Concert Fidelity DAC-040BD – battery replacement
Just posting this info into the AudiogoN archives for future online searches that might help owners of this DAC.
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The recharging unit within the Concert Fidelity DAC-040BD works only with NiMH batteries. Not others.
This is battery pack is a direct drop-in replacement.
NIMH Battery Pack 12v 2200mAH (10xAA) with Thermistor (65 degrees C)
Unfortunately, the battery cells in this particular pack are poor quality. The charge lasts only a few hours and the pack will need to be replaced in a year or so.
BatterySpace.com provides excellent customer service. They made a custom drop-in pack using these better quality cells. This includes the necessary thermistor.
NiMH Rechargeable Cell: Panasonic Eneloop Pro: 1.2V 2550mAH
The charge with these Eneloop Pros lasts several hours longer. It needs a few recharging cycles to develop a good memory. In December 2022, the cost was US $97 including shipping.
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The wire leads of the pack still need to be connected to the 4 pin connector.
This can be done by splicing & soldering the existing wires from the connector to the new battery pack. Be sure to cut the existing wires several inches away from the connector to provide room to work.
- Or
Replace the 4 pin connector and and pins. A crimping tool may help.
- Connector ID: Manufacturer Part #: H4P-SHF-AA
- Pin ID: Manufacturer Part #: SHF-001T-0.8BS
The above is a tin connector. They also make a gold plated version.
Unfortunately, Digikey didn’t have any in stock. I purchased these in bulk from AliExpress.
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It would be interesting to substitute an external 12vdc battery pack to this CF DAC. It shouldn’t be that difficult. The external pack could use its own recharging unit instead of the DAC’s internal charger. No doubt it would last much longer.
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Side Notes. This DAC is very responsive to all tweaks:
- Output tube rolling
- Rectifier tube rolling
- Digital cables
- Interconnects
- Power cords
Enjoy!