Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.
10-24-11
Hi, i've spent a lot of time looking for the bes ... Prawax
11-26-11
Who knows how playback design would stack up against it ... Branislav
11-26-11
Hi branislav, i can easily answer your question. ... Teajay
11-27-11
I hope the playback design was fully broken in and warm ... Branislav
11-27-11
Yes branislav, the playback design was fully bro ... Teajay
11-29-11
I have owned the playback and do not see what all the h ... Jwm
11-28-11
Dear branislav, i’ve auditioned the mpd-5 at my ... Prawax
11-29-11
Jwm, what do you use now? Branislav
12-07-11
Im thinking of getting this dac but just 1 spdif input ... Badwisdom
12-07-11
Hi badwisdom, i believe that mr. tsuda's philoso ... Teajay
12-08-11
Hey tea jay, well i've been in contact with cf o ... Badwisdom
12-10-11
Branislav i am using a modright modded oppo 95 cd playe ... Jwm
12-13-11
Badwisdom, i've heard the dac with a mac+amarra ... Rbautista
12-14-11
I know this is a long shot, but any thoughts on how thi ... Ps68
12-14-11
Hi ps68, i used to use the mbl 1531 transport, u ... Teajay
12-15-11
Teajay, many thanks for the response. my onl ... Ps68
12-15-11
Hi paul, i know very well how wadia s7i sounds; ... Prawax
12-15-11
Hi paul, yes, i have tried many nos 12au7's in b ... Teajay
12-15-11
Hey paul, i forgot to also mention how important ... Teajay
12-16-11
Many thanks for the above thought's chap's, i am giving ... Ps68
12-16-11
Paul, hope this good enough, the dac has the sam ... Teajay
12-17-11
Thanks teajay, yes it helps enough, i'll read the revie ... Ps68
01-25-12
Teajay, where is the best place to buy the extra tubes ... Husk01
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Husk01,
Congrets on your new CF DAC-040, I'm sure you will be delighted with how it will sound in your system.
The tubes that it is shipped with at best are nothing to write home about and do not let this DAC really sing as it can with the right NOS tubes.
For the 6CA4/EZ81 rectifier tube I recommend any NOS Mullard, RCA, Volvo, or Mazda, and yes this tube makes a great difference in the performance of the DAC.
For the pair of 12AU7's my favorite Choice is either a NOS 5814 or 6189 Sylvania Gold Brand Gold pin or a Mazda 5814 chrome plate. I have over 25 types of 12AU7's and these sound the best in the DAC in my system.
These tubes came from Brent Jesse Audio who is a great guy and his tubes are first rate. Have Fun!
Teajay 01-26-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Teajay, Thanks for the info.
Husk01 01-26-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Teajay, What power cord are you using with the 040?
Husk01 01-26-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Husk01,
I use a Harmonix Studio Master on this DAC with great results.
Teajay 01-27-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Husk01,
also my congratulations for your new CF DAC-040!
For your information (hoping this can help you) as power cord I use a Prana Wire Samadhi with amazing results too.
Regards,
Prawax 01-27-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
I have dac 040 on order too, looking forward to installing it now the crossovers are settled.. I'll update with some thoughts in due course!
Ps68 01-27-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
great news!
I'm waiting for your thought about it.
Best regards,
Prawax 01-27-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
I have the Concert Fidelity CF-080 preamp, so I know about the quality and sound of CF gear. In short, it is SOTA. But, keep in mind you need a world class transport with the 040 and it's one input.
Talk2me 02-21-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Looking forward to the 040's arrival soon, and will partner it with my MBL, though i do have access to a PS Audio Perfectwave Transport which i may test, any comments on this piece?
It seems that CF is gaining the recognition they deserve, though many still have not heard of them.
Ps68 02-23-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
I know a well respected Concert Fidelity dealer and for audio shows he uses Concert Fidelity preamp, Venture Speakers, Hegel amp and Weiss DAC with modded Esoteric transport.
Talk2me 02-23-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi,
I use a Métronome Technologie Kalista Référence with my CF DAC-040 and the result is incredible; it's the best sound I've ever heard!
Regards,
Prawax 02-25-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
I can believe that Prawax, I've been running the metronome today at a show in the uk, it proved better than the cd8 considerably, though I understand you use the transport not the cdp.. Pricey, but excellent.
Ps68 02-25-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
thanks for your feedback; what kind of MT have you been running today, is it the brand new series MT CD8? I ask you this because I heard it last week thanks to my MT french friend and it impressed me.
