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 Guys,
Last night I finally got to audition the CF-040 with the new battery based power supply along with the original DAC in an all Concert Fidelity based system.
No, the difference is not night and day, it does not "blow" away the older model, it's an evolution not a revolution and I did not want to throw out my CF-040 when I got home to listen to my system.
Here's what I heard: 1) More liquidity and ease without losing dynamics. 2) More extension and air/details on the top end. 3) A bit more image density.
So, congrats to CF for further refining a world class piece and taking it to even a higher level of performance then the last generation of this DAC. |
Hi TeaJay,
thank you so much for your feedback!
All the best,
Piermauro |
Great feedback as always Teajay. I have been speaking with PS68 who runs the Concert Fidelity and is a dealer, so great to read your own feedback. |
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. |
Hello to everybody on this thread,
For my website hometheaterreview.com where I'm a staff reviewer I have been going through a very extensive reviewing process on racks, footers, and isolation platforms. So far their has been a very big winner regarding replacing the stock footers on the CF DAC-040 to beautifully increase its performance in such areas as transparency/micro-details, more overall liquidity, tighter more extended bass, a larger more precisely layered sound stage.
The footers that created these beautiful changes are from the company Krolo Design, they come in sets of three and are very reasonable priced at $250.00. Mr Tsuda has always said that the stock tubes/footers is just to get you started and to experiment with footers/isolation devices to achieve ultimate performance. Regardless of what rack or isolation platform I used the Krolo footers on I got the same great results, with no negatives at all. If you own this DAC I highly recommend you audition these footers as soon as you can. |
Thanks Teajay, I'll check them out.. |
Hello everybody,
I have recently received many E-mails regrading my post on my impressions of the new battery powered version of the Concert Fidelity DAC-040. There seems to be either a misunderstanding or a distortion of my position by these readers of what I wrote. So, let me be as clear as possible:
1) The upgrade of the battery power supply took the CF DAC-040, that I believe is one of the finest if not the most musical redbook DAC on the market today, to even a higher level of performance. The major changes were in the areas of transparency, decay trails, even more liquidity and an ease to the overall sonic perspective, slightly more air and extension on top and finally a touch more refinement in the layering of the sound stage and the position of players on the stage.
2) Yes, the above stated are real improvements, however these are refinements of what the CF DAC-040 already offered at a very high level, so it's an evolution of this piece, not a revolution. However, this seems to have been misinterpreted by some folks that the battery powered power supply upgrade was not a step up in performance of the DAC when I clearly stated that it was. Remember, when you start at the reference level of performance that the CF DAC-040 offered already the changes are subtle not whole sale differences, because if they were that would imply something was quite left out or was wrong to begin with in the piece.
3) Mr. Tsuda will never make a change in his pieces unless he believes/hears that it leads to a higher degree of refinement and musicality. Unlike other companies that come out with a new generation very quickly because they did not take the time to get it right the first time when they released their product or it is time to promote their "latest and greatest" for marketing proposes, Concert Fidelity and Mr. Tsuda over time keeps working on refinement and the evolution of the performance of his gear. So, when he comes out with an upgrade to his pieces they really do offer a qualitative improvement.
Well, I hope the above stated comments clear up any misunderstandings of my original statements regarding the new version of the CF DAC-040. My system with the non battery powered version of this DAC still provides me with a wonderful musical experience every day. However, as soon as it's in my budget, I will be purchasing the new battery powered version to get the refinements it has to offer to me in my system. |
Hi TeaJay,
thank you so much for your precious update.
All the best, |
Hi; After careful planning, and reading this thread, I have landed on the following setup: Sonos (modified by Dr. Gert Volk) - CF DAC 040 and the onwards. I stream lossless from WIMP (similar library as Spotify, but in lossless). The end result is MAGNIFICENT in my humble opinion, and the selection of music is satisfying. HiRez is fine, but mostly I find the music selection of little interest. The pleasure of jumping to WIKI and finding new music and then play it in lossless over DAC 040 opens up a brand new world. Thank you very much to the good people, who's shared info on this thread, and helped me to achieve MY musical Nirvana !!
Best regards. Ola |
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. |
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 to all. Can you please advise as to the best way to convert my Core Audio mod'd Mac-Mini's USB output into s/pdif to work with the CF DAC?
I have found:
-M2tech hi face 2
-Berkeley Audio Alpha USB converter
-Audiophilleo 1 or 2
-JohnKenny USB to spdif
And I'm sure there are others.
I don't love the idea of extra cables and do-dads in between my source and my DAC; although I certainly get that some of the do-dads will make the sound better. But the CF has piqued my curiosity and I am motivated to audition it in my system.
Also, is there a mod to get a true balanced out from the CF DAC? |
I believe you would like the Berkeley which is very special. This is what I use with mine. I have tried a few others, not necessarily all the ones you have named. |
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. |
I just pulled trigger on Concert Fidelity dac and Big Six Lampizator...will be curious how to stack up against each other :-) |
Branislav - Definitely let us know! |
Two very fine DACs, this should be an interesting and enjoyable comparison and I see no loser in this one.
Charles, |
Yes, Im very excited about the comparison and Im not going to be in any rush to come to any conclusions. A lot of people will probably dismiss it given the fact that it will be based solely on my headphone system. If there are any meaningful impressions, I'd like to share it here on this thread or I might start a new one. One of the dacs will have to appear here for sale in the future, since I cant justify having both dacs in my possession, but we'll see....The lamp should be a decked out with upgraded tube sockets and additional Dueland on the digital input.... |
Very exciting! Look forward to reading more... |
Branislav,
are you auditioning the battery powered version? |
|
Hallo, i use a hiface to conect my Musical Fidelity trivista Dac with my Pc.
