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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
yyzsantabarbara
5,543 posts
 

@kemp22 Congrats on joining the club. I have the #16 and had the 07x at one time. I did something wacky last month I purchased a 20-year-old CODA #11. After some testing with the #11 and #16 on my very best speakers and DAC. I came to the conclusion that the #11 was actually a better match than the #16. I am going direct to amp with this DAC since a preamp limits the DAC.

I now have the #16 on my used $1000 Magnepan Mini speakers in my office. Total overkill but that setup sounds incredible.

I still feel the #16 is a better amp than the #11 since it is a tiny bit cleaner on top, but on my best system the #11 was a better listening experience. I think it was the DAC that was causing this result since it is very revealing.  

 

 

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
868 posts
 

Like @yyzsantabarbara , I too have moved on from the 07X. It was a fine unit and to its credit, miss it from time to time. It was replaced by an Audible Illusions L3A. It served me well for a while. That was replaced with an Audia Flight PRE. The Audia brand is growing on me as it is slowly taking over both systems. Lol. 

larsman's avatar
larsman
3,122 posts
 

@kemp22 - I live in SF; just wondering, who did you see at the Cow Palace?

kemp22
2 posts
 

@wturkey - Awesome, glad you found something you like better :) Keep hearing how great audia flight is, but have yet to experience for myself.

@larsman - Saw Griz and Gramatic, with a few others opening for them. What a blast! Im a bass head through and through, which is what drew me to Coda. Im actually having and issue with the 07x, where the noisefloor at idleand while playing is very loud. Needing to send back to coda to figure it out, but im using the preouts from the Vincent and getting to experience the qualities of the No. 16 outside its partner 07x. The bass control from that thing is just nuts! Have you seen anything at the palace lately?

@yyzsantabarbara - hey bud, hlad youre still enjoying some Coda gear,  and too funny youre running the 16 on little maggies lol. We actually chatted a while back when you were selling your Krell K-300i, and I was gonna come by for a listen as im a Santa Barbara guy too! We should meet up for a sesh soon :)

yyzsantabarbara
5,543 posts
 

@kemp22 Great to hear from another local audio fan. Loved that Krell K-300i. I was debating whether to buy the CODA #11 or the same Krell Duo 175XD that I see up for sale. It was the same serial number I sold to buy the CODA #16, but my old 175XD looks a little beaten up these days. 

Send me a DM if you want to discuss the 07x or anything else.  A great preamp for the CODA amps is the Benchmark LA4.  I owned that preamp for over a decade and it was great with everything I put on it. Except, my new Imersiv D-1 DAC that was not optimal through the uber revealing LA4. The D-1 is more revealing and the LA4 was an impediment. I now go direct to CODA #16 and CODA #11. I have a $280 Schiit Saga 2 coming in next week to be a stop gap preamp for my tuners (maybe permanent).

 

 

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