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
Regarding the negative comments about Coda and Legacy Focus XD speakers a number of posts back based on a youtube video.

I have pretty much the same components; Coda 07x, Coda Continuum No 8 and Legacy Focus XD speakers (bass drivers powered by the internal Legacy amps and mids/highs with the No 8).

A match made in heaven. My only complaint it that the Focus XD speakers are a little bit large for my room, no fault of the Legacys.
@vinylvalet Very nice! Mine is along the same lines. Legacy Signature 3, Coda 10.5r running mids and highs, belles monos running low end. 07X pre. 
Great system! There is a special synergy between Coda and Legacy, especially the amps and speakers. As good as the Focus XD speakers are, the Signature SE speakers would have been a better choice for my room.

Yes, I've compared Coda products to a fair amount of others. Like some of the other posters, I've always been a tube guy. It's nice to leave everything on for max fidelity when I sit down to listen without worrying about tube wear.
@teajay  How would you compare the 07x to the Aric audio motherlode Mk2  (which you also reviewed) ?