Now i am looking for a better dac. Would you say the CF DAC 40 will a good choise to connect with a Pc with a Hiface? Or should i buy a new dac with usb?
Thanks
Best Regards |
Hallo, i use a hiface to conect my Musical Fidelity trivista Dac with my Pc.
Now i am looking for a better dac. Would you say the CF DAC 40 will a good choise to connect with a Pc with a Hiface? Or should i buy a new dac with usb?
Thanks
Best Regards |
Branislav, how goes the comparison? |
Concert Fidelity should be shipping to me any day now and Lampizator is still being made in Poland. Im actually glad that I will have one of these dacs for a week or two before the other one comes, so I become familiar with it. |
Dear Branislav,
do you have some news?
Cheers, |
Hi Branislav,
I just nabbed a Big6 on the Gon from a guy that moved up to a Big7.
I'm intrigued by the R2R design for red book only, which is my current library.
Also have 4 other top tier DAC's inbound to arrive in the first week of June.
Very excited. All well reputed.
Lampy Big6
Accustic Arts Tube DAC 2 mk 2
Empirical Audio OverDrive SE
Rowland Aeris
PS Audio DirectStream
I promise to post as I go. |
Hi everybody..I literally just got my Concert Fidelity dac yesterday. My initial impressions were a bit inconsistent since I'm also breaking in a brand new headphone amp and upgrade cable since the sound would slightly change. I did notice the tube swap does impact the sound noticeably. I will post further impressions soon and especially will be able to evaluate and compare once I get my Big Six Lamp, which might be early next week, since I can only comment how my system sounds overall without being able to pinpoint how different pieces of equipment contribute to the sound. Stay tuned... |
Hi Branislav,
we will stay tuned for sure ;)
Greetings from Italy, |
Hi Matt (if that's your name)...definitely keep us posted those are some heavy hitters you got there.... |
I have done some listening tonight and the system sounds fantastic. Sure it needs plenty of warm up and sometimes a bit of help from Essence of Music cd treatment, but the clarity and 3d images of some electronic music are outstanding. Kudos to Apex Teton headphone amp, which just might be THE amp for Sennheisers HD800. |
Quick update, just received my Big Six Lamp and Im currently breaking it in, want to give the Dueland Cast Capacitors at least 100 hours before serious evaluation. |
Concert Fidelity and Lampizator Big 6, this should really be an interesting direct comparison. What fun! |
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. |
Hi Paul,
I'm in Michigan and working that weekend. I've heard the full CF system on three separate occasions and was impressed each time. This is why the CF DAC and LampizatOr comparison is interesting, both are excellent and reproduce music not hifi.
Charles, |
There really is something to this Lampy obsession. They are wonderful DAC's!! I received my Big6 today and it's sound is simply breathtaking!
I don't want to hijack this thread since it's about the Concert Fidelity DAC. So....
For those interested in reading my comparison of:
Lampy Big6
PS Audio DirectStream
Jeff Rowland Aeris
Empirical Audio OverDrive SE
Possibly an Aesthetix Pandora Signature
Please :
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&&&/Absolute-top-tier-DAC-for-standard-res-R
It's a fun read and a fun experience!
That all said, the reputation of the Concert Fidelity is beyond words. I just wish it had a good USB input.... Maybe a USB to spdif converter is in my future....
Regards. |
Ok, here it goes...disclaimer, my system, my ears, my mood and random choice of tubes in either dacs...both are fantastic, not a big difference....concert fidelity it little bit more focused, with a faster drive, with a little upfront presentation, voices closer to you. Big Six has a bit more laid back presentation, bass perhaps not quite as tight but very natural nevertheless, voices seem very midhall with a lot of stuff going on at the back of the soundstage. Lamp has a very open soundstage, where the only limitation can be source or the rest of the equipment. It is very musical dac, just like designer said not to play parts of song here and there but to just listen to music. Concert Fidelity slightly more impressive, for what its worth, with electronic music but Lamp more musical with most everything else...wish I could keep both and maybe I will but I might have to let Concert Fidelity go in the future.
PS. Lamp needs more warm up, Concert ready to go... |
Hello Branislav,
thank you so much!
Greetings from Italy, |
Branislav…..what tubes did you have in the audio stage for the L6? If you are using the stock Sylvania VT-99, you need to put those in the trash! The L6 is very dimensionally flat and "distant" with these tubes. If the Lampi guys see this as their reference tube, that is very sad! You gotta try the National Union VT-99. |
Yes a great read!! Thanks for the comparison of the Lampi and Concert Fidelity. Enjoy. |
Hello Branislav,
Are you continuing to compare/evaluate (fully burned in now) the two superb DACs? Do you ultimately prefer one, or are they equals performers but with different presentations? I would imagine both DACs are quite special.
Charles, |
I have been fairly busy so I havent had as much time to listen as I would have liked. Yes, I think they are on the same level, just with slightly different presentation, which could be due to tube choices. Ultimately Big6 is staying put and Concert will be up for grabs when I get around to it. |
Thanks,
You've satisfied my curiosity regarding your opinion of two stellar DACs. |
Congrats, Branislav...its been a fun read. Enjoy! |
