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

I have in-house the New Coda Technologies S5.5 amplifier for review for Stereo Times website. It will be awhile before I write the review. However, I'm so impressed by the performance of this petite amplifier, it only weights 45 pounds, that I wanted to give a heads up to you GON members if you are in the market for a balanced pure class A amplifier, delivers 50 watts @ 8 Ohms, and can drop 100 Amperes of current on a peak!

The world class build quality of Coda amplifiers is on display with the S5.5, along with the most beautiful purity of tonality, precise sound-staging, complete liquidity offered by pure class A design, and what might be the best top end regarding details, decays, and a natural shimmering without brightness or any edge at all.

The S5.5 uses extremely wide bandwidth output transistors instead of the usual TO3 devices used in most transistor designs. I own the Coda #16, which is great, but the midrange/high end is taken to another level of musical enjoyment with the S5.5. The S5.5 has a sense of speed/aliveness that is exciting to listen to that you experience in live music. The amp is dynamic as hell, has driven with ease any speaker I have tried it with, hence my nickname of the "Petite Beast". Remember, 50 watts pure class A, can drop 100 amperes of current and only weights 45 pounds.

Teajay (Terry London)

johnah5
aolmrd1241
1,039 posts
 
yyzsantabarbara

Thanks for the reply. If your speakers need the power then the #16 is a great way to go...

Mark

laginz
34 posts
 

How does the 5.5 treat the presence and “weight” of instruments in front of you?With certain amps, usually ones that are a bit forward in presentation, you can almost feel the palpable weight of the instruments in the room with you. It’s a combination of not just focus and size of images,  but also I suspect of  dynamics and frequency balance. How does the 5.5 compare in this regard?

 

minatophase3
32 posts
 

I borrowed a pair of Nordost Heimdall 2 RCA's to connect my E-380 to the S5.5.  I was amazed at the increased detail, clarity and speed they added to the music.  The downside is that they are a bit too revealing and made the music sound a bit clinical and a tad bright.  But it made it clear that I want to upgrade my RCA's if I keep the Accuphase as my preamp.

I would prefer a slightly more laid back presentation leaning to the warmer side.  The Heimdall's are excellent but almost too much is coming through 😀. 

I am currently using Signal Cable Analog Two Interconnects with upgraded Neutrik ProFi connectors.  I really like the way they sound, they are just holding back some of the detail and dynamics.  But given the choice between those and the Heimdalls I would stick with the Signal Cables.  Not as detailed but easier to listen to. 

Would be interested to hear what interconnects others are using. 

hanki
33 posts
 

I’m using Kubala Sosna Elation interconnects (xlr) and speaker cables. They are very open, detailed, weighty and slightly warm. They seem to be a great match for the S5.5 and the rest of my system. 
 

I now have over 120 hours on the amp and it is sounding wonderful. It has all the power I need to drive my somewhat inefficient speakers. 
 

I definitely have more weight and dynamics than my other amp. It is easily the best I’ve heard in my system. 
 

Jeff

zlone
647 posts
 

I have a Coda #8 and it definitely responds to different interconnects. I have tried cheapos, Analysis Plus and am now trying Wireworld with Acoustic Zen on deck. AP was a bit lean, Wireworld has a good full sound, AZ is TBD. 

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