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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

Showing 6 responses by powder

powder OP
47 posts
 
jwm. I auditioned the CF-080 for 2 reasons. 1-I read Dick Olshers rave review and that really quirked my interest. 2-Concert Fidelity has a (free-no strings attached) in home audition program. (what could be better!). I have not compared the CF-080 to the latest audio Reaseach or VAC linestages.
powder OP
47 posts
 
Yes, he is one of the few reviewers that I follow and put some stock in. I have been in this hobby almost 40 years so I tend to stick with the old guard.
powder OP
47 posts
 
Malawar: I have tried many 12au7's (Amperex-Holland, Brimar, Tele-smooth-plate, Mullard GB 1959 with goal-post getters, Raytheon-metal plate, Sylvania-metal and graphite plate, Raytheon 7730 and 5963's amongst others) Best so far are a set of Sylvania (branded Hewlett Packard 5963's, pulled from an oscilloscope). Great body, weight and warmth with all the detail that the CF-80 linestage delivers! Second best are a set of Raytheon metal-plate 12au7's. These tubes just dialed in the CF 80 and the 040 DAC for me. As far as the rectifier tube-I am not a fan of the RFT. An early 70's RCA stop sign logo and a late 60's Raytheon 6ca4 have proven to be the best in my units-however, their are many more to try. Any feedback from other users of these electronics?
powder OP
47 posts
 
Husk01: You can call powder at 610-905-7297 for tube info
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.
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