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Concert Fidelity audition program

I recently auditioned a Concert Fidelity CF-080 linestage as part of an in home audition program from their website. The linestage was mated to an Essence Electro Acoustics Emerald 1B amp and this match proved to be revelatory in improving my musical enjoyment. The CF-080 linestage is of minimalist design and really lets the music through with incredible transparency, lightening fast transients, and the most complete finishing of notes with tonal purity and accuracy I've ever heard.(The CF-080 replaced an $18K tube linestage in my system).I urge you to visit their website and take part in this audition program. If you are a user of Concert Fidelity/Silicon Arts Design products I would be interested in your tube choices with the linestage and your speaker choices when using the amps?
powder
powder OP
47 posts
 
Recently found a set of NOS "Valvo" 6CA4's. (1) for the CF LSX 2.0 and (1) for the 040 DAC. 1969 dates. So far this is my favorite rectifier tube-if you can find these I would recommend for the CF electronics. Second would be the original Mullards. Still using the Sylvania 5963's as preference for the 12au7's.
powder OP
47 posts
 
talk to me: I use an CF-080 upgraded to LSX V2. I also use the ZL-120 mono's upgraded to V2. Basically, I think you know how good the linestage is and Masa's upgrade improves every area in which this linestage excelled to begin with.If you wish You can call me 610-905-7297 and we can talk more about the improvements.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
Thanks Powder, will do.
markblockjzz's avatar
markblockjzz
7 posts
 
How much so they charge to upgrade the CF-080 to the LSX V2.

..considering buying a used 080...

- Mark
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I am having a listen to a friends LSX as he has upgraded to a LSX-2.

Sound wise it is excellent. I like the clarity and lack of bass weight yet it does not sound light weight at all. It still sounds nice and balanced.
However the large volume control steps and a total lack of a mute is mind boggling frustrating. There is a mute, but all it does is turn the volume down to zero each time, so you are forced to flick an unused input a best compromise. I know it is all about the music, but this too me is a game breaker.

Does anyone know of a similar sounding pre amp with a good remote volume and mute that works.
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