[Roasty]

Where does the FA22 fit in the lineup? Couldn't get much from the description on their website.

 

[Ichos]

Where does the FA22 fit in the lineup? Couldn't get much from the description on their website.

Since I have been discussing with Vitaliy , let me help a little.

FA-12 true balanced circuit design with a bit more warm sound presentation, bass response is a bit relaxed but deeper.

FA-22 has the most detailed and collected sound, the bass has maximum articulation and speed.
The dynamic range is perceived as the largest in the line and at a low volume the amplifier is able to provide a very decent level of information, everything is heard in a very holistic approach.

 

[Roasty]

Since I have been discussing with Vitaliy , let me help a little.

FA-12 true balanced circuit design with a bit more warm sound presentation, bass response is a bit relaxed but deeper.

FA-22 has the most detailed and collected sound, the bass has maximum articulation and speed.
The dynamic range is perceived as the largest in the line and at a low volume the amplifier is able to provide a very decent level of information, everything is heard in a very holistic approach.

thanks for that useful info!

 

[sahmen]

Since I have been discussing with Vitaliy , let me help a little.

FA-12 true balanced circuit design with a bit more warm sound presentation, bass response is a bit relaxed but deeper.

FA-22 has the most detailed and collected sound, the bass has maximum articulation and speed.
The dynamic range is perceived as the largest in the line and at a low volume the amplifier is able to provide a very decent level of information, everything is heard in a very holistic approach.

Does it also have the grunt and (Class A) power of the FA-10, I mean the power to handle hard-to-drive planars as well as the latter does or oven handle them better?

Ok never mind. I got the answer I was looking for from here:

https://fluxlab-acoustics.com/produ...P8CTsH9cv7n1jmvyTDb4Txe-gDQ6si1-iBnYoK236w21c

Output power	16Ohm : 5W RMS per channel, 32Ohm : 2.5W RMS per channel

 

[Ichos]

Since I have reviewed the FCN 10 and now I have for review the FA 12 I have become a great admirer of Flux Labs.

They have a vision and design "music" playing machines rather than sound reproducers.

 

[Ichos]

Does it also have the grunt and (Class A) power of the FA-10, I mean the power to handle hard-to-drive planars as well as the latter does or oven handle them better?

16Ohm : 5W RMS per channel, 32Ohm : 2.5W RMS per channel

Vs

300Ohm: 1.7W RMS per channel, 32Ohm: 16W RMS per channel, 600Ohm: 1W RMS per channel

The FA 10 is a power house in pure class A.

One if it's kind.

 

[Sebbai]

I’m more and more tempting to take the road of speaker amp for my HE6se. After trying HE1000 v2 with FCN10 I can definitely say that powerful amp can wake up a headphone. HE1000 has still a sort of laid back sound compared to HE6se (which has more realistic timbre and engagement factor) but after using HE1000 on high gain at around 12+ oclock I’m keen to think that HE6se has room of improvement even if driven from FCN10.

So back to speaker amp and soundnews.net (I tend to trust the review and taste of Sandu) : here is what Sandu wrote about KECES S300 speaker amp and Susvara:

« Hifiman Susvara is such a weird headphone that from five powerful desktop headphone amplifiers at my disposal, only one was able to drive them decent enough. Benchmark HPA4 was shutting itself down when a powerful bass note would appear, even that 16-Watt Flux Lab Acoustics FCN-10 was shutting itself off in some crowded high dynamic range tracks. Sparkos Labs Aries didn’t stand chance with them, being maxed out on SMSL SH-9 was unsatisfactory on some particular music and same can be said about the rest of them. »

Quite frustating… because Sandu made a glowing review of FCN10 and also because I’m particulary impressed by FCN10 driving my HE6se. So more on KECES S300:

« I tried first with S125 power amp and there was a sizable improvement compared to all headphone amplifiers I’ve tried before it. Finally, there was a nicer punch, a better driver control and a deeper and more visceral bass performance.
……….
By far, the best pairing was with Keces S300. I never heard them as alive and as @ss kicking, the little big amp was doing some sweet love with them. Everything was improved compared to all those headphone amplifiers and to S125 and EX-M7 power amplifiers. Headroom left on tap was huge, dynamics were explosive, I was jumping from my chair when some Infected Mushroom started playing. S300 passed this test with flying colors and I can’t say the same about the other two amps sitting on the test bench. »

So KECES S300 is a 3000$ class A/AB amplifier, also you would need a preamp (which can be costly) to use them with your DAC. But here is latest Sandu review about SMSL SA400 speaker amp (600$, class D, volume control included so no preamp needed):

« I tried the Susvara out of many integrated and power amplifiers by now and so far, the best pairing was with my own Keces S300 that was always explosive as far as dynamics go, while adding more meat to the bone, boosting midrange presence and tightly controlling their bass down to the lowest notes.

