I have owned the CSiB, the #8, and now the #16. The #16 is a great amp and the other 2 are very good. However, if I was in the market for an amp in the CODA #8 price range, I would do a 15-day home trial of the Schitt Wotan ($2k). I currently have both the Wotan and #16 in the house and think these 2 are my long-term keepers. The remote-control option on the amp ($50) is very convenient too.
Coda 8 amp
My 25 year old Audio Research VT130SE amp is going in for repairs. I’ve already replaced the tubes in the last year and had to replace some defective ones a second time (all came from Audio Research). I’m thinking about replacing it with a new solid state amp. so I don’t have to deal with such things. I’m considering the Coda 8, which I’ve never seen but comes highly recommended. It’s a fairly new model and I haven’t found lots of information. There’s one very positive review online, the company has been very responsive and helpful in providing information and a dealer who I trust recommended it. My other equipment includes Audio Research LS22 preamp, PH 3 phono stage and KEF Reference 5 speakers. I would like to keep these things so I’m hoping a new solid state amp would go well with my other equipment. I’d welcome any input, including experience from any Coda owners. Thanks.
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@robshaw, no there is no A/B switch. The dual speaker terminals are for biwiring. @yyzsantabarbara, how do the Wotan and #16 compare in sound quality and what is the rest of the chain with which you have used them? |
@jetter The Wotan is cleaner on top than the A21+ which I found a bit thick on top. The A21+ was very strong on the bottom as is the Wotan. The Wotan also has a FEEDBACK ON/OFF that changes the gain and was interesting at low volume (like a loudness button). I also love the remote-control feature of the amp, via my iPhone. I think the Wotan is preferred by me by a large margin over the A21+. The Wotan reminds me somewhat of the KRELL DUO 175XD amp. That is a smooth warm amp with good power. The Wotan maybe has more grunt and maybe a touch less of that warmth. I loved the DUO 175XD and sold it to buy the CODA #16 which I like a bit more. @rlovendale The Wotan vs the #16 is not that dissimilar, both are very powerful amps. With respect to things like soundstage, imaging, etc, they are similar. Overall, the Wotan It is not as good as the #16, but it is maybe tied for the second-best amp I have owned (with KRELL DUO 175XD). I do think the #16 is an exceptional amp and the only amp that sounded better to me cost over $100k. I have not heard that many amps. I think my Livingroom system with the Yamaha NS5000 speaker | Holo Audio Serene preamp | Schitt Yggi+ OG DAC (amazing unit) is a bit better than having the Wotan in the same setup. That naturalness (or calmness) in the sound with that tremendous power is amazing. The Wotan as a bit more of an aggressive sound but not fatiguing. Preferences may come into play here, but I think most would take the #16., On my Magnepan Mini in my office (look at Virtual Sytems). The Wotan is amazing. Maybe as good as the #16. That system is the Benchmark HPA4 preamp | Benchmark DAC3B or Schitt Yggi+ LIM DAC | Magnepan Mini speakers. I actually prefer the hot on top DAC3B in this system. If I had to choose an amp for this system, it would be the Wotan. Save a ton of cash and get the same enjoyment factor compared to the #16. Basically, I am suggesting trying out the Wotan on a home demo, especially with a Maggie (and likely KEF which I have owned).
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Hi yyz. I'm the OP on this thread We've "talked" before and I believe we have similar taste. I now wave the Krell 175xd, a Benchmark LA4 preamp, KEF Reference 5 Speakers (non meta), Innuous Zenith 3, PS Audio Directstream 2, rega planar 6. I know you liked the Krell and liked the Coda 16 even better. Do you think I would hear a noticable difference with the Coda? Like you, I'm pretty happy with the Krell ...and just hope the company gets its act together.
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