Best regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 02-26-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
It was the Kallista integrated CD player, the cd8 i was referring to was the ARC, i just noticed that MT do a CD 'Eight' also, but no, the one we were using was the Kallista with the external PSU. A very very good sound was achieved via ARC ref5se and 150, with both Wilson Sophia3 and Sonus Faber Amati Futura, utterly gorgeous looking speakers. We also ran it from AES out to the Devialet, and into the Amati, not quite the Arc's, but still impressive. The Devialet is a remarkable feat of electronic engineering.
I'm expecting the 040 in the next week or two, so will update, very keen to hear this baby!
Ps68 02-27-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
I understood that you made the comparison with ARC CD8, but I thought that you could do it with a MT CD8 as this is a new brand.
The Kalista Integré is a stunning CDP but not at the same level as Kalista CDT with a good DAC.
If possible, I suggest you to try a MT T2A Signature; It’s a beautiful transport with the same CDM PRO Philips of Kalista and an excellent external PSU.
Take note: the best production of this gear is the last one, before its stop.
Best wishes for your expecting baby ;-)
Piermauro
Prawax 02-27-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Wow, i cant imagine how the 040 and MT Kalista reference T would sound, it must be truly truly stunning..
I may well try out the MT Transports, is the current version the T3a? I see that they use the CD pro 12 mech, whereas the MBL uses the costly higher spec pro2M, so it could be an interesting test. I can get a loan sample to try when the CF040 arrives. I spoke with Masa today, shipment imminent ;-))
Ps68 02-27-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
the MT 3A is a very good CDT but, excluding the Kalista, the best MT drives are the T2A or the T2i used as transport:
www.positive-feedback.com/Issu...
Best regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 02-28-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
I hope you are well.
Are there news about it?
We are waiting for your feedback.
Regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 03-10-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hello Piermauro,
The Dac 040 has arrived at uk customs, awaiting release which should be in the next 2 days. I will hopefully receive it mid week, and will install it asap!
Also, many thanks for the info on the Metronome transports, i may look into a T2a, in the future. Do you know when MT stopped making them?
I have been testing a PS Audio P5 in the system for the last 2 weeks, it is a very good addition, and i will most likely order the P10 this week, as i need the extra outlets.
Best Regards,
Paul.
Ps68 03-11-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hello Paul,
good news, wonderful!
There are just few pcs of MT T2A CDT sold because it was a model essentially custom-made and the last one unit was made in 2011; anyway the best realizations born beginning from 2009.
It’s not easy to find the T2A so you can also consider the T2i (it’s like the T2A but with an internal DAC and there are more quantities sold in the market) and use it only as transport.
Best Regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 03-12-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Well, the CF dac 040 arrived middle of last week, and was installed into the system straight away. After just a few hrs of warming up/settling etc, i didn't need to sit down and listen for the difference, it was clear. The internal dac section of the already excellent MBL 1531 was totally outclassed by the new CF 040. Separation, texture, impact, space, while already very good were just getting better. I had to be away for 3 days over the weekend, so listening didn't resume until last night, when i had 5 hrs non stop. I swapped tubes to nos Sylvania 12au7, and was rewarded with more body and depth of instruments. The bass clarinet played on Anouar Brahems 'The astounding Eyes of Rita' was simply the best i have ever heard, totally convincing that it was being played in front of me, (i often listen in darkness). Again 30 mins before work this morning after leaving a cd on all night, wonderful.
So, i can wholeheartedly concur and offer many thanks to all of you who have enlightened me to this piece.
Happy Listening,
Paul.
Ps68 03-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
I wonder how much different this DAC is than the Zanden 5000 series. It seems that they share quite a bit of the same design philosophy and, basically, the same DAC chip, (although the Zanden's chip is supposedly the creme de la creme of the breed). I find this DAC intriguing based on comments made here but can't help but ponder whether a preowned Zanden might deliver as much or even more of the good stuff. The C-040 is now $12000, I believe, so the Zanden could now be "accessible" pricewise, by comparison.
Anyone heard both enough to offer an assessment?
Acresverde 03-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
I'm very happy for you!
Enjoy your CF DAC-040.
Best regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 03-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Acresverde,
I've compared both DACs in the same system (a long time) and IMHO the Zanden is a good dac but the CF DAC-040 is light years better...
Best regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 03-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Prawax,
I am considering what to do next in digital...i have the Zanden now...can you provide more specifics as to how/why the Concert Fidelity is superior to the Zanden? Thanks for your guidance!
