HeadAmp CFA3 Headphone Amp - The Official Thread

[George Hincapie]

Has anyone compared CFA3 to Aegis?

 

[theveterans]

Has anyone compared CFA3 to Aegis?

Not directly. IMHO, my Susvara OG sounded more resolving on my Aegis than the CFA3 I demoed at CanJam SoCal. YMMV but comparable IMHO (tube vs SS preference)

 

[justin w.]

I have compared our CFA3 and one of our Feliks Envys (2x the price) on an A/B switch box with volume levels matched using Susvara, mentioned a few pages back. I can see how someone would prefer either amp, or want to own both amps. Tube amps can do certain things very differently depending on the design and headphone pairing, while solid state amps tend to be more consistent across different headphones if they are well designed.

 

[nonamerat]

Has anyone compared CFA3 to Aegis?

I own both but they are in different systems so I haven't done a direct A/B with the same DAC. FWIW, I find both to be equally resolving, at least with the Caldera. I find the bass to be both more extended, and elevated, with the CFA3. The Aegis bass seems ever so slightly tighter. Soundstage is wider on the Aegis. This can all be changed with different tubes though. All of this could be DAC differences too (Yggy OG on the CFA3, Qutest+Sbooster with the Aegis). I would consider them both on par with each other and for me, having both made perfect sense.

We have an upcoming local meet where there will be the CFA3 and I will try to bring my Aegis. There should be some good comparisons available after that in a few weeks.

 

[JLoud]

Some thoughts on the Susvara OG and CFA3. Chain is Schiit Urd-Yggdrasil OG A2-CFA3.
Control over the Susvara is iron clad. Speed and impact are excellent. Soundstage is expanded compared to Wells Audio Dragon or Ragnarok 2. On par with Woo WA33. This surprised me. In ZF stage is bigger and sound is smoother. SS tightens everything up and speed is improved. I go back and forth depending on type of music.

 

[JLoud]

I spent a few hours using the Sony Z1R with the CFA3. The Sony is very easy to drive so I was curious if there would be any background noise. In low gain there is a very slight amount of hiss. Very low level and not bothersome at all. Completely undetectable when music is playing, even during very quiet passages. SS mode is definitely my preference with the Z1R. Bass (which is the calling card for the Z1R) has great impact and depth. Speed is also very good. Treble is controlled and never strident. All in all a very good match, even if the extra power isn’t needed.

 

[Sajid Amit]

Here are a couple of teaser shots of the new CFA3. Listening to the HE6se and some Gunship albums. Bass is hitting hard. Nice!

What was your wait time for this one?

 

[JLoud]

Ordered in April of 24

 

[OnlySoMany]

I'd be super interested on how this compares to the Enleum AMP23-R, which is my all time favorite solid state amp.

 

[Relaxasaurus]

Yes - we are working on it now. This just came yesterday. Custom copper skivved heatsink...it weighs nearly 5lb

I think it was discussed before, but will you be changing one of those inputs to pre-outs for the CFA-T?

I'm slowly getting back into 2-channel and it would be great to be able to use this as a pre.

 

[justin w.]

Yes, the CFA3-T or CFA-T will be an Amp/Pre-Amp. Originally our plan was to eliminate the RCA input and have 2 XLR inputs, 1 XLR pre-out. We were able to make some extra space and keep the RCA input.

 

[Hiker816]

Hey HeadAmp and CFA3 fans!

Just wanted to let you know that HeadAmp, @Makiah S , is going to be attending our local Head-Fi meet in Denver on December 7th. He's bringing HeadAmp's new CFA3 with him, so if you haven't heard it yet, this is your chance. He's also bringing a Blue Hawaii Special Edition, and some other goodies. We will have an epic selection of other gear on hand as well. Want to hear the Immanis driven by the CFA3? Easily accomplished at this meet. Join us!
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/colorado-head-fi-meet-december-7-2024.974367/
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/colorado-head-fi-meet-december-7-2024.974367/post-18443581

 

[chesebert]

I'd be super interested on how this compares to the Enleum AMP23-R, which is my all time favorite solid state amp.

Isn’t Enleum built using lateral MOSFET? I am not certain if you will like Headamp’s version of CFA3 - you may find it a bit too analytical. Try before you buy.

 

[killthrash]

Has anyone compared CFA3 to Aegis?

I have both, and can post some impressions after I’ve had a chance to compare them.

 

[rwelles]

Anyone know when the deluxe model will start shipping?