Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX2 Hybrid Line Stage Preamplifier?

joeinid

joeinid

Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
18,722
Location
NY
Any opinion on this preamp and brand? Any reviews that I've read have been spectacular.


http://www.concertfidelity.jp/reference_series.html


attachment.php




attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • cf080_lg.jpg
    cf080_lg.jpg
    328.3 KB · Views: 127
  • cf080_inside.jpg
    cf080_inside.jpg
    230.4 KB · Views: 127
Joe - I've also only heard raves about the sonic performance of Concert Fidelity gear and it appears to be nicely built. However one word of caution would be regarding their resale value which is unusually low. I've seen their products listed on the usual sites for used gear, and they're repeatedly re-listed at unbelievably low prices and they still rarely seem to sell. That could be an issue unless you're certain you'll be keeping it for a while (no offense but I had to chuckle at that knowing you! :lol:) If you're not averse to buying used gear you should be able to buy it strong and then not be concerned about a significant loss in resale value.
 
Ha! I know.

I was looking around and saw some of the past for sale ads. I do like active preamps but am looking around to really see what is available.
 
True about the resale. I have helped to sell demo Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX2, phono and those big monos, and sold it eventually for 1/3 of retail. I can only imagine a few years old, S/H stuff is worth even less. But if you buy at a very discounted price (meaning someone else took the hit) ... why not.

The monos were sh!t, but the preamp and phono were rather good.
 
I feel terrible that resale is awful. Not for me, but owners and even the company. For some reason, some gear never really takes off and maintains a healthy status going forward.

Elberoth said:
True about the resale. I have helped to sell demo Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX2, phono and those big monos, and sold it eventually for 1/3 of retail. I can only imagine a few years old, S/H stuff is worth even less. But if you buy at a very discounted price (meaning someone else took the hit) ... why not.

The monos were sh!t, but the preamp and phono were rather good.
Click to expand...
 
hi joe, i have a concert fidelity cf-080 ls and it sounds great. i traded my cary slp-05 for it and it was a better match with my hegel h30 and sounded a lot smoother but still dynamic. it was used and i'm not planning on selling it so resale isn't a big deal for me. the rest of my system consists of linn lp 12, linn radikal p.s.,linn uphorik phono stage, hegel h30 amp and gamut L7 speakers. the cf-080 was the missing piece that brought my system to the next level. john
 
Hi John,

Thank you so much. I am so glad you are happy with it. I have a friend who wants to lend me his to try. I am seriously thinking of taking him up on the offer. I am curious how well it will go with my Triode Corp 845 amps.


johni b said:
hi joe, i have a concert fidelity cf-080 ls and it sounds great. i traded my cary slp-05 for it and it was a better match with my hegel h30 and sounded a lot smoother but still dynamic. it was used and i'm not planning on selling it so resale isn't a big deal for me. the rest of my system consists of linn lp 12, linn radikal p.s.,linn uphorik phono stage, hegel h30 amp and gamut L7 speakers. the cf-080 was the missing piece that brought my system to the next level. john
Click to expand...
 
Awesome.

XLR to RCA adapters came today, I'll give them a try tonight on the Ayre and let you know how it sounds on the Triodes. Can't wait.


Jack said:
Joe

At the 6 db setting in theory it should be a match.
Click to expand...
 
Sounds good. Also good luck resolving the "clicking" issue with the other piece. Hopefully just the two particular pieces together or break-in of the resistors in the control.
 
So far, after only a few minutes, the KXR20 is working beautifully with the adapters. Dead silent on its own and no clicking other than the usual internal relays of the preamp. Very happy. The other piece is definitely quirky. :(

Jack said:
Sounds good. Also good luck resolving the "clicking" issue with the other piece. Hopefully just the two particular pieces together or break-in of the resistors in the control.
Click to expand...
 
Another swap out on it? Though no problems if the BHK is run balanced with the Ayre mono's or when the Triode's were connected with the faux balanced connection?
 
I'll still need to try a few more combos to try and narrow down the issues. :scholar:

Jack said:
Another swap out on it? Though no problems if the BHK is run balanced with the Ayre mono's or when the Triode's were connected with the faux balanced connection?
Click to expand...
 
Good luck and take notes. Though maybe a happy compromise is then you will have two systems that are tube/SS combo's which I have found can be a good thing. That is if the BHK and Ayre combo works. If you are a member you might want to start a thread on the PS forum and see if anybody else has run into the same issue. Chances are at some point Bascom or Paul will chime in.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top