Lloydelee21 07-15-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Lloydelee21
thank you for your interesting answer.
The first sensation is that the sense of rhythm (more in general PRAT) is slower in the Zanden than in the CF.
This is evident especially playing songs with a lot of groove. Another big difference is that the 5000S seems to lack the deep side of low, low frequency.
The instruments body is lighter with less definition and the notes decay is shorter (notes seem almost to cut off) compared to the CF.
The voices (female/male) are less lifelike with less harmonic extension; it’s the same thing about instruments that have a lower sense of physique presence
and a timbre less close to reality.
About ambient feedback (echo back from recording location) the Zanden lacks some information VS the CF.
I think that Zanden Audio intention was to make a different converter from the last generation of hyper analytic DACs and actually it obtained a converter
sweet and musical but, if compared to the CF or to a very good analog front end, also rather aseptic with less PRAT and lifelike emotion. IMHO. IME. YMMV. FWIW.
I hope this help.
About further questions, don't hesitate to ask me.
BR,
Prawax 07-17-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Prawax,
Thanks for that...my own view of Zanden compared to today's SOTA digital that i have heard is: Zanden tonality is still wonderful and the flow of music excellent. Still SOTA. The detail, decay, extension and noise floor are still great but not SOTA. There are units that have definitively surpassed it (imho)...but some of those units still not get the flow/tonality right for me.
Thus, i have stayed where i am...but am only now starting to think someone out there must have been able to achieve both to a degree that is a major step up. Sounds like your CF is one...i think having heard an earlier generation...that Stahl Tek may be another. Thanks for your comments!
Lloydelee21 07-18-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Lloydelee21,
Thanks for your kind reply ;-)
I’ve already listened the Stahl~Tek Opus DAC (with Opus CDT) and I’ve absolutely liked it and I think it's a good Converter (I’m speaking about RedBook only).
Based on these my two experiences I still prefer my CF; anyway I know my opinion is not full reliable because I couldn’t listened it in my system (all was different) so I can't know how the Opus could play with my CDT, Pre, Power, Speakers, Cables, Room...; I would like to compare it VS the CF and listen it in my system asap (the problem is that at the moment, in Italy, there aren’t any S~T distributors).
Have a nice day and BR,
Prawax 07-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Prawax,
Grazie mille! Have you heard the Emm Labs DAC2X? I did not love Emm Labs CDSA when i heard it...but i have not heard the newer Emm players.
I have never heard Stahl Tek Opus...only the original Vekian...very impressive. But i liked the midrange voice of my Zanden. However, i have heard the Opus is much, much better, with better air, treble and mids. i hope to hear soon. I will let you know if i do...meanwhile, i will try to hear the Concert Fidelity as well.
Lloydelee21 07-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Prawax,
I am curious...can you be specific about why you prefer your CF over the STahl-Tek? I know that you have not compared them directly the way you would like to...but i would appreciate any comments about this. Thank you!
Lloydelee21 07-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Lloydelee21,
PREGO ;-)
Unfortunately I’ve never listened the Emm Labs DAC2X, sorry…
The CF-040 sound seems (IMHO) more analog than S~T Opus sound (more density, the music simply flows in the space with body and presence).
But I repeat that I’ve not compared them directly so I can’t be sure of this.
BR,
Prawax 07-24-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Prawax,
Thanks!!! sounds great!
Lloydelee21 07-24-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Just as an update, i have been running my personal DAC 040 recently with a Mazda EZ81 (NOS, of course), and a pair of Tung Sol 12 BH7a's, (again, nos) and the result is an utterly mesmerising experience, i want for no more**.. Over the 12AU7's i have been using, the really low frequency has become so fluent and effortless, but by no means soft, it still has grip, i would recommend this tube!
I also have 080LsxV2/ZL120's on order.. Am representing CF in the UK now.
**(though maybe a Kallista/Calypso transport..)
Ps68 10-20-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
great news!!
With the 080LsxV2/ZL120's/040 (of course) and maybe MT top CDT, your system will be absolutely awesome ;-)
I would like to tell you my personal opinion about Kalista VS Calypso CDT; if possible, Paul, try to get a Kalista Ref.
IMHO, the Kalista features are better than Calypso; for example in the K. there are two acrylic plates, in the C. only one (also the K. Ultimate SE have one plate but its depth is about the double of the acrylic C. plate).
In the K. the cones are in stainless steel, in the C. are in anodized aluminum.
