I've spent some time with the FUN.
The configuration I am listening to presently is the A-Config with the Earth HDAM in place.
I've made 3 comparisons so far
FUN <<>> Audio-GD REF 1/ Phoenix
FUN <<>> Audio-GD REF1/ DC 337SE
FUN <<>> Audio-GD Compass w/Earth HDAM
The FUN definitely stands away from the other 3 combos in characteristics. I compared to the higher end combos just to see how much value proposition there is. It does well in this respect.
The FUNs output level is sufficient for the cans I am using comprised of various Grados, mainly HF-2, Beyer 770-80s, Denon D5000. Senn HD650 owners will have to wait for Peete's review to see if it can handle it.
To sum the sound up, I would use the term "Tube-like" in the A-config. From about Female voice down to the low bass there is warmth and fullness to the sound. This is very apparant. This is probably where the FUN moniker comes from. The bass and midrange is VERY full, RICH and detailed.
If you think that A-GD gear is too neutral for you, you should most likely get your hands on this piece. I would like to see a freq curve on this gadget.
Eva Cassidy stuff that exhibits a ton of grunge, edge and hiss on the Grados with all the other gear was very smooth and non fatiguing. The hiss was rolled, voice was warmed up, and bass was highly detailed and emphasized. A "FUN" type of sound.
Some DCC Elvis tracks that have great clear voice and crystal clear orchestrations, but very edgy reverb seemed "equalized". Elvis's voice was Richer, bass-line was there I had never heard before. The reverb added to Elvis's voice that is normally almost unbearable on the Phoenix was smooth and natural sounding.
Some DCC Metalica that I have, showed very well with a nice combination of detail/layering and smoothness. Aaron Neville on Yellow Moon with some of his simple almost a capella arrangements really showed off his full rich voice. The bass beat lines were very nice on his cuts like Yellow Moon.
SRV- Little Wing/Third Stone From The Sun Live, well it sounds great on anything, but the FUN and the Grados were a really nice combo. The tube-like sound of the FUN with the FUN of the HF-2s yielded some serious Strat Lovin'!
This is definitely not a neutral sounding piece of gear in this config. The FUN name I believe comes from the FUN factor of the SQ and the FUN derived from module rolling. I may be wrong here, but I'm thinking that may be what was in his mind. The bass presence I heard was not present on any of the other gear compared. The other three combos used in the comparison all seem pretty neutral in comparison. Even the DV337SE with the tubes I am using(TS-5998, EF80) is a pretty neutral sounding amp. The FUN is definitely not flat and un-engaging.
Very well made, runs very cool. Only heat you feel in the box is if you put your fingers on the heatsinks of the PS regulators. And very little there.
Most listening done with Grado HF-2s. Can't put these things down!
Next up, the Neutral Module, I really want to hear how it changes the sound.
