Review on Coda Technologies 16 Amplifier went live today

Coda has been rolling out the new FET input stage for a while now, so some 15.5 amps will have the exact same amplifier channels as the 16.0. Other differences include the increased power supply capacitance in the 16.0 mentioned above (which may or may not result in audible differences) and the meters option for the front faceplate of the 16.0.

@rlovendale when you say new input stage are you talking about the low noise input transistors ?

I wonder would a stock 15.5 have many upgrades over a number 8? I mean I know its a very different amp with more capacitance, more current?

Used 15.5's go for around $5000 usd so a used 15.5 might be a good option over a new no 8.

Yes. FET = field effect transistor.

I think the approach makes a lot of sense, especially if the 15.5 has the new input stage. Last I checked there was a used 15.5 with the new input stage on Audiogon listed for $6,600. No brainer over the No. 8. 

Differences off the top of my head (15.5 vs. No. 8):

• Class A bias: 100W vs. max of 18W
• Power supply filter capacitance: 200,000 microfarads vs. 80,000 microfarads
• Output transistors: 28 per channel vs. 20 per channel
• Weight (due to larger case and massive heatsinks): 110 pounds vs. 62 pounds

There could be others as well, but this is just going off of spec sheets. Seems the bigger amps have better SNR measurements as well and better tonality. 

The SNR of the #8 is 116 and the #16 is 130.

I have heard from other No. 8 users that this amp rarely leaves its Class A rating and if that’s the case, wondering if adding more filter capacitance to the No. 8 would bring it closer to the sound of the No. 16 without the added weight : )

Wig