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! |
I know this is a long shot, but any thoughts on how this would fare with my MBL 1531 as the transport, against the PBD5 or a Wadia S7i, or even 1531 + ARC Dac8?
Currently there is no uk importer, though Mr Tsuda is working on this, so a comparison is not possible. I don't think there are any CF 040 in the uk at all.
Any views would be very highly appreciated as 2012 will see my source get an upgrade.
Best Regards and seasons greetings to all..
Ps |
Teajay,
Many thanks for the response.
My only option here is to bite the bullet, as there is no demo option yet. I have been in touch with Mr Tsuda, and respect his professionalism, he seems good to deal with.
Out of interest, have you tried alternative tubes?
Regards,
Paul. |
Many thanks for the above thought's chap's, i am giving this unit some consideration over Xmas break. I have a crossover rebuild going on now, so when complete i can introduce some candidates, current gut feeling is the CF will fit well. I don't use sacd, mac or anything other than 16/44.1, for now at least. If i do go mac route, i could add something like an empirical off ramp4 perhaps.
Teajay, if there is any time when you have the top off of the 040, would you be able to take a photo and email it to me, I'm often more interested in the innards than the case on these things. Only if it's no trouble though!
Best Regards to all,
Paul. |
Thanks Teajay, yes it helps enough, i'll read the review in full tomorrow when i have more time but it sounds like the pre is also very musical..
Hope you are enjoying yours..
Best regards,
Paul. |
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. |
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. |
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! |
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 ;-)) |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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..) |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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! |
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.. |
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. |
Piermauro,
It may be worth emailing CF direct for info if you do not hear back soon..
Best Rgds,
Paul. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Hello,
No, DAC 040 has hand built transformer to match your country's voltage rating. It is very high quality WB transformer.
Best Rgds,
Paul. |
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. |
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. |
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=http://s431.photobucket.com/user/PRSRDS/media/CF%20080LSX2/080LSX2-7_zps74879f2a.jpg.html] |
Gents,
I'm looking forward to your experiences with this also..
Have fun.. |
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. |
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. |
Hi Teajay & All,
Glad to hear that you got to test the BD DAC recently, also to hear that you consider the improvements to be an evolution of the standard model. I agree that night and day is not a good term, as you say the standard dac is extremely good anyway, just the extra air and top end extension is easy to hear..
We are going to be running a fairly large room at the UK National Audio Show this september with the full CF line up, using my recently acquired MBL 1621a as transport, and TAD CR1's which I'm certain will provide a very involving sound. Masa Tsuda is to visit the UK for the show too - what a privilege!!
KR,
Paul. |
Thanks Teajay, I'll check them out.. |
Hi Lyd4711,
That is great to hear, I know you will enjoy many fine hours of pure music!
Best Regards,
Paul. |
Hello Lyd4711,
Thank you. Mullard 6Ca4 is good as rectifier, I have tried several, but each time Mr Mullard just fits. I use this in pre 080 also.
12AU7
There are some really good sounding tubes out there, and I agree, sifting through anecdotal evidence can be tiring. For me, in my system, I like the following: Mazda 6189 (french) which is very neutral, clean and transparent. ECC802s, telefunken, very very sweet, but costly, beware of silly asking prices here. Finally, I use a 12BH7 vintage Sylvania. This is wonderful, full bodied and sweet, open and clear as a bell. However, Masataka recommends caution with any other than 12AU7. I have no problems at all.
Where are you based?
Also, I recently produced a new version of our Digital cable, 40cm long, and I hear detail beyond belief, precision in space and depth have shifted to a new plane, so do try a short RCA digital IC if possible.
Best Regards,
Paul. |
You are welcome, good luck with the search, and do try nos 12BH7, simply wonderful.. Your cable should do well, I have not used these myself, but i'm sure that it will be doing a good job. The calmness you mention is vital, I search for un-hysterical qualities when testing new pieces..
Seasons greetings to you all ;-)
Paul. |
Hello all,
To further experiences with Tubes used in the DAC040, I have recently been using Nos Tesla ECC802s, in both the DAC & CF 080LSX2 Pre-amplifier. Teajay, I know you also use this Pre, so do try this pair, and even the Tesla's in DAC only, the sound is truly open, immediate and there.. They are often available, I have samples with yellow label and gold pins, and have some more due in soon too bought for around $65/£40 pair.
So far, this is a favourite tubes selection with CF outputs stages..
Best Regards, and a prosperous 2014 to you all..
Paul. |
Sorry, not gold pins! Getting muddled! |
Hi Mattnshilp,
As above, the Berkeley and also the JK converters are used by other DAC040 users here, I have no experience with usb myself, opting for CD transport instead.
Can you elaborate as to why you may require balanced out? The design is pure single ended as you probably understand. Of course, a trial would be very much worthwhile:-)
Rgds,
Paul. |
For anyone visiting T.H.E Show at Newport Beach this weekend, the DAC 040BD will be running in all CF system, into TAD Ref 1's. Head for the California room! Charles, are you going? I'll be there with CF..
Branislav, looking forward to your comparison, the Lampizator is getting much attention so will be a good test!
Rgds,
Paul. |
