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
an update to my "bleed-thru" issue. it seems that my issue is more serious. as sometimes, i’m getting balance-2 still playing fully, when i switch from balance-2 to balance-1.

after speaking with doug dale, i packed it up and sent it off. it very well could be a relay, in my case, after all. but doug did say the bleed-thru i’ve read about here is most likely not this issue, but a simple situation of one or both of the sources being hot, w/a lot of gain. in that case, you could change the source layout to your inputs, or, as folks have indicated, just turn off the source that’s bleeding thru. it seems my issue is something else.

doug s.
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.

I hate the push button volume control that can accidently go into the unwanted state if you inadvertently hit the knob. You also need to have the 07x placed close to eye level so that you know what operational state it is in. It is hard to read the GUI.

I hate the fact that it is not dead silent. At least in comparison to my previous preamp, the Benchmark HPA4.

If this unit did not sound so good I would sell it. Since my need for 2 sets of XLR's is diminished the Benchmark LA4 preamp will come back into the system to potentially replace the 07x. I should add that I now also own the CODA # 8 amp, which I like a lot. The KRELL K-300i integrated that I was planning on selling was kept and I am so happy I kept it. So the CODA 07x is on shaky ground with me.

Another issue I had was that the volume control's internal wire had become loose from shipping. I was getting all manner of problems with the preamp due to that issue. I opened up the case and pushed the wire connection together and that solved all the crazy operational errors that I was having. Doug Dale was very helpful in working with me to resolve it, though I figured it out.

yyzsantabarbara
i don’t think normal bleed-thru is an issue that would warrant selling the preamp. simply turn off the source that’s bleeding thru.

regarding other uses of the preamp, the only thing i really use via the remote is the volume, so i really an not all that concerned about the other features...
Teajay, thanks man for your illuminating input on various gear.  Sounds like the Coda preamp is killer solid state kit.  Have u heard the SPLElector preamp?  If u have, any thoughts on how they compare?  I am your southern neighbor in Springfield, IL.
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.