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Concert Fidelity DAC 040 HR/SJ digital audio converter.This studio-grade version of the DAC040 product line follows Concert Fidelity's engineering philosophy of the least signal path possible.This top-shelf version of the Concert Fidelity DAC 040 is available only to special customers of Concert Fidelity and Shinen Audio. It is a US spec (120V) unit with no need for a step up transformer.This solid state DAC has no tube buffering. For this limited edition, a balanced output amplifier spec'd for the Concert Fidelity CF080LSX4 pre-amp replaces the tube buffering section of other versions of the Concert Fidelity DAC 040.Exceptional digital analog converter with USB input to function as a Roon endpoint.In addition to a USB input, a S/PDIF input is also factory installed.Onto the DAC chip. This DAC features another significant upgrade over the standard DAC040, an Asahi Kasei Microdevices 32-bit chip, supporting DSD input, 128 times oversampling, sampling rate: 30kHz to 384kHz and a S/N of 120dB.The USB input board, sourced from Amanero, processes up to 384khz PCM and DSD128.Onto the outputs: Both XLR and single ended are installed.The unit is in excellent condition. It ships in the factory packaging.No tariff upcharges. This arrived in the USA before the tariffs.
The USD6,000 asking price for this limited-edition Concert Fidelity DAC-040 HR/SJ feels ambitious against the used market, where clean examples of similar DAC-040 variants (HR, BD, Mk2) typically trade in the USD3,000-4,500 range based on recent sales and listings. New prices hovered around USD11,000-12,000 a decade ago, but rarity hasn't pushed resale that high yet—bargain territory would dip under USD3,500 for one in top shape.
Before biting, verify the tubes: two 12AU7s for gain and a 6CA4 rectifier, as they're prone to microphonics or fatigue after 2,000+ hours and define the hybrid sound. Confirm original power supply integrity—no hum from the tube rectification—and request close-up photos of the Philips or AKM DAC board for signs of heat stress, plus any input upgrades like USB or BNC. Original manual and box add value.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Fidelity Research emerged from Tokyo in 1964, founded by Isamu Ikeda amid Japan's postwar audio boom. The company quickly established itself as a precision engineering powerhouse, focusing on analog playback components during the golden age of vinyl. Operating until around 1984, it embodied the meticulous craftsmanship that defined high-end Japanese hi-fi, with designs that prioritized sonic purity and mechanical innovation.
The brand specialized in moving-coil (MC) phono cartridges and tonearms, earning acclaim for models like the MC-202 cartridge and the iconic FR-64 and FR-66 series. These products featured advanced materials such as stainless steel and specialized alloys, delivering exceptional tracking, detail retrieval, and dynamics. While not venturing into amplifiers, speakers, or digital gear like DACs, Fidelity Research honed a narrow but masterful niche in turntable essentials.
Today, Fidelity Research holds vintage-collector status among discerning audiophiles, revered for its high-end analog prowess. Once priced at premiums like $495 for top tonearms, its gear commands cult following in the used market, prized for timeless transparency and build quality that rivals modern boutique offerings. For vinyl enthusiasts seeking uncompromised heritage, it remains a benchmark.
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