Review: Concert Fidelity DAC-040 DA converter


Category: Digital

Starting in 2005 I worked myself up the chain of the very fine DACS built by Accustic Arts of Germany, finally ending up with their Reference Tube Hybrid. I have auditioned over six very highly regarded DACS in the last couple of years and found them to be quite good, but none of them exceeded the performance of the AA Reference Tube Hybrid in my system. I do not use high resolution material, only Redbood CDs, so these auditions were only based on this format because my large collection of music is composed totally of this material. Well, I know nothing is the "BEST" in high end audio, there are many fine pieces of gear when you get to a certain level of excellence. However, I thought that maybe the evolution of DACS that play the standard format had got to the point that it could not get really that much better. Each DAC might offer different slight flavors but not a qualitative shift to a much higher level of performance. It has turned out that I was very wrong regarding this assumption after auditioning what has become my new reference, the Concert Fidelity DAC-040.

The designer of the CF DAC-040, Mr. Masa Tsuda believes in very short and clean circuits in all of his designs. The analog section of this DAC is very similar to what he uses in his highly regarded reference LS-080 linestage. They both use 12AU7's and a 6CA4/EZ81 full-wave rectifier tube. It took over two years of on-going listening tests for Mr. Tsuda to find the NOS DAC chips to use in his DAC, there is no over or up sampling and any type of digital filters to be found any were in this piece, that delivered the sonics he was looking for. Which DAC chips he finally decided on are confidential and not disclosed. All the Concert Fidelity and Silicon Arts, same company, pieces are beautifully built to an exemplatory level including the DAC-040.

Why was I taken so aback by the sonic performance of the CF DAC-040, here's the reasons:

1) By far the most natural timbres and harmonic colors I have ever heard coming from a digital front end.

2) The microdynamics and prat of this DAC are amazing, yet it still allows the listener to relax into the music without giving up the punch and kick of the music.

3) What I refer to as image density or a 3D quality, what most would just call palpability, of each player with air around them on a layered soundstage was the best I have ever had in my system.

4) The CF DAC-040 creates a very open and deep soundstage with great layering in a natural way that allows you to have the illusion that your in that acoustic space.

Believe me, the AA Reference Tube Hybrid DAC is no slouch in these sonic qualities, yet, it was no were close to having these special attributes that the CF DAC-040 was providing in my system. To use very subjective terms this DAC has the most musicality/naturalness that I have experienced that just draws you into the music. Dare I say that a lot of listeners could be fooled into thinking that they were hearing an analog front end, instead of a digital source, I think so.

I end all my reviews by sharing that there is no "BEST" piece of any kind of gear, but many terrific ones. Personal taste and system synergy always comes into play. If your looking for one of the best Redbook DACS around today I highly recommend you audition Mr.Tsuda's "baby", you will be in for a sonic treat.

Associated gear
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teajay
Hi Lyd4711,

That is great to hear, I know you will enjoy many fine hours of pure music!

Best Regards,

Paul.
Hi Paul
I understand that you have a great deal of Concert Fidelity understanding.
I'm strugling through a 'tube' forest as we speak. Trying to find the best alternative for my 040 DAC. (what I have is OK, but one has to try !)
In your experience, should I look further than Mullard as rectifier ?
Secondly; the 12AU7 jungle is dens !
And I'm saturated with suggestions on the net.
What's your take ? (I'm not realy scares about prices)
Any help would be highly apreciated !
Best regards. Ola
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.
Hi Paul
Thank you very much for your clarifying answer.
Highly apreciated !
I live in Oslo/ Norway.
My present digital cable is a Synergistics Research Designer reference 2.
A big (and rather old) brute. With active shielding. 60 cm long.
I remember from when I installed it, a great sense of 'solidity' and 'calmness''.
Both qualities that makes music easier to listen to.
Best regards. Ola
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.