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

@audiotroy How does Coda pair with Focals with Beryllium tweeters? Does it lean neutral or slightly warm?

@teajay - nice ad. Where's the printed review ? Nothing shows u when looking for reviews on Coda - none anywhere, except the guy who must work for them at stereotimes- unless that's you ? 

@speedthrills  "Nothing shows u when looking for reviews on Coda - none anywhere, except the guy who must work for them at stereotimes"

 

Aside from Terry London's (teajay's) reviews below are some others over the years provided by Google 

Here's one from Doug Schroeder @ dagogo

https://www.dagogo.com/coda-technologies-cs-amplifier-review/

Another by John Gatsk @ Everything Audio Network

https://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com/2016/08/ean-audiophile-review-coda-technologies.html

Another by Wayne Donnelly @ Enjoy the Music

https://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1104/codas12.htm

Here an OCD Mikey shootout video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVFDMhWSIes

 

@teajay  I hesitate to ask this since you have so generous with your time and comments. But. I have a Bryson 3B3, which I believe is one you compared the 8 to. Do you have notes? In what ways was the Coda better?

@audiotroy  Do you have any comment regarding this comparison?

@teajay  My apology. You were specific in the comparison in your review. Thanks for the work.