Review on Coda Technologies 16 Amplifier went live today

@smodtactical I did not buy the CODA #16, I instead bought the CODA 07x preamp and CODA #8 amp. I also bought the KRELL Duo 175XD amp. I sold all of that gear, except the KRELL Duo 175XD which went up for sale yesterday. I am going to get another KRELL XD amp with more power. It has not been determined yet by me which KRELL amp to get.

The next KRELL amp will be for KEF Blade 2 META. The other speaker choice was the Yamaha NS5000, which you own. I went with the Blade because I am finally able to fit it into a proper room. The NS5000 would also be great in this room, but I am going with the Blade. A safer choice would be the NS5000 because of my young son, but if the speaker gets damaged, too bad.

The CODA #16 is very similar to the amp I am selling. The Duo 175XD is all Class A, similar to the mostly Class A #16. When I heard the #16 with the CODA 07x preamp I was thinking that sonically it is very similar to the Duo 175XD amp. The #8 and #16 diverge more sonically to my ears.

A shootout between those amps you listed will of course be subjective to listener preference. My preference from those 3 would be the CODA #16. It is not as warm as the other 2 and likely the most powerful. I would still take the KRELL Duo amps over those 3 since they just seem to work best for my ears. Does not mean it is the best.

I have had the KRELL K-300i integrated (an XD amp, now sold) and the KRELL DUO 175XD. The next amp will be my last amp and it will be a KRELL XD.

The system I am putting together for the Livingroom will be:

- KEF Blade 2 Meta (not sure the color)

- KRELL XD amp (not sure the power)

- Holo Audio Serene preamp (similar to my office Benchmark LA4 preamp)

- Musetec 005 DAC (have 2 of these now)

- Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval 8 speaker cable

My Office system, where the KRELL DUO 175XD was used, is competed and will not be touched.

BTW - the CODA #16 is more than powerful enough for the Blade 2 Meta

@yyzsantabarbara seems like an awesome system

What did you like more about the Krell XD over the no 16. Or why did you choose the XD over no 16 ?

The CODA #16 is really an excellent amp. One of the very best amps I have ever heard. It reminded me of my Benchmark AHB2 on the top end, so clean and smooth. I did not spend much time with the #16, though I knew immediately that I preferred it to the #8 that I owned.

The dealer that I am working with for the KEF Blade feels that the CODA is a bit warmer than the KRELL XD amps. I disagree with him on that. The KRELL XD amp is not an amp that I am normally attracted too sonically. However, after owning the K-300i for a year and now the KRELL 175XD (up for sale) I realized that I ALWAYS have a great time listening to music on these amps.

The sound is very smooth, with enough details, and a bit rounder on top. I also think the bass is very strong. The pairing with the new KEF speakers is something that I have done for a year, with LS50 Meta. So I know that is a great pairing. My dealer also says that is how he prefers the Blades paired. So that is why I am going with the KRELL over the CODA.

My office system has Benchmark AHB2 monos and the CODA #16 is also on the neutral side, so the KRELL is a change of pace from that sonic signature. Another reason for getting the KRELL XD for the Livingroom system.

Interesting how you find the no 16 more neutral but the coda pre more tubey.

I would say the 07x is not as nuetral as my preferred Benchmark LA4. I bet the majority opinion would be to favor the 07x over the LA4.

I saw you were asking about preamps in the other thread. I think you will really like the 07x.