Very cool. I really admire your build. The tube front end is cool, as is the engraving (laser?) Thankfully mine is totally silent even with IEMs (which is kinda stupid to try but good to test for noise floor).

It really depends. I have a pro audio DAC (Mytek Brooklyn dac+) that outputs 9+ volts. Pre-amp territory. I don't hear a huge difference between that and Dac's with more modest ~3v output (Gustard, which I prefer). I put a Bryston BP25 in front of the CFA 3 (its a VERY transparent well designed...

Just want to say that I am very happy with my Khozmo units, which have gone into various projects i've built (DIYer, not manufacturer). Top notch help, and for what they are very fair pricing with great sound quality. I have compared with DACT and other stepped resistors and most have too few...

It’s probably fine, it would be more ideal to heatsink to the outside of the case but if the temps are fine it’s fine. I would pay attention with the top on it how much ambient temp is inside. That’s probably the biggest risk. Since the PS is separate from the audio section I really don’t think...

Continued progress. Decided to go old school and just cut a round hole for the display. Did some polishing and put polarizing film. Next up is the top which I think i'm going to cut circles and do mesh behind. My next project I want to do a fully CNC front, but i'm pretty happy with the result...

From the USA. I would listen to Simon and Garfunkel, concert in central park live. It's maybe not the most hifi, but it is pretty well recorded and means a lot sentimentally to me as I listed to it quite a lot back in the day on my HD580s. I would also want to listen to something more modern...

So when considering a preamp in front, the real question is how much voltage does the CFA3 circuit handle before distorting. Hopefully I will have some time on the bench later to test with my ATS1. The ATS1 is older, so it is not going to get to the absolute thousandths of precision distortion...

It’s a great amp, and a fun project. There are lots of ways to build it and, and have it come out great. That’s why there is no one guide. You need not have a a EE degree, though significant experience and patience is required. I’ve learned a lot myself, and if you ask specific informed...

Looks amazingly built as we have come to expect from Dukei, very well made and super impressive. I’m slowly collecting parts to do something sort of similar, thanks to kindness giving me some pointers. The DIY community aspect of this is awesome. Do you have a regular CFA 3 to compare to? I...

Dukei is a fantastic builder, I have chatted with him and he is razor sharp and ad a nice guy to boot. You have found a great unit, that was built to the highest standard! Glad you ear enjoying it. I actually quite like it with the Caldera too. I do agree it drives the Susvara quite well...

It really depends what you want. There is more optionality with builders - we like to switch parts, voltages and make adjustments for preference (adding speaker jacks, etc). It’s a custom DIY project, after all. The head amp unit looks well made, is a commercial production unit with all the...

Most of us prefer the ZF, I did not even bother to build in a switch. Actually did not implement gain switch either (using discrete stepped relay driven volume), and everything is hard wired. Maybe that’s why mine is dead silent? It’s a great design and unique that it’s a powerful, zero feedback...

I’ll be very curious your impressions!

Actually that’s better than I expected. 200 is where I bias mine in winter. Summer all my office can tolerate is 185 (too much other heat load from my work IT stuff).

I'm probably to blame for the AN Kaisei entering the conversation, as well as other boutique parts getting added. To be clear I agree with Dukei- while I do hear improvements, in absolute terms its minor. It is especially minor if you pick reasonable caps (i'm not a fan of Slimics, but I like...

My understanding from reading over at head case is it’s more oriented towards speakers. It would be an interesting build and I’m curious about it. I’m always up for a project. I’m completely happy with my cfa3, though.

Progress marches on with tweaking voicing. Was able to get the AN Kaisei caps into the power supply (made by Rubycon). Tight fit and required some creativity. They sound great especially compared to the Slimic II. Also as you may note from the pictures, I installed pins so the voltage setting...

exactly as described, smooth transaction. Great dac. Thank you!

smooth easy transaction. thank you!

Luxury and precision w2 original with leather case and cables. The original w2 has a better chip than the w2 131. Great sound. I just don’t use it enough now that I have a Mojo 2. User warning, as the reviews cover on iPhone in high gain near higher volumes it draws too much current, and can...

You can’t buy this cable. It doesn’t exist. I had to custom make it. This cable can connect a iPad or usb-c device directly to your dac. The wireword usb cables are unique in that they run power separate and the shield ground for the data is separate from power. Does it make a difference. I...

Installed 10,000uf slit foil super tech caps (licensee of the DNM technology http://www.dnm.co.uk/capacitors.html ) Quite an improvement all around. I am completely happy with the CFA3 performance at this point.

The latest 3.5mm are much better built. Swivels smoother, tolerances better. They also come with nicer cloth cables. I was all set to sell mine but after getting back the latest 3.5 warranty unit it’s so much better I’m keeping it. Re termination or making an adaptor is pretty quick and simple...

If you are going with dual GRLV why not buy two transformers and make it fully mono? I bought 250va units (overkill) and it was still of minimal cost.

I have tried copper and then after trying various combos ended up with balanced parts connexion pure silver wire on the input side, and cloth covered copper on the output side. Silver does have different measured conductivity differences (elemental), its maybe? smoother and richer. Using all...