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SIMPLY AMAZING: Coda Technologies 07x Preamplifier

I have in-house Coda Technologies 07x preamplifier, which is the latest iteration of their '0' series linestages.  Very briefly, over the last seven years I have had over five solid state preamplifiers, price range was between 4K to 20K, in for auditioning in my system.  They were quite good, but lacked what my tube based linestages had to offer.  The solid state pieces were wickedly transparent, micro-detailed, tight accurate bass extension, and had great overall dynamics.  However, they lacked the organic timbres/tonality, 3D imaging, and the ability to create a sense of space between the players that my tube based preamplifiers produced in my system. 

So, I was concerned that based on my personal preferences that the Coda 07x might not be my "sonic cup of tea".  Boy was I wrong!  Besides, the superlative build quality, starting with the double-sided gold-plated circuit boards, and the sane prices Coda charges compared to other much more insanely priced gear, the 07x is priced at $6'500, this preamplifier has patiently shocked me regarding it might be the best synthesis between what solid state offers (transparency-clarity/low frequency extension-control/micro-details/speed-dynamics) and the best of what tubes have to offer (pristine timbres-tonality-color/holographic imaging/three-dimensional sound-staging with a sense of air around the individual instruments).

Coda always, at least in the America "flies under the radar" compared to other US manufacturers, but based on performance, build quality, and  smart evolved engineering they offer cutting edge equipment at reasonable prices that deserve to be heard by more music lovers. I'll get into all the little details in my review on the performance of the 07x, but for right now if you are thinking about purchasing a solid state linestage, consider giving Doug Dale a call to hear this very special piece.
teajay

Showing 6 responses by rlovendale

rlovendale
91 posts
 
Thanks for starting this thread.

A few notes:
  • The new amp will replace the 15.5 stereo amplifier and will be called the 16.0. In addition to the component changes in the circuit (presumably similar to those implemented in the Continuum No. 8), it will also have a 40% increase in power supply capacitance and meters on the faceplate (similar to the Continuum No. 8).
  • The current version of the CSIb seems like a great buy. Its amp section is now exactly the same as the Continuum No. 8 amplifier. And, if SalonAV is correct, the preamplifier section was revised to be closer to the 07x circuit vs. the 05x circuit it was formerly based on. (Source: http://www.salonav.com/arch/2018/12/coda-technologies-perestroila-integralnik.htm). It's also beautiful in silver (Source:  http://www.salonav.com/arch/2019/02/integralnyj-usilitel-coda-csib.htm)
  • One can order the newer amps without the meters if they want to save some coin. They are pretty expensive.
@teajay I thought you bought the Continuum No. 8 amp, no?
rlovendale
91 posts
 
@audiozen you haven’t heard the equipment and thus should not opine on it. You have heard a recording of said equipment, playing music likely in an untreated hotel room, recorded with an unknown microphone, compressed and uploaded to YouTube, streamed to your listening device, uncompressed and played through your own digital audio playback chain.

How an experienced audiophile could base their opinions of gear off of a YouTube video is simply beyond me.
rlovendale
91 posts
 
Maybe you should try it yourself and see, instead of posting about it twice in 12 hours.
rlovendale
91 posts
 
@smodtactical, a simple phone call to the company would do you a world of good, instead of the quickfire posts on this and other Coda topics. Doug is very open about topics like this.
rlovendale
91 posts
 
wturkey, what sources were you using and on which inputs when you noticed the bleed? I’ve only ever used the Balanced 1 input, but if two users are getting source bleed that implies some issue with the relay implementation right? Unless you were both using tuners and maybe that’s the issue. 
rlovendale
91 posts
 
The bleed through is likely a common issue on all the 07x's. Mine has it and also another A'goner who was DM'ing me on the CODA 07x has the same issue.

This is most certainly not the case. Coda mentioned that this issue has affected a handful of components, including only a few 07x out of hundreds in the wild. 
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