HeadAmp CFA3 Headphone Amp - The Official Thread

[chesebert]

I know and agree that's good news... and the reason for me being interested in it.
Considering getting it over here it probably will be close in € as Niimbus and quite more as HE9 MK3 which is my biggest dilemma.
If folks will be as happy with headamps' version as those with Dukeis' then I could be set for quite somes years.

Niimbus = violectric = lake people = midfi purgatory. I would skip that one if I were you.

 

[chesebert]

Agreed. It has an imparted warmth that detracts information rather than balancing out with a smoothness of a Bliss.

The usual chifi dilemma: they either give you something that sounds too “hi-fi”/sharp or you get warm poo.

 

[ahossam]

Two new TOTL SS headphone amp in the horizon, CFA3 Headamp & Wellsaudio Headtrip III Level II. Somebody need to compare this two in the future, for our enjoyment.

 

[newToAudio100]

Niimbus = violectric = lake people = midfi purgatory. I would skip that one if I were you.

I have one and it is the most resolving and crystal clear amp I have heard. I also owned a bliss. Niimbus has faster notes and more separation. Bliss is more warm while Niimbus is far more neutral with airy treble.

 

[newToAudio100]

Definitely not "midfi". Someone could say the same about any amp. There are those who don't like the cfa3. Niimbus is totl it just depends on what you're looking for. I loved the bliss kte but sold it just to try new amps. Most people say the bliss is the best and yet I sold it.

 

[chesebert]

It’s a combination of sound quality, parts selection, build quality and amp topology. If you enjoy your amp that’s great and that’s all that matters.

 

[ChJL]

Niimbus = violectric = lake people = midfi purgatory. I would skip that one if I were you.

Not having purgatory in mind, might hang out in audio nirvana until taking the final voyage.

Now what about your 3, still obtainable, SS HP amps that don't scream mediocracy to you?
Looks like you're kinda annoyed by "not your monkey" 6.3A fuse amps...

 

[chesebert]

Not having purgatory in mind, might hang out in audio nirvana until taking the final voyage.

Now what about your 3, still obtainable, SS HP amps that don't scream mediocracy to you?
Looks like you're kinda annoyed by "not your monkey" 6.3A fuse amps...

Well, any amp that requires a 6.3A 16A fuse scares me. However I am intrigued by the lateral MOSFET implementation.

In terms of SS amp, CFA3 and Dynahi/dynamite are TOTL. GSX mk2 is near TOTL. Reserve judgement on Bliss.

 

[newToAudio100]

Well, any amp that requires a 6.3A 16A fuse scares me. However I am intrigued by the lateral MOSFET implementation.

In terms of SS amp, CFA3 and Dynahi/dynamite are TOTL. GSX mk2 is near TOTL. Reserve judgement on Bliss.

Curious what you think about something like dual mentors from flux labs or volot vs cfa3.

 

[chesebert]

Curious what you think about something like dual mentors from flux labs or volot vs cfa3.

Looks very interesting. Don’t have any experience with the brand. I don’t remember seeking them at CanJam or Axpona. The build looks high quality.

 

[bfin3]

Will speaker taps be an option for the headamp CFA3? I've seen several of the DIY designs that feature them.

 

[Whazzzup]

err just curious, place order for what? and how much, and when. kinda understand for what, but still unsure.

 

[Ciggavelli]

The CFA3 is good, but it almost requires a tube pre. I like my Dukei version, but it didn't live up to the hype. It's good, but it's not better than my WA33 EE JPS. I guess it souldn't, given the cost, but I expected more. Maybe I'm just a tubes guy. The bass is a little bit better than my WA33 EE JPS, but it's missing some of the 3D sound.

 

[ThanatosVI]

The CFA3 is good, but it almost requires a tube pre. I like my Dukei version, but it didn't live up to the hype. It's good, but it's not better than my WA33 EE JPS. I guess it souldn't, given the cost, but I expected more. Maybe I'm just a tubes guy. The bass is a little bit better than my WA33 EE JPS, but it's missing some of the 3D sound.

How is 3ES as pre into CFA3 compared to Wa33EE JPS?

 

[Ciggavelli]

How is 3ES as pre into CFA3 compared to Wa33EE JPS?

That's a good question. I haven't even tried it yet out of my Wa33...lol. I need to test it this weekend.