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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
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
By the way,

If anyone is interested in auditioning the Coda 07x preamplifier in the Chicago land area just contact Mike Kay of Audio Archon, who is a Coda retailer, or send me an Email if you would want to hear it in my system.
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soundhound
46 posts
 
Teajay,
Do you have any information on the new Coda single chassis amp that you are expecting?
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
It's going to be the latest generation, based on the improvements regarding what was discovered in the No. 8, and I believe it will weigh close to hundred pounds with an unbelievable power supply.  It will be pure class A or very highly biased into class A. 

It will retail for around $14'000. 
robertrs
17 posts
 
Teajay,

I am using homemade IC's Belden 1800F for balanced and a mix of Belden 1505F and Blue Jean LC-1 cables, not willing to do a lot of testing, I just want to listen to music and realize it can always be better but I am happy with what I have.

Oppo 105D for cd's and Logitech Squeeze Box Touch for internet radio, I really like "The Jazz Groove" laid back jazz on internet radio, it is hi-fi broadcast.

I am sure your ears are better tuned than mine both preamps sound great to me, now back to the music. I have Tekton DI SE which were released before the Moab. Also have KEF LS-50 that I use subs with shocking sound out of a small box with good front end.

I used to think speakers were most important but realize that what's up front counts also which the LS-50's showed me. 
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?
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