CF-080 LS Hybrid Line Stage Preamplifier
Two brands* by one designer. Transcending the boundaries of vacuum tube and solid state. Concert Fidelity brand, carrying the heritage of our very first product, the SPA-4A phono equalizer introduced in 1986. Following the renowned 6B4G Fusion, a vacuum tube monoblock power amplifier, comes the CF-080LS, a statement linestage preamplifier and, a harbinger of more good things to come from Concert Fidelity.
Advanced input circuitry and volume control circuitry are implemented with our proprietary Direct Signal Path Technology (DSPT). This combines with our low-distortion amplification section using the 12AU7 in cascode configuration to produce extremely fast transient response and clarity. This preamp is the closest thing to using no preamp at all, yet it provides sufficient gain to give music the drive and authority which no passive device can equal.
CF-080 is an idealist, minimalist and non-compromise design with meticulous attention to detail in parts selection, layout, and construction, designed and built by Masataka Tsuda in Nagano, Japan, home for many precision mechanical, electronic, and optical products.
We have achieved shortest possible signal path with minimum number of components, through use of proprietary microprocessor controlled analog gain control circuit, which provides the convenience of remote volume control without any sonic degradation.
- Extraordinary resolution and immediacy from the shortest circuit path possible, implemented with our unique Direct Signal Path Technology.
- Unparalleled transparency and excellent channel separation from our proprietary minimalist dual electronic volume control.
- Lightning-fast transient response and crystalline clarity from our perfectionist low-distortion amplification section using the 12AU7 in cascode configuration.
- Perfectionist simplified and optimized circuitry allows the sound of the tubes themselves to emerge with unparalleled transparency―the meaning of the proverbial “straight wire with gain.”
- Quite simply, the closest thing to no preamp at all, but with drive and authority which no passive can approach.
It is a state-of-the-art preamplifier. Sonically pure and transparent. Revealing, yet involving. Transcending traditional boundaries of solid state and vacuum tube designs.
“… , and it gives me great pleasure to declare the CF-080 as my new reference.”
- Dick Olsher, EnjoytheMusic.com Superior Audio Equipment, December, 2007,
BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
| Inputs | 4-Line Level Inputs (RCA) |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 100kohms |
| Outputs | 1-Line Level Output (RCA) |
| Gain | 6dB (Standard) / 12dB (Option) |
| Tube Complement | 12AU7 (2) for gain (tube-swapping possible, NOS tubes preferable); 6CA4 (1) for rectification |
| Phase | Polarity Inverting |
| Power Reqiremants | 220-240VAC / 50Hz |
| Dimensions | 450mm (W) X 100mm (H) X 310mm (D) |
| Net Weight | 8.5KG |
(Note: Although we use Audio Precision instruments in the testing of our designs, we believe that listening is a much better way to “understand” our designs than is reading specs. The artifacts that you don’t hear with our electronics will tell much more than any spec sheet possibly could. Thus, we have kept the following specifications to a minimum.)
*The sister brand being Silicon Arts Design, Japan
Copyright Silicon Arts Design and Concert Fidelity. All rights reserved. Used with permission.