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Preview: CODA Technologies new generation number#8 Stereo Amplifier

I have always had a keen interest in hearing a CODA amplifier in my own system for a long time. This company has been in existence for over twenty years. It's if they were a "stealth" product, very few American reviews, built many highly regarded amplifiers for other companies as an OEM source, and most of their products are loved/sold in the Asian/European markets.

I finally was able to set up a review for hometheaterreview.com on their new generation single chassis number#8 amplifier.  Internally, their has been some very important changes in the power supply, along with "kept in house" different part selections through out the entire circuit pathway.  Externally, the #8 has a pair of blue light power meters and is quite a good looking piece of gear. The build quality and parts used are at the highest level.  The number#8 amplifier is 150 watts into 8 Ohms and 300 watts into 4 Ohms.  The first 18 watts is pure class A.  Regardless of the volume levels I play the amp never leaves its class A rating.  Like all Coda amplifiers a special quality is the #8 ability to provide 150 Amperes of current if needed!

Well, the beauty of what this amplifier has brought to my system has lead to all night long listening sessions.  I have owned/reviewed other great SS amplifiers. However, the #8, being driven by the new Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamplifier has some special qualities, here are a few:

1) It might be the quietest amplifier I have ever had in my system.  This allows all the micro-details to float out and be heard.  Yet, the #8 never sounds edgy/electrical/mechanical as other very detailed amps can.
2) It's lighting fast and provides the speed and aliveness you find in live music to a higher degree then other amps I have had in my system.
3) The overall tonality is "silky-smooth" with not a touch of grain/dryness.
4) The macro-dynamics overall and the control of the bottom end are superlative.


In my review I'll get into all the details why this is a killer amplifier!  I also think its a "bargain" at it's retail price of $6,500.00.  So, if your in the market I strongly suggest you might want to hear the #8 before you purchase another amplifier.  It's that good.





 
teajay

Showing 8 responses by teajay

teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hey guys,

The number#8 is not listed on Coda's website because it is a brand new model.  Just call or Email Doug for all the details.

The speakers that is driving are Tekton Design Ulfberht speakers.

Audioman58 your friend could not have purchased the #8 because I have the first one that Coda has built in the new series.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hello soundhound,

My review on the No.8 was submitted last week to my editor.  Coda was going to send in pictures for the review today.  Hopefully, it will go up on hometheaterreview.com in the next few weeks.  I did not have the experience of comparing the No.8 to a T series amplifier.  However, the No.8 S/N ratio is dramatically improved and Doug Dale believes this, with a few other part changes, have lead to a better sounding amplifier.  The greatest compliment a reviewer can give a piece of gear they are reviewing is to purchase it, as I have done.  It's a terrific amplifier and you will get all the details of what makes a special piece in my review.  It's also a great bargain at $6,200 compared to much more expensive amps.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hey mboldda1,

I decided that after what Srajan of Six Moons reported in his excellent, along with the quotes from me, review on the Kinki piece being a terrific performer it was not necessary to write my own review.  Everything that is stated in his review I'm in agreement with, therefore I choose to use my time to audition/review other pieces like the CODA No.8 amplifier, that no one had reviewed yet.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hello Audio Doctors,

You will have to talk to Doug regarding when they are going to start shipping to dealers.

I'll let the suspense build, you will just have to read the review when it comes out in the next two to three weeks, about which amplifiers I had directly compared to the No.8 in my system to do my review.  Both are highly regarded American made amplifiers.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hi soundhound,

I compared the Coda No.8 to a pair of mono-blocks that retail for 14K and a single chassis amp that retails for 16K and liked the Coda better.  It's one of my references for my large system.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hi grk,

The unbalanced is 50k Ohms, I don't know what the balanced number would be.  Yes, there is no problem at all with the LTA preamp driving the No.8 in my system.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hi soundhound,

No, after the break-in period I did not notice any more changes.  I use the Audio Archon power cords throughout my system.  I have auditioned many other power cords, some very costly, and find these cords to be as good if not better then others.  Very reasonably priced.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Hey soundhound,

Congrats! This generation of Coda amps are really very good, indeed.
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