In any case Paul, my suggestion is to choose the Reference version with the Elektra PSU and Silent Base.
Thank you so much for your NOS tubes advice.
Best regards,
Prawax 10-26-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hello Piermauro,
Again many thanks for the info, i will most likely try to find a Kallista in due course, there are few in the UK but i know our distributer so maybe i will try one ;-)
Some news from Japan, i need to check whether i can discuss it yet here, but an upgrade to DAC 040 may be available soon, more details to follow..
On the tube front also, ECC 802s for classical, it works so well. I swap tubes depending on music preferences..
Best Regards,
Paul.
Ps68 11-13-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Ok, so the DAC 040 (V1.0 & V1.5) is now upgradeable to BD spec. This involves the implementation of a Ni-Mh battery drive (automatically rechargeable) for the digital to analogue stage. Those that have heard this modification by Concert Fidelity in Japan are impressed and excited. Each countries distributor will know more soon!
All being well, we will have a new unit for comparison by christmas, so will update again then..
Best Regards to all..
Paul.
Ps68 11-14-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Wonderful news! Thank you so much indeed Paul.
I will contact ASAP the italian distributor.
Pls, Paul let us know about the comparison.
All the best,
Piermauro
Prawax 11-24-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
No problem Piermauro, i will let you know as soon as we have the upgrade
here in the UK..
We have the 080 and 120 amplifiers here also now, they have been installed
for just two days, just incredible transparency..Also fast, with wonderful
texture and tonality.. This is state of the art, in minimalist circuitry.
Best Rgds,
Paul
Ps68 11-28-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Ps68,
Did you manage to get hold of the battery modified DAC-040?
Eagerly looking forward to hear your impressions.
I have a DAC-040 arriving soon.
Taksil 12-09-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Taksil, it will be with us late December/ early January I expect. As is, it is a wonderful dac given a good transport and valve selection.
Keep us posted on your impression, and let us know what partnering equipment you will be using.
Rgds,
Paul
Ps68 12-09-12
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
The CF DAC arrived yesterday. Revisiting my CD collection ever since.
+1 for Teejay's review of the 4 fundementals of the CF-040 DAC!
Taksil 01-02-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Taksil,
That's great to hear, and I also agree that Teajay's perception of the qualities of this piece are spot on. I'm sure you'll hear digital differently now, and have fun with the tubes!
I see from your system (which is very good indeed) that you also use the CF080LSXV2, a perfect partner to the DAC! Both are really special, as are the ZL amplifiers, so much so that I have my ASR Emitter 2 for sale now, something I never thought I'd do!
Keep us posted on how it's going btw..
Rgds,
Paul
& Happy New Year to everyone here!
Ps68 01-03-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi PS68...did you decide on your transport yet?
Lloydelee21 01-03-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
LLoyd,
Not yet no, i will wait for a while on this as there has been a hefty investment in some ZL200's and stock, though i do see a MT K as icing on a very nice cake indeed..
Ps68 01-04-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
LLoydelee21,, I have 040 that I am going to be selling because I am going to get a dac with vol controlcyrus. If you are interested, you can email me at downtowncyrus@aol.com
Cyrus 01-03-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
I hope you are well.
Do you have some news about the comparison?
Pls, if possible Paul could you let me know the upgrade cost and if I can do the upgrade myself?
Thank you so much Paul.
All the best,
Piermauro
Prawax 01-18-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Piermauro, Hello..
Today I received news from Japan that the upgrade is on final test, Tsuda-San is very thorough. It is not user upgradeable though, there is a new circuit added. Does Italy's distributor have some info for you?
All being well, the first UK sample will arrive late January, I promise comparison!
Again, best Regards..
Paul.
Ps68 01-18-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Thank you so much indeed for your kind and fast reply Paul. I contacted the Italy's distributor some days ago and I'm waiting for the answer.
I'm looking forward to know your impression on the upgrade ;-)
Best regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 01-19-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Piermauro,
It may be worth emailing CF direct for info if you do not hear back soon..
Best Rgds,
Paul.
Ps68 01-19-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Just a brief update: the upgrade to the DAC040 is complete and I now have a sample here for testing :-))
Installation will be over this weekend, initial listening won't be until Sunday evening due to commitments but I'll be sure to post when the unit is settled and doing it's thing..
Best,
Paul.
