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Seller's Description

Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX4 SJ pre-amp.This studio-grade version of the CF-080 product line follows Concert Fidelity's engineering philosophy of the least signal path possible.This top-shelf version of the Concert Fidelity CF080 pre-amp 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 preamp has no tube buffering.Exceptional preamp with one balanced and four singled ended line-level inputs.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.This is an excellent opportunity to obtain a world-class pre-amp that is normally not available to customers in the USA without paying tariff charges and waiting for the shipping channels between Japan and the USA to resume normal operations.Retail price was $22K. Only a few were build worldwide and all by private request.Additional photos upon request. The unit will ship in factory packaging.

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

The USD7,500 asking price for this limited-edition CF-080 SJ feels ambitious against the used market, where clean examples of the standard CF-080LSX2 typically trade in the USD4,000-6,000 range based on recent sales—new ones have hit USD24,000, but age and condition pull values down sharply. It's no bargain unless provenance proves it's a rare SJ variant with upgrades justifying the premium; otherwise, shop around for comparable hybrids without the hype.

Before biting, verify the tubes—stock 12AU7s and 6CA4 rectifier degrade fast, so demand NOS replacements and recent bias checks to avoid noise or hum. Confirm the proprietary solid-state volume control tracks smoothly via remote, as digital glitches are a known weak spot in these short-path designs, and insist on original power cord plus manual for full functionality.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Fidelity Research

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.

See all Fidelity Research listings on RADAR.

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