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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
teajay
1,703 posts
 

Hey charliee,

I have heard the S5.5 being driven by the LTA ZOTL and the AricAudio Motherlode. Both are great matchups for the Coda. However, each is different, regardless of which tubes are rolled in. The LTA is very fast, clean, and detailed , but still is musical as can be. The Motherlode is no less detailed, but has a warmer/fuller "sweet" presentation. For my tastes I prefer the Motherlode, depends on your taste and what you are looking for in your system. Like both of them much more than the other two preamps you mention.

jceahodges
15 posts
 

@charliee @teajay

At Terry’s suggestion way earlier in this thread, I purchased an SPL Volume2 as a bridge until I received my Spatial Audio Raven. I’ve yet to receive it, but it should be soon as it’s already busted their estimated ETA. The Volume2 is really clean and just lets the S5.5 show itself for what it is - very good. I’m hoping the Raven brings that sweetness without sacrificing the details I’ve grown accustomed to. I'd be happy to report back once it gets in-house and broken in.

laaudionut
280 posts
 

@charliee, I have the Coda Model 16 paired with the Aric Audio Motherlode and the results are nothing short of stunning. And both Aric and Doug(Coda) are excellent to work with in regards to their respective knowledge and customer service. 

charliee's avatar
charliee
200 posts
 

Thanks guys for the helpful responses. I had no doubts about the LTA and Arics Mother Lode pre amps. Another plus for me is the single box design of the LTA, the two box design is a challenge for placement for me, but not out of the question. 

@jceahodges, please do get back with your input on the Spatial Audio Raven after you get to hear it in your system with the Coda amp. No doubt it will be excellent as well. Personally, I hope they start offering a few more wood choices on the base. I'm not a big fan of the two they offer. 

sim_audio_nerd
68 posts
 

Intrigued by the new Spatial Audio Raven preamp. I am sure it's great. @charliee I agree on the finishes..great if they can offer more. Also, the volume control knob..maybe make it a bit more pleasing, aesthetics point of view..just my opinion.

 

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