HeadAmp CFA3 Headphone Amp - The Official Thread

[Yggy]

Would be good to read a review comparing a HeadAmp CFA 3 to a Dukei-built DIY version and other headphone amps in this price range like the Holo Bliss, Cen.Grand Silver Fox, two Flux Mentors in a dual mono setup, and Burson Voyager. In particular, addressing the criticisms levelled at the CFA 3 of thin mids and needing a tube preamp to sound its best. Would also like to see a comparison of the HeadAmp CFA 3 on its own vs a DIY CFA 3 with a 300b/6SN7 tube preamp like the Supratek Cabernet.

 

[fiascogarcia]

Would be good to read a review comparing a HeadAmp CFA 3 to a Dukei-built DIY version and other headphone amps in this price range like the Holo Bliss, Cen.Grand Silver Fox, two Flux Mentors in a dual mono setup, and Burson Voyager. In particular, addressing the criticisms levelled at the CFA 3 of thin mids and needing a tube preamp to sound its best. Would also like to see a comparison of the HeadAmp CFA 3 on its own vs a DIY CFA 3 with a 300b/6SN7 tube preamp like the Supratek Cabernet.

Yeah, that would be great, but I think it has to be released into the wild, and spend some time out there first.

 

[number1sixerfan]

Would be good to read a review comparing a HeadAmp CFA 3 to a Dukei-built DIY version and other headphone amps in this price range like the Holo Bliss, Cen.Grand Silver Fox, two Flux Mentors in a dual mono setup, and Burson Voyager. In particular, addressing the criticisms levelled at the CFA 3 of thin mids and needing a tube preamp to sound its best. Would also like to see a comparison of the HeadAmp CFA 3 on its own vs a DIY CFA 3 with a 300b/6SN7 tube preamp like the Supratek Cabernet.

A tube pre unfortunately just does the CFA3 wonders. It isn't a must, and I heard Justin's CFA3 at headamp in great conditions and it's damn good. Heard it with the Dave and Susvara, two pieces of gear I know VERY well and it was incredible.

Based on owning a CFA 3 myself, a tube pre does just add to the awesomeness already there. Few things in this hobby are a "must" or "need" however, and I'd absolutely say that's the case here as well.

 

[paradoxper]

Would be good to read a review comparing a HeadAmp CFA 3 to a Dukei-built DIY version and other headphone amps in this price range like the Holo Bliss, Cen.Grand Silver Fox, two Flux Mentors in a dual mono setup, and Burson Voyager. In particular, addressing the criticisms levelled at the CFA 3 of thin mids and needing a tube preamp to sound its best. Would also like to see a comparison of the HeadAmp CFA 3 on its own vs a DIY CFA 3 with a 300b/6SN7 tube preamp like the Supratek Cabernet.

I See. Don't forget, you must use either Elrog 300B or TM300B. No exception.

 

[ChJL]

A tube pre unfortunately just does the CFA3 wonders. It isn't a must, and I heard Justin's CFA3 at headamp in great conditions and it's damn good. Heard it with the Dave and Susvara, two pieces of gear I know VERY well and it was incredible.

Based on owning a CFA 3 myself, a tube pre does just add to the awesomeness already there. Few things in this hobby are a "must" or "need" however, and I'd absolutely say that's the case here as well.

from your ABOUT: Eddie Current Studio B (300b) + CFA3/Primaluna Evo 400/

So you use either EC or CFA3 w EVO 400 pre?
and the pre "just because it adds awesomeness"

IYHO... which other tube amp (that you've heard) is on par with CFA3+"great" pre?

 

[number1sixerfan]

from your ABOUT: Eddie Current Studio B (300b) + CFA3/Primaluna Evo 400/

So you use either EC or CFA3 w EVO 400 pre?
and the pre "just because it adds awesomeness"

IYHO... which other tube amp (that you've heard) is on par with CFA3+"great" pre?

I use the EC Studio B with it. Any solid tube amp with a bit of a warm character should be helpful. The Studio B actually isn't as warm as other tube amps and it still adds a wanted character to the tone. 300b amps seem to be the most popular, which makes sense as it's a warm and luscious tube. I've only used the Studio B however, as it's what I have.

 

[ahossam]

I see there's two 4 pin XLR for headphone on the front, can someone explain why? A bit unusual to me, typically it's two 3 pin XLR.

 

[JLoud]

Drive two headphones at once.

 

[George Hincapie]

Drive two headphones at once.

Will it drive Tungsten and Sus? I haven't seen the stats for it yet.

 

[JLoud]

I believe it has 15 watts into 50 ohms.

 

[normie610]

Will it drive Tungsten and Sus? I haven't seen the stats for it yet.

oh yes for sure.

 

[paradoxper]

Will it drive Tungsten and Sus? I haven't seen the stats for it yet.

It will drive all headphones. Although for RAAL type, you'd want the uberamp2 which is a different consideration altogether.

 

[jlbrach]

r RAAL with the interface works quite well using the CFA3

 

[justin w.]

Update: We have the first 15 of the CFA3 Standard Edition assembled and about to be burned-in!

For the Deluxe Edition, we have a decision to make ASAP. Our original plan for the motorized 47-step attenuator has fallen through, which I had previously mentioned delays about. There are 2 great options for a replacement:

1) ELMA 47-step attenuator, motorized. A very high quality mechanical stepped attenuator with a strong feeling detent between steps and a compact custom motor. Using the remote control will turn the motor so the knob will rotate automatically. it's also made to feel the same when turning by hand. The max attenuation is -72dB, with the first few steps 2 or 3dB and most of the steps 1.5dB. For my use this has always been enough steps especially with the low/high gain settings.

2) In the Grand Cayman thread I recently mentioned that we've started a collaboration on some projects with Kerry and Eksonic. One of those happens to be a motorized relay-based attenuator with up to 255 steps of 1/2dB. The relays would change the volume by turning a potentiometer, so it would be smooth and no detents and a huge number of steps to land on it would be almost seamless. There would be the sound of the relays changing when adjusting the volume, which is true of most gear using relay attenuators. It could also be possible to add left/right balance adjustments through buttons on the remote only.

I know which one I prefer, but I wanted to let the thread / customers with pre-orders decide.

 

[genefruit]

Update: We have the first 15 of the CFA3 Standard Edition assembled and about to be burned-in!

For the Deluxe Edition, we have a decision to make ASAP. Our original plan for the motorized 47-step attenuator has fallen through, which I had previously mentioned delays about. There are 2 great options for a replacement:

1) ELMA 47-step attenuator, motorized. A very high quality mechanical stepped attenuator with a strong feeling detent between steps and a compact custom motor. Using the remote control will turn the motor so the knob will rotate automatically. it's also made to feel the same when turning by hand. The max attenuation is -72dB, with the first few steps 2 or 3dB and most of the steps 1.5dB. For my use this has always been enough steps especially with the low/high gain settings.

2) In the Grand Cayman thread I recently mentioned that we've started a collaboration on some projects with Kerry and Eksonic. One of those happens to be a motorized relay-based attenuator with up to 255 steps of 1/2dB. The relays would change the volume by turning a potentiometer, so it would be smooth and no detents and a huge number of steps to land on it would be almost seamless. There would be the sound of the relays changing when adjusting the volume, which is true of most gear using relay attenuators. It could also be possible to add left/right balance adjustments through buttons on the remote only.

I know which one I prefer, but I wanted to let the thread / customers with pre-orders decide.

Um, option 2 please...

I suppose we should be asking what price difference is there between option 1 & 2...