I am selling my world class CF-080 LSX preamp for one reason only: to upgrade to the latest CF-080 LSX2 V2 (and no, you can't touch this preamp for anywhere near my asking price ). My unit is an LSX (version 2.0 boards) that has an LS back panel (i.e no record outs). I am original and sole owner. I am selling for $4700 firm, and will accept Paypal if buyer pays fees. Price includes shipping in the US or $75 towards shipping elsewhere.
This LSX is the preamp that has garnered huge praise from every publication out there, and is the personal preamp of choice for folks like Steve Hoffman (renown mastering engineer of Analogue Productions, etc) and reviewer Dick Olsher (senior reviewer for The Absolute Sound), among others.
This says it all:
"Overall the CF-080 made beautiful music. Especially notable are its speed and fast transient response over the whole frequency range, and its transparency. These are essential to making an emotional connection with the music and are no doubt a result of the specific goals of the short signal path philosophy of the designer. I'd have to rate the execution of that philosophy as a success. I didn't play too many mediocre recordings through this line stage, but no matter what I played the CF-080 seemed to find the best in each recording to allow the listener to connect with the music. It literally removed veils in many recordings and left just the pure sound we audiophiles are always looking for in our systems. Slight adjustments in tonality are possible with different tubes, power cords, or isolation feet but I don't think you can spoil the pure nature of this fine component. No wonder such notable audiophiles as Steve Hoffman and Dick Olsher own this preamp. It is truly a wonder and certainly among the best out there. It's unfortunate that the strong yen has driven the price of the CF-080 so high as it will deter some of you out there from taking the plunge (advertising edit: not an issue when bought for $4700 ), but if you can, I strongly encourage you to give this one a listen. You won't regret one minute of the experience."
Mike Wechsberg, Positive Feedback Online
As stated above, I am the original and sole owner of this preamplifier, and rate it at a 7, simply due to normal smoke-free use and two (2) small nicks, one on front next to mute switch, one hidden on back right corner (magnified 10X in pics attached). A set of NOS 12AU7 tubes will be included. Original box, remote, etc.
My price is firm and set to sell quickly (MSRP of $20,000). I have great feedback on Audiogon (tedmbrady) as well as here on these forums (Audio Circle, Computer Audiophile).
