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GREAT NEWS! The Coda Technology new #16 amplifier will arrive this week

I was just informed that Coda's brand new model #16, which is based on the latest generation of improvements used in the #8, will be arriving later this week for review for The Stereo Times website.  Since the reviews I have done on the #8 amplifier and the 07x preamplifier, I have received numerous inquires when I'll get this piece in for review.

This beast of an amplifier, over hundred pounds with one of the largest power supplies in a single chassis design on the market, delivers 100 Class A before it crosses over into A/B. The Coda #8, is in my opinion, one of the best SS amps on the market for under ten grand.  I expect, based on the run Coda is on with their new generation of gear, that the #16 will be a beautiful musical performer.  We shall see! I still find it amazing based on build quality/performance that Coda's prices are so damn reasonable.  Yes, the #16 will retail for around 12K, not inexpensive.  However, I guarantee if this amplifier was manufactured by other high-end American or European companies it would be triple the price. If the #16 takes the already superlative performance of the #8 to another level, it will be truly a "killer" of an amplifier. 




teajay
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
Hey twoleftears,

No, the Magnus amplifier is the solid state division of Canary Audio. I have reviewed a couple of their pieces (DAC/amplifier) which were very good along with their superlative tube gear. However, this has nothing to do regarding this thread on Coda's new generation of amplifiers.
yyzsantabarbara
4,538 posts
 
I have the spec sheets for both the CODA #8 and #16 from CODA. If someone can point me to a shared online location to upload, I can do so. A bit ridiculous that info is not available on the CODA web site however, the company is good at returning emails.

I was considering 3 amps, Benchmark AHB2 | Luxman m900u | CODA #8 or #16. I have heard the AHB2 and m900u. I like both of them a lot but have a few issues, the AHB2 is a little under-powered but I like the incredible silence on that amp. The m900u is noisier but is sweeter and sounds great. 

I have a chance to either audition of buy blind the #16 (and save a few bucks) . That SNR of 130 on the CODA #16 was eye popping to me (SNR of 116 on CODA #8). It is almost as good as the AHB2 but with the sweeter character of the Luxman. It seems a best of both worlds, I think I am sold.

My preamp is the Benchmark HPA4 with a SNR of 137 so I want an amp very close to that. I can hear the difference in the silence.
yyzsantabarbara
4,538 posts
 
Back in Jan or Feb 2020 I was PMing someone here who had bought the AHB2 and also the CODA # 15.5. The CODA was bought just before the #16 came out. It is supposed to have all the same circuitry as the #16 except for a smaller power supply. Last week, I saw this persons CODA #15.5 on sale on USAudiomart for the price of a new CODA #8.  My audio money is tied up in a financial investment for a little while longer. So today, I cannot go for that #15.5 myself. Just an FYI.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,866 posts
 
They should really get that information out there on the web site to make it more official especially for products like this that require a significant investment and might have other special things to consider. Info through the grapevine is not the same. I find getting hyped up on a new product then not even finding it on the makers website a big letdown.

For example I have read one of the models spec’ed to deliver up to 100amps. That’s a lot! Catches my eye but then I wonder if the typical household circuit can handle that ( I read a typical US household circuit is only rated for 15-20 amps) and also what the power consumption is. If Class A and that much juice, must be very expensive to run!

My Bel Canto ref1000m Class D amps will trigger the breaker on that circuit in my house if I power them both up at the same time. Each is speced to deliver 45 amps peak. Otherwise, they are very efficient and things run fine. I’ve never had them flip a breaker while running. Maybe if I went even louder.....


All that aside, the 16 is a very good looking amp that I would very much like to hear.  If ever I were to drop $16K on an amp, maybe this is the one I would consider.

teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
Hey mapman,

I have 20 amp dedicated circuits and have no problems tripping the circuit breaker turning on any amplifier. I never turn off the #16 and it draws around 230 watts and runs cool for a Class A design. So, I would not call the #16 a "green" design, but not expensive to run. Also you can put it into standby to conserve more energy, it only takes a few minutes to come up to speed because the standby mode keeps the caps charged.
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