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)
@hickamore Widex Moment. But they are half the battle. The other half is the audiologist. Don't hesitate to lean on them... they are supposed to be working for you. They tend to think they know what you need better than you do, and they resist being pushed into what for them is unknown territory. Ps, my 5.5 is now listed. |
@markmuse Audiologists: yes, been down that road. They have no clue. But looks like I can buy direct with no prescription (as I gather insurance doesn't cover). Did you buy online or for a dealer? Thanks in any case as I was having no luck finding guidance for audio listening purposes. Coda S5.5 -- wow, you preferred the tiny AGD Tempo? I know nothing about it except what I just read. Where are you listing the 5.5, and for what price, if I might ask? Must be burned in, but only lightly used, and with plenty transferable warranty remaining?
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@hickamore At least in WV when I got mine I had to purchase from an authorized audiologist. They were not available otherwise. And there is some very sophisticated software they use to set them up. The user software for your phone is pretty lame, useable but relatively unsophisticated. You better contact me outside of this environment to pursue the 5.5. Otherwise the heavy hand of the moderators will likely activate. It is listed in one of the common platforms. |
@hickamore I am driving some Legacy Focus XD's with the 5.5 effortlessly FWIW. Because of my hearing and need for hearing aides I try to keep the volume 75-85 dB SPL. I used to have to listen louder but now I can hear more of what's in the recording without the extra volume. |
@markmuse Turns out there is a Widex dealer near me and will call them tomorrow, thanks! And I should have thought not to discuss marketing in the forum. Just spotted your unit online, questions answered. Though too late for me personally as I put a new one on order several days ago. |
