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

So here are my first impressions of my new S5.5 amp. It now has about 23 hours on it and still burning in. As a reference I have Magico S5 speakers, a Luxman M900U amplifier, Luxman C 900U preamp, Esoteric K-01x CD player, VPI Prime Signature turntable with an Ortofon A95 cartridge, Modwright PH 150 phono stage. My cabling is Kubala Sosna speaker cables and interconnects, power cables are all  Kimber Kable Palladium 10 except the amp has an Audioquest high current Hurricane. I have two dedicated lines, one 20 amp and the other 30amp for my power amp both with Furutech NFC outlets. 
 

Terry at the start of this thread nailed it perfectly as to the amps attributes. Crystal clear, clean highs with no grain or fatigue.  It lets me hear deeper into the music catching unknown nuances that I didn’t realize that were there. 
 

The mids match the high frequency in the openness and silky smoothness and more detail than I’ve ever experienced. 
 

The bass is tight, tuneful and full ( as much as a ported speaker design can give you). The amp never seemed to stress at higher levels  as I have been playing my system louder than normal without feeling the need to turn it down.  The amp never seemed to stress even when I turned it up way beyond with what I’m comfortable with. 
 

I am sure you have guessed I really like this amp. I’m 67 and retired so this will likely be my last power amp. I just can’t believe that this retails for just $6,400.  It is the least expensive component that I have and maybe the best performing. Coda really nailed it with this one. 
 

Jeff

@hanki

Jeff, Outstanding review and your system is absolutely awesome. Your report in conjunction with Terry’s heads up on GON clinched my decision for an amp. S5.5. Thank you!

Question now is why should any audiophile look anywhere else? 

CODA Technologies and Doug are totally worthy of this success story and the benefits it will reap! Coda-Great products and customer focus and support!

Thanks again Jeff for the stellar review of the S5.5.

Joe

@firefly627s I have ready Terry's review of the 07x and it does sound amazing.  I guess I am having a hard time with the preamp costing more than the amp :-).  I only run digital and need 1 input from my DAC (running computer, streamer and TV).  My DAC does not have volume control.  Several years ago when I only had my Lumin T2 streamer I connected it directly to my amp (Modwright KWE 150 SE) and it sounded good, but was lacking compared to going through a preamp.

Will wait to see how much I like the S5.5, but from the reviews I am hearing I think I will really like it.  May be time then to think about selling the Accuphase and putting that money towards the 07x. 

Thanks firefly.  I don’t think you can go wrong with the S5.5. In my review I meant to say about the Magico’s that they are sealed enclosures not ported. My error in writing. 
 

Jeff

@minatophase3 

          I wouldn't rush into anything. See how the S5.5 sounds off the Accuphase. It may totally meet or exceed your expectations. I have two 45 yr old preamps that still sound great (to me), a Mac C27  (SS) and an ARC SP-8 (8 tube pre). I also do have a Coda CSiB V1 integrated; the preamp stage is some hybrid of  a CB and 07x. My favorite of all is the SP-8. The CSiB preamp section is excellent though and very comparable to the SP-8 performance using either to drive a Mac MC2125 amp. I wouldn't sell the SP-8 or CSiB for a 07x  to drive a S5.5, being very satisfied with the CSiB sound, quality, design, features.  I am expecting the preamp section of it (similar to CB) to work fine with the S5.5. TBD. The SP-8 synergy is questionable.  I definitely like good tube based preamps though so if buying separates, I myself would look in that direction, but get good guidance on synergy.  The best way is trial testing in one's room if possible. 

There have been some posts in this thread  on Aric Audio Motherlode tube preamps that Terry London speaks highly of. Pricing is in between the CB and 07x. If your Accuphase sounds great to you though, that synergy may beat other separates so why gamble? If you are not satisfied with The Accuphase preamp section though, patience and careful research will pay off. You have numerous choices for your preferred budget. Ask Terry @johnah5 .