Overview
The combo you see here is where less is really more…much more. 47 Labs have always been about keeping design to its barest of simplicity, like shortest signal path, least number of parts used etc. The combo you see here was their former flagship CD transport/ DAC. The setup is a family of four where we have two 4799 Power Dumpty ($2,250 each) powering the CD transport and DAC. The Flatfish is an “open top” CD transport where mechanical moving parts are kept to the absolute minimum. You just put on your CD, screwed down the CD puck and it is ready to go. The Progression Gemini DAC (not to be mistaken with our other listing of the Progression DAC which is not the Gemini version) is just as simple. One coaxial digital input and a pair of RCA outs and that’s it. Pure and simple. The Progression Gemini DAC in our opinion is the star of the show. There is no over sampling and no digital filter which brings forth this unadulterated, uncanny lifelike, natural presentation. In some of its comparison tests done by reviewers, the Progression Gemini crushed competing high end DACs that cost three, five times more. That is quite a feat considering its “simple”purist approach in design. The Flatfish has had its laser assembly replaced last year so it is good for many more years to come.
The Flatfish CD transport operates like a turntable. To play a CD, you simply unscrew the CD puck, put down a CD, screw back on the puck and flip the toggle switch to “TOC” which essentially initiates it to read the TOC on the CD and then you hit the “Play” toggle. When you are not using the CD transport, you just put back on the acrylic lens protector and screw on the CD puck to secure it in place. The laser assembly was replaced last year by 47 Labs so it will last for many more years to come.
Cosmetically, the combo looks good. A few tiny nicks and scratches (mainly on the under belly of the Power Dumpty where the aluminum spindle footers can scratch it if you happen to move the Power Dumpty over it) here and there and a slight wearing of the lettering on one of the Power Dumpty. Both units will be securely packed for safe shipping.
