I've had mine for 6 years, and have never thought of another pre.Thank you you for your thoughts and additional information. I do see many owners settling down for the long run with this preamp. That is extremely comforting and says a lot about it.
I've had mine for 6 years, and have never thought of another pre.Thank you you for your thoughts and additional information. I do see many owners settling down for the long run with this preamp. That is extremely comforting and says a lot about it.
All,
A source of mine has located some NOS Mullard ECC 186, (7316), late 50's British made. I have a pair now in 080 LSX/2. By far the most staggeringly beautiful and transparent tube I have used in this position, my search is now overIn all honesty, I'm overwhelmed at the open-ness and image density and body, this is exactly what this pre needs to show how good it really is. There are some pairs still available but when they are gone that's it, so I am going to take some more for future use and also in the CF DAC 040B/D as it shares the same output section. If anyone wants some, they are not cheap at £250 /pr (matched), pm me and I can organise it, and I recomend you all consider them. Bonzo75 will get to hear them soon in my system here, I'm sure he will add his thought's here on WBF.
Use in combination with 50's Mullard EZ81 Square getter, this is unbeatable..
Good to hear that you are loving the Mullard rectifier too LLoyd, it has the magic doesn't it? Is your the square getter (can be clearly seen up in the top of the tube)? I would expect so if Brent looked after you..
Also, your Amperex may well be similar to the Mullard in your Dac, truly wonderful..!
Even though it says it is adjustable on CF website, does anyone know haw to adjust the preamp's gain ( selectable between 6 and 12 db)?
Hi Jim,
I beleive this is on unit's made after 2013/2014, approx. If so:
On the rear panel, below the RCA outputs, you will find 2 small toggle switches. Both pushed toward the centre reduces the gain, and to my ears sounds better![]()
Hi Jim,
What volume number is the 080 displaying when using your phono? And, is your Canary 69db?
Just to piggy back on this channel because it's by far the most active Concert Fidelity thread- just recently got a pair of 300B push-pull monoblocks from Concert Fidelity.... They are truly incredible. Endgame. A bit more of a neutral bass than head-pounding, but absolutely perfectly balanced tuning.
Anyone still using their 080s today?

Thanks! Yes they are 240V units. I had a M5 spec Audio Note pre prior to the CF. I love the remote volume control function of this unit and how it responds to tube rolling if you need a bit more of this or less of that!Wow it looks gorgeous! Are those 240V units?
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