Your Opinion of Coda CSiB Integrated Amplifier?


Hello to all:

I am considering a Coda CSiB amplifier (the 18 watt class A version).  I would be using it with an easy to drive pair of speakers (89dB/watt) at very moderate levels, so no issue with needing high current/big power.  If you have this amplifier, or have listened to it to any degree, what do you think of it?  Many Thanks!

fastcat95

Integrated amps  can be great ,but not cheap 

coda CSIB I owned the latest ,amplifier section excellent , preamp section not so much so it is a passive type on a Burr Brown chip ,

a true preamp would have dedicated power supplies and a resistive ladder ,relay 

volume attenuator ,no cheap alps volume pots like many still do. I have a Alluxity 

integrated amp which is excellent ,it is a Vitus Jr built in the same facility on a smaller scale but still using premium parts throughout.

The CSiB DOES have an active FET preamplifier based on part of their very excellent 07 preamplifier.  It also has separate regulated power supplies, and the BB chip volume control that many in the high end are using. The CSiB does NOT have a "passive" preamplifier!  The Vitus Jr looks like a very nice unit, which it should be for costing MUCH more than the CSiB.  I find it hard to understand why people bring up much more expensive audio equipment far out of the price range I am interested in.

fastcat95

I do not own the CSiB integrated, but have owned or installed a few for friends; right now I own a S5.5. I'm a big fan of the CODA house all around.

I know you mentioned that you did not need a "high current" amp, but the CSiB is quite a powerful high current beast......as most CODAs are.

I cannot see a way that a lower cost product could hope to match a $24K pair of mono blocks as far as bass and control.

@fastcat95 Just so you know and this is not saying anything about a particular amplifier, high end audio is not driven by price, its driven by intention. What that means is that there are less expensive amps that sound better in every way than some more expensive amps, and there are expensive amps that sound better than some inexpensive amps. 

You cannot make assumptions based on price alone. The intention of the designer is paramount. 

atmasphere:  I agree that overall, price is not a "sure thing" indicator of performance, even with Classe.  But given the massive power supply and output sections of these Classe mono units, it is no surprise that they would outdo the Coda stereo amplifier in the bass (grip, slam, and power).