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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
teajay OP
1,691 posts
 
Hey tellefsen,

The Coda No.8 is quieter, faster, and has overall more powerful macro-dynamics/control in the bottom end then the X250.8. Both are very silky/smooth and musical. 
yyzsantabarbara
4,820 posts
 
Is the #8 stable at 2 Ohms?
fredcdobbs
128 posts
 
When I used to make audio cables years ago, I used to own a pair of their Mono blocks. Man I loved their products. Those speakers and Chapman Audio speakers gave me a rock solid referent system. For several years I showed with them at CES. We sounded great. 
tmac1700
76 posts
 

@teajay I had a quick matching to speakers question. What should I look for in the spec sheets on a speaker so I'll know I can safely use the coda no.8 without damaging the speaker. For example...the Focal Aria 906s that I currently have. Specs show a Nominal impedance of 8hms, Minimum impedance of 4.6ohms and Recommended amplifier power of 25-120w. I realize the No.8 is overkill buy id like to get my hands on one before there's a price hike(I'm assuming there will be since everyone else is doing it)...but I don't want to burn my speakers before I have a chance to upgrade them. I was considering V2. I assume having a power amp that puts out more power than I currently need is safe...but I honestly don't know. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,820 posts
 

I have the #8 V1 and you really cannot burn your speakers unless you play at maximum volume for a long period. You could burn your speaker by using an under powered amp, which the #8 is not with your speakers.

 

I would recommend V1 which has the most Class A. My speakers are way more difficult to drive and the V1 does a great job.

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