When I’ve moved them to the SMSL SA400, I didn’t know what to expect anymore, but after just a few seconds SA400 felt considerably more powerful to the S300. I couldn’t believe it, but it was pounding even harder, the bass output was out of this world. I don’t think I ever experienced a deeper bass out of any other headphone + amplifier combo. »

I also asked him about FCN10 vs SA400, his answer:

« Hi mate,
I have several top class headphone amplifiers, some of them specifically designed to work outstanding with planar magnetic headphones.
However, when Hifiman Susvara jumps on my head, I'm connecting them only to integrated or power amplifiers...the difference is big, immediate and it's very clear. If you have a chance of trying one, please do...it will blow your mind. »

Well, you know all the story, all of these seems quite nice but I have to test SA400 by myself to be convinced
I’m really waiting for Sandu review about Volot (I asked him to compare Volot to SA400).

https://soundnews.net/amplifiers/smsl-sa400-review-power-overwhelming/

Let me know how the He6se sounds from smsl sa400. Was thinking about buying the FA-10

 

[cfranchi]

Let me know how the He6se sounds from smsl sa400. Was thinking about buying the FA-10

I have ordered custom cable to convert banana plugs to female xlr (from LQI cables) should receive in 3-6 weeks : once received I’ll order SA400 and will post my impressions

 

[Majors]

I Just got my FA-22 today. Shipping to US was fast 7 days. It was packed very well and the remote is small but cute. I`ll let you know more after a few days burn-in.

 

[Slim1970]

I Just got my FA-22 today. Shipping to US was fast 7 days. It was packed very well and the remote is small but cute. I`ll let you know more after a few days burn-in.

Nice, what do it sound like it to you.

 

[Majors]

I`m sorry but give me some time and I`ll let you know.

 

[Majors]

OK initial impressions, this amp is amazing. Listening to The Cars Bye Bye Love. Relaxed but still extended and vice- grip control on bass. This is Dennifrips Aries 2 and HD800s. Fa-22 brought life to these baby's. I can't wait for 200 hours.

 

[Ichos]

Fluxlab and Denafrips are a great match.
I am reviewing the FA-12 with Ares II , a very musical and engaging combination.

 

[Taz777]

I was chatting with Flux Audio on Messenger earlier this week on stock availability and delivery timescales. I've got Audeze LCD-X which are fairly easy to drive for planars (20-Ohm, 103dB). I'm currently eyeing up the FA-10 Pro or the FA-12. Any opinions on which one would be a more musical match for the LCD-X? Flux Audio mentioned that the FA-12 produces a more 'emotional presentation' which is something I would veer towards.

I also notice that the FA-22 is discounted at the moment - not sure why that is! It seems to be between the FA-10 and FA-12 in terms of music presentation.

 

[The Hawk]

I was chatting with Flux Audio on Messenger earlier this week on stock availability and delivery timescales. I've got Audeze LCD-X which are fairly easy to drive for planars (20-Ohm, 103dB). I'm currently eyeing up the FA-10 Pro or the FA-12. Any opinions on which one would be a more musical match for the LCD-X? Flux Audio mentioned that the FA-12 produces a more 'emotional presentation' which is something I would veer towards.

I also notice that the FA-22 is discounted at the moment - not sure why that is! It seems to be between the FA-10 and FA-12 in terms of music presentation.

I can’t speak to the FA-10 but I run my LCD-X with my FA-12S and I love the pairing

The 12S is said to sound exactly like the 12 but is single ended only. I too considered the FA-10 because let’s face it……all that power has a nice appeal. I read reviews way back in this thread by a gentleman who had the 10 and the 12 and I chose the 12 based on his feedback. He commented on how the 12 had a nice warmth to it with nice extension in the bass and treble over the 10 and a very nice mid range presence. He said he loved both amps but preferred the 12 for extended listening sessions and that appealed to me coming from a 789.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m missing out not getting the 10 but damn……the LCD-X just sound so nice with my 12S powering them……I really love the treble presentation…….all the detail my 789 had but it’s got more extension and it’s smooth……no etch at all.