Ps68 04-06-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
definitely look forward to reading about your observations! Enjoy! At some point, as discussed offline, would love to have a listen. I recently made a big move and found a complete, 2nd hand set (latest spec) Zanden 4-box. Having learned to switch out all the tubes to various NOS versions, and add a lot of HRS/EAT Tube damping isolation...it remains my favorite digital beyond Scarlatti, Stahl-Tek, Metronome Kalista Ref/C2A, Wadia...but i respect what everyone has said here about this DAC.
Lloydelee21 04-06-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Wow, congratulations Lloyd, you kept that quiet;-))
Could be an interesting comparison, I think the Zanden / CF could be well worth a shoot out?? I'll keep you posted, need to get the speaker isolation plinths produced in the next week or so, then I can get stuck in, your welcome to join in!
P.
Ps68 04-06-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
I just installed Stillpoints Ultra Vs under my speakers. Great stuff. Look forward to speaking shortly.
Lloydelee21 04-06-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Paul,
great news!! I can't wait.. :))
All the best,
Piermauro
Prawax 04-09-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
I can say already that dynamics, along with the transparency that this DAC is known for have taken a big step forward, note formation is also very good now, the difference is not so subtle here!
I will add more when time with BD 040 evolves!
Best,
P.
Ps68 04-10-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Congrats Paul! Look forward to reading more!
Lloydelee21 04-10-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hullo:
I am a complete novice in the use and rolling of of tubes. But I too am lucky enough to have one of these wonderful CF DAC-040s. I notice that some people are using Tung Sol 12AU7, 12bh7 or 12bh7a with it. I have found the Tung Sol 5670 to work very well with my headphone amp (Elekit TU88 AS) and am substantially preferring the tonality Tung Sol to other 5670s, such as Sylvania Gold Brand 5670s on it. Does that mean I would quite possibly prefer the Tung Sol 12AU7 or 12bh7 or 12bh7a on the CF-040 relative to the Sylvania Gold Pin Gold Brand 12AU7? Would anyone on this forum have recommendations that I could use in this regard? For example, Paul, I saw your comment from October last year about Tung Sol. Any ideas anyone has for enhancing my enjoyment of this great DAC would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Hasan
Agriculturist 04-12-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi:
FYI, to those who might be considering the use of 12bh7a/12bh7 tubes as I had been, I was just informed by Mr. Tsuda himself that these are not recommended for the DAC-040. BTW I am now using some Tung Sol 12AU7s and they are certainly very much to my taste.
Hasan
Agriculturist 04-18-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hello Hasan,
Congrats on your choice of DAC, welcome to the elite!
With regard to tube selection in this dac, it is very hard to say which would sound better to you out of your choices, and replicating what worked well in your headphone amp would not necessarily offer similar results in the dac. Trial is the only real way of knowing I'm afraid, but this is trivially easy in this piece anyway. My current preference is for Mazda 6189 or the Tung Sol 12BH7. Sometimes the BH7 is a little congested, so for rock etc it is great because it has a deep and strong bottom end, with real punch. The 6189 gives a slightly more balanced output, very refined and holographic, great for jazz, classical, and pretty much anything really. I use the Mazda 6189 in the CF080LSX2 pre amp also.
With regard to actually using the BH7, there are some differences to AU7's, and you are perfectly correct, Masa Tsuda does recommend AU7 in this piece, but BH7 is ok, it won't cause any harm.. However, Masa Tsuda is 'the man', an audio designer and manufacturer that I have unending respect for!
In addition, the upgrade to this DAC of a battery to power the dac chip itself is nothing short of astonishing. Sublime is a word that keeps appearing in my head when i'm listening to it, clarity, transparency, tonality and depth of the soundstage have all been helped with this implementation, as have dynamics. It seems that you are 'exposed' to the recording more and are delving deeper into the event that took place in the studio, concert hall or wherever. I'm now very curious to test it with a top level transport such as the MT or Zanden as Lloyd knows:-))
Best Rgds,
Paul.
Ps68 04-19-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Yes, I do! ;)
Lloydelee21 04-19-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Hasan,
thank you so much for your advice.
BR,
Prawax 04-19-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Paul: Thanks for the info. Good to know about the upgrade.
Hasan
Agriculturist 04-19-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
gents- I am looking at a preowned dac -040- How much is the upgrade and do you have to send it back to the factory- On a side note I am also looking at the 080 pre- Since My ATC 100's run xlr would it be a problem using a xlr/rca converter- thanks- I currently am running the Ayon cd-5 and assume that the CF will smoke it???- thanks
Fluffers 04-20-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Fluffers,
Welcome.. Yes, the DAC has to be returned to Japan, this upgrade is not user installable at all, it involves new circuits and very high precision fitting and testing. With regards to the used DAC040, try to establish whether it is V1.0, or V1.5. Both can be upgraded though. V1.5 is newer version. Are you US based?
