless level that just sounds more relaxed and musical. I have reviewed both and that's what I experienced. There are at least two other GON members who started with the #8 and went to the #16 with the same experience. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Are we talking about the Magnus amp?
teajay OP
1,700 posts
 
Hey twoleftears,

No, the Magnus amplifier is the solid state division of Canary Audio. I have reviewed a couple of their pieces (DAC/amplifier) which were very good along with their superlative tube gear. However, this has nothing to do regarding this thread on Coda's new generation of amplifiers.
yyzsantabarbara
4,917 posts
 
I have the spec sheets for both the CODA #8 and #16 from CODA. If someone can point me to a shared online location to upload, I can do so. A bit ridiculous that info is not available on the CODA web site however, the company is good at returning emails.

I was considering 3 amps, Benchmark AHB2 | Luxman m900u | CODA #8 or #16. I have heard the AHB2 and m900u. I like both of them a lot but have a few issues, the AHB2 is a little under-powered but I like the incredible silence on that amp. The m900u is noisier but is sweeter and sounds great. 

I have a chance to either audition of buy blind the #16 (and save a few bucks) . That SNR of 130 on the CODA #16 was eye popping to me (SNR of 116 on CODA #8). It is almost as good as the AHB2 but with the sweeter character of the Luxman. It seems a best of both worlds, I think I am sold.

My preamp is the Benchmark HPA4 with a SNR of 137 so I want an amp very close to that. I can hear the difference in the silence.
yyzsantabarbara
4,917 posts
 
Back in Jan or Feb 2020 I was PMing someone here who had bought the AHB2 and also the CODA # 15.5. The CODA was bought just before the #16 came out. It is supposed to have all the same circuitry as the #16 except for a smaller power supply. Last week, I saw this persons CODA #15.5 on sale on USAudiomart for the price of a new CODA #8.  My audio money is tied up in a financial investment for a little while longer. So today, I cannot go for that #15.5 myself. Just an FYI.
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