SIMPLY AMAZING: Coda Technologies 07x Preamplifier


I have in-house Coda Technologies 07x preamplifier, which is the latest iteration of their '0' series linestages.  Very briefly, over the last seven years I have had over five solid state preamplifiers, price range was between 4K to 20K, in for auditioning in my system.  They were quite good, but lacked what my tube based linestages had to offer.  The solid state pieces were wickedly transparent, micro-detailed, tight accurate bass extension, and had great overall dynamics.  However, they lacked the organic timbres/tonality, 3D imaging, and the ability to create a sense of space between the players that my tube based preamplifiers produced in my system. 

So, I was concerned that based on my personal preferences that the Coda 07x might not be my "sonic cup of tea".  Boy was I wrong!  Besides, the superlative build quality, starting with the double-sided gold-plated circuit boards, and the sane prices Coda charges compared to other much more insanely priced gear, the 07x is priced at $6'500, this preamplifier has patiently shocked me regarding it might be the best synthesis between what solid state offers (transparency-clarity/low frequency extension-control/micro-details/speed-dynamics) and the best of what tubes have to offer (pristine timbres-tonality-color/holographic imaging/three-dimensional sound-staging with a sense of air around the individual instruments).

Coda always, at least in the America "flies under the radar" compared to other US manufacturers, but based on performance, build quality, and  smart evolved engineering they offer cutting edge equipment at reasonable prices that deserve to be heard by more music lovers. I'll get into all the little details in my review on the performance of the 07x, but for right now if you are thinking about purchasing a solid state linestage, consider giving Doug Dale a call to hear this very special piece.
teajay
hi smodtactical,

mark porzilli and his partner have been threatening to return my melos any day now - for about the past 6 weeks. ;~)   i am hoping to do a comparison if/when i ever get it back. meanwhile, the 07x is getting the job done - it does sound lovely.


wturkey  - i'm surprised to hear that coda aren't modding the earlier 07x's; it's my understanding that it's not a difficult mod.  maybe they're too busy?  maybe they believe it negatively affects sales of the new model?  i'd query them again, about when they might be willing to offer it, and/or if there's another tech that can offer it.

doug s.
@smodtactical, a simple phone call to the company would do you a world of good, instead of the quickfire posts on this and other Coda topics. Doug is very open about topics like this.
i'm in agreement w/rlovendale - doug dale has always been up-front w/me in my dealings w/him.

doug s.
@Teajay

Thank you so much for pointing our ears towards Coda’s contributions to hi-end audio.

Question for you is: How does the Coda pre stack-up against the LTA MicroZOTL preamplifier? 

I’ve just ordered the ZOTL pre and couldn’t help but asking...

Kind regards
David