Cost is set by your country distributor, and will be around $3500 for the upgrade without AC back up, and $5500 for a complete rebuild to current spec, inc AC back up. This will involves replacement of everything except the chassis and HV power supply board. If you combine the full rebuild cost with the used price of the local DAC040, you may well end up with one of the very best 16bit DA convertors around, the upgrade is simply stunning. I have both units side by side, the BD is a significant development!
Let us know what you decide, happy to help..
Best Rgds,
Paul.
Ps68 04-22-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Ps68, How do you determine if the dac is V1.0 or V1.5?
Cyrus 04-22-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi Cyrus,
Unplug and let valves cool if needed, unscrew top cover with 2mm hex supplied, look at the rear upright PCB, right hand side, lower edge, it will be printed there..
Link below to image of the location, albeit this is the 080 Pre.
[URL=s431.photobucket.com/user/PRSR...]
Ps68 04-23-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hi All,
the upgrade cost sounds too expansive (IMO).
Best regards,
Piermauro
Prawax 04-23-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Great posts guys!
We have a CF DAC 040 BD on order and should be here in about month. Once received, we will post about differences between the BD and non-BD versions as we will also have them side by side.
Heck, maybe if I ask nicely Teajay will even come over and do his own mini review :o)
- Note - We are an authorized CF dealer
Audio Archon
Angus80808 04-24-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hey, my brother Mike,
I'm quite curious as you know to hear the latest upgrade regarding the CF DAC-040. So, of course I'll write up our experience regarding this generation DAC's sonic changes/improvements. We both agree that we still have not heard a better DAC on redbook and we have heard a lot of the highly regarded pieces that are acclaimed by others.
Teajay 04-25-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Gents,
I'm looking forward to your experiences with this also..
Have fun..
Ps68 04-25-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hullo:
I would like to mention for those who might be interested, that, at the recommendation of someone who sold me his CF DAC-040, I have been using a John Kenny Ciunas converter to re-clock the digital output from my Mac Mini before sending it to the DAC-040. This exercise has succeeded far beyond my expectations, and the sound I have started enjoying from decent CDs easily rivals what I hear from my very good turntable and cartridge. No way for me to tell what many of you are getting by using your CD transports, but the computer option can work very well too with DAC-040.
Regards
Agriculturist 04-25-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Hello Agriculturist,
We had a similar experience with the inexpensive Hegel HD2 reclocker. There may be better converters, but it works great with the DAC-040!
We do sell both Hegel and CF.
Archon
Angus80808 04-27-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
That's good to hear as I've not ventured into computer audio so far, though I believe that a CF USB-SPdif convertor may be introduced at some point..
Angus, how did this compare with the best transport you have available?
Best rgds,
Paul.
Ps68 04-28-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Masa's battery upgrade to the 040 DAC is a major performance upgrade to an already World Class DAC. If you have his original DAC, you know how good it is! The battery upgrade will astound you as to how much better digital can be! I would urge all users of the original DAC to receive this battery upgrade-you will not be disappointed.
Powder1 05-05-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
Absolutely, I have been trialling an Esoteric K-03 as potential transport this last week, which works very well with the DAC040BD in fact, but in comparison with the internal dac of the K-03, the CF/BD is in another league. In comparison to the SACD section, redbook cd (DAC040BD) is very very close, more organic and less fatiguing, but with hugely impressive dynamics. Playing Ivan Fisher/Budapest PO Mahler's 1st Symphony yesterday was no less than absolutely spectacular, the weight and scale, seriously thunderous LF, truly amazing.
Ps68 05-08-13
Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter
At first you hear a much quieter background as if the noise floor has been lowered. Perhaps RFI and EMI gremlins are lessened in the source playback chain. Frequency extremes are extended. The bass is deeper and more organic. Tonal purity, accuracy and definition are superbly rendered as well as soundstage width and depth. It's as if the source has "slowed" ever so slightly to allow every aspect of source reproduction to be improved. Digital becomes softer, sweeter, more involving and far, far less mechanical sounding. The battery upgrade is not subtle-you will hear it's effects immediately. The BD upgrade takes a superb DAC to a significantly higher level of playback enjoyment.
Powder1 05-11-13
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