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 2 responses by stampy

Yeah, I have one. I've had mega$$$ dual chassis ss preamps here but the only thing they do better is enhanced, possibly over enhanced, dynamics.  Great preamp that does everything exactly right and makes you realize by paying more, you are only paying for casework, over engineering and/or coloration (and maybe ultra extended dynamics as I said). Casework and styling are early Rockford Files, so get used to it and use the 15k you save to buy a nice used, gold Firebird.
An amp manufacturer completely under the radar, since they are all hand made by an 82 year old, is this
http://www.powermodules.com
Not competition for Coda, these are different, and only the SA100 is truly superb,  small, nearly runs in class B, an he used to export them to the UK (by the UK TAD importer). David builds these all himself and is backordered from now to infinity on his inexepensive integrated.