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 |
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.. |
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 |
Hi PS68...did you decide on your transport yet? |
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! |
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, 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,
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. |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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, |
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..) |
Prawax,
Thanks!!! sounds great! |
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, |
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! |
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. |
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,
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! |
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, |
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! |
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 |
Hi Paul,
I'm very happy for you!
Enjoy your CF DAC-040.
Best regards,
Piermauro |
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? |
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. |
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 |
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. |
Hi Paul,
I hope you are well.
Are there news about it?
We are waiting for your feedback.
Regards,
Piermauro |
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:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue26/metronome_t2i.htm
Best regards,
Piermauro |
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 ;-)) |
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 |
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! |
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 |
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. |
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, |
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. |
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 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. |
Hi Paul,
great news!
I'm waiting for your thought about it.
Best regards, |
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! |
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, |
Hi Husk01,
I use a Harmonix Studio Master on this DAC with great results. |
Teajay, What power cord are you using with the 040? |
Teajay, Thanks for the info. |
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, Where is the best place to buy the extra tubes that you recommend for the CF 040 dac. |
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. |
Paul,
Hope this good enough, the DAC has the same analog circuit design as the CF-080 linestage. If you go the website Positive Feedback Online-Issue 41 has a review by Mike Wechsberg on the CF-080 linestage with detailed pictures of its internal circuit layout. I know it's not the DAC, but close enough that it will give information on how short the total circuit really is. |
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. |
