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
I did actually ask Doug and he simply said that it does get hot. But didn't really compare it to other class A amps in terms of heat.
@smodtactical Talk to a dealer, like Al, or the dealer in Chicago, https://www.audioarchon.com/coda . The AudioDoctor in NJ is also a dealer but he seems to have dropped out of A'gon.

They seem to be knowledgeable on the amps.
My new Coda Model 16 becomes nearly just as hot as my Pass XA60.8's. And in terms of build quality...neither Coda or Pass can claim to be better than the other, as they are both pleasing to the eyes and built like tanks. I especially like how Coda rounds off the tops of the heat sinks, as opposed to Pass who leaves them prepared to lacerate any hand or forearm who touch them. Sound Quality: Coda without a doubt!

@laaudionut I looked at your prior posts and saw that you had listened to the beautiful Luxman stack at Excel Audio in Newport Beach. Are you able to give some comparison or thoughts between the Luxman m900u and Coda#16?

I have heard the m900u at Excel and thought it was amazing, I am also not a fan of tubes, but surprisingly, I loved the tubey sound of the m900u. I have not heard the Coda #16. Coviad-19 is making me less interested in driving to LA for a dealer demo of the Coda #16.
I would suggest that the Luxman 900 is a bit more,"relaxed" in its presentation, but I heard it in a completely different listening environment and with different gear. So take my experience with the above considered.