The new Coda S5.5 amplifier: It's a "Petite Beast"!

Since some of you asked me on DM about the mono S5.5, here is what Doug at CODA told me today.

It is not the best way to use the amp. A stereo amp bridged to mono suffers sonically and has to work much harder. There is a technical explanation on Audiogon for other stereo amps set to mono. Same logic applies to the CODA S5.5

I am still looking for a slightly brighter amp than my CODA #16 and preferably from CODA. I may be in luck and also unlucky at the same time. There is a new CODA flagship coming out next month. It will be sonically in-between the S5.5 and the #16 (assumption from Doug). It is a 2 chassis amp and I think the name is SYSTEM 150. That is the good part the bad part is the cost; it will be about $28k. Maybe time to get that second job again.

I will definitely have a listen to this amp next month at Destination HiFI in Los Angeles (local to me). My other choices are little bit lower in the want factor than another CODA amp.

BTW - Anyone with a S5.5 using it with the Magnepan LRS+ speaker. I am curious if the S5.5 can drive the $1000 LRS+. If it can then that would be a great "value" system.

I was using a Sanders Magtech for a while on it, and it was great. For a lark, I recently tried the CODA #16 on the LRS+ in my small office. I am amazed how good this sounds. I am so distracted as I try to work. The Magtech was great but the #16 takes it to another level of engagement. I like the Sanders Magtech more than the CODA #8 v1 (which I owned).

If the single stereo S5.5 can drive it and sounds like the #16, then I need to reevaluate because right now the #16 stays with a $1000 speaker. Which is a bit crazy.

@yyzsantabarbara I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on the new flagship. I'm absolutely in love with my #16 and wonder if Doug would update internals with improved parts used in newer creations?

It was an interesting discussion. He went really deep into the details of what was happening since the old SYSTEM 100 to the new SYSTEM 150.

Strangely, I had a Deja vu moment as I listened. I recalled a similar discussion with Roger Sanders last year when I spoke to him about buying the Magtech. Doug eventually pivoted to Roger Sanders role in discovering something that led Doug and his team to make different choices for parts in the new amp. I won’t get into details and likely not repeat it properly.

One way to learn more about the new amp is to research the old SYSTEM 100. I read a Stereophile review of the old CODA S5 amp (from 2005) and that mentioned the SYSTEM 100. I had never heard of the old amp.

The new one is like the old one which used a 2 chassis configuration. The top part is the size of the 07x preamp (not a preamp) and the bottom is the size of the #16 (I think). They can be stacked.

There are improved internals in the amp, though Doug said he lamented the loss of an old part (the Sanders connection). The 2 chassis implementation is likely what will make it better than the #16 (some important aspects of voltage benefit). The 2 parts cost $19950 and $8000 each = $28k. Comes only with meters.

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I have been listening so loud with my LRS+ and the #16 that I need to be careful. Everything sounds so good on LRS+ using the #16. My friend, a golden ears type, listened to my Livingroom speaker and was raving about it. Even the next day he was texting me about the sound. I have a feeling that the #16 had a lot to do with it. To my not so golden ears, I wanted the #16 to be a little less warm on the Livingroom speaker, thus the interest in the S5.5 and now the SYSTEM 150. For me the #16 on the Livingroom was 95/100 to my golden ears friend it seemed like 99/100.

Just placed an order for a black S5.5!  Will take several weeks before it is ready to ship.  Really looking forward to adding this to my system!