HeadAmp CFA3 Headphone Amp - The Official Thread

[justin w.]

Been doing a lot of listening with serial #001 while we keep going on our assembly! This is, by far, the best amp we've ever made for any type of dynamic/planar even those that don't require tons of power (which it can also easily provide). I was also doing some A/B comparison with a Feliks Envy Performance we just got in, I think those looking for the detail and damping of a solid state amp while still offering warmth especially in the zero-feedback mode are going to love this amp.

Left to right: HIFIMAN Susvara, Feliks Envy (Oak / Performance), HeadAmp CFA3, Mytek Empire, Focal Stellia

Dan Clark E3 Closed-Back and HeadAmp CFA3

HeadAmp CFA3 internals

HeadAmp CFA3 (internals)

Assembly under way on a batch of HeadAmp CFA3s

 

[Astral Abyss]

So... curious. Since the only buildout we've seen so far is the standard model, are pre-orders going to have an option for standard or deluxe, or is it only the standard model for now with the deluxe to come in the future? If so, can we continue to wait for deluxe if we pre-ordered?

 

[justin w.]

So... curious. Since the only buildout we've seen so far is the standard model, are pre-orders going to have an option for standard or deluxe, or is it only the standard model for now with the deluxe to come in the future? If so, can we continue to wait for deluxe if we pre-ordered?

Yes, pre-orders can choose the standard or deluxe model - that email will be going out very soon. The standard models are going to be shipping first, followed by the Deluxe.

There has been an added delay on getting the motorized stepped attenuators for the deluxe version but we should have it straightened out soon.

 

[paradoxper]

Been doing a lot of listening with serial #001 while we keep going on our assembly! This is, by far, the best amp we've ever made for any type of dynamic/planar even those that don't require tons of power (which it can also easily provide). I was also doing some A/B comparison with a Feliks Envy Performance we just got in, I think those looking for the detail and damping of a solid state amp while still offering warmth especially in the zero-feedback mode are going to love this amp.



Left to right: HIFIMAN Susvara, Feliks Envy (Oak / Performance), HeadAmp CFA3, Mytek Empire, Focal Stellia





Dan Clark E3 Closed-Back and HeadAmp CFA3


HeadAmp CFA3 internals


HeadAmp CFA3 (internals)


Assembly under way on a batch of HeadAmp CFA3s

The gold pops nicely. Congrats on a truly great amp.

 

[normie610]

Been doing a lot of listening with serial #001 while we keep going on our assembly! This is, by far, the best amp we've ever made for any type of dynamic/planar even those that don't require tons of power (which it can also easily provide). I was also doing some A/B comparison with a Feliks Envy Performance we just got in, I think those looking for the detail and damping of a solid state amp while still offering warmth especially in the zero-feedback mode are going to love this amp.



Left to right: HIFIMAN Susvara, Feliks Envy (Oak / Performance), HeadAmp CFA3, Mytek Empire, Focal Stellia





Dan Clark E3 Closed-Back and HeadAmp CFA3


HeadAmp CFA3 internals


HeadAmp CFA3 (internals)


Assembly under way on a batch of HeadAmp CFA3s

This is by far the best looking CFA3 congrats on this truly incredible amp.

 

[Rossliew]

Will the amp pair well with high impedance headphones like the Beyer T1 and HD650?

 

[Benke]

Yes, pre-orders can choose the standard or deluxe model - that email will be going out very soon. The standard models are going to be shipping first, followed by the Deluxe.

There has been an added delay on getting the motorized stepped attenuators for the deluxe version but we should have it straightened out soon.

Yes this seems to be a great amp! I am waiting for ordering the Deluxe version after my pre order.

I am also interested to take a look on a photo of the Champagne color option before my final decision

of alternatives. I of course understand that perhaps this could take some time before it could be

possible.

 

[justin w.]

Will the amp pair well with high impedance headphones like the Beyer T1 and HD650?

Yes

 

[K3cT]

Is there an estimate on the final price yet for the Deluxe version?

 

[SQ13]

is there a 220-230v version and indication of pricing?

 

[justin w.]

Very exciting news! A BIG thanks to HIFIMAN for shipping the only Susvara Unveiled in the USA to Lee Shelly Photography, who will start to shoot our HeadAmp CFA3 tomorrow! As far as I know, nobody in the world has listened to this combination yet! Many ppl here already know Lee from his other work such as all of the recent DCA headphones.

 

[tholt]

Very exciting news! A BIG thanks to HIFIMAN for shipping the only Susvara Unveiled in the USA to Lee Shelly Photography, who will start to shoot our HeadAmp CFA3 tomorrow! As far as I know, nobody in the world has listened to this combination yet! Many ppl here already know Lee from his other work such as all of the recent DCA headphones.

Wow, that is exciting! i'm sure a lot of people are eager to hear that combo. Lee does great work. Met him at a show many years ago. I'll look forward to seeing those shots!

 

[justin w.]

Is there an estimate on the final price yet for the Deluxe version?

around 5k

is there a 220-230v version and indication of pricing?

yes! around 4k

Wow, that is exciting! i'm sure a lot of people are eager to hear that combo. Lee does great work. Met him at a show many years ago. I'll look forward to seeing those shots!

Here is a quick preview of some un-touched shots:

 

[Relaxasaurus]

Love the idea of the toroid on the back. You need the clearance anyway for cabling so you're really gaining real estate on your desk or rack with this setup.

 

[rsbrsvp]

Beautiful amp. I owned a maxed out CFA-3 for a few years. Powerful, clean, clear, extended, but IMHO, to my tastes,- too thin unless backed by thicker sounding dac (DSD) or tube preamp. Midrange especially does not have the density I need to enjoy my music when no tube preamp is backing it up. I am a fan of fun over accuracy, but of course, within the proper balance.

I'm curious if there have been some tuning adjustments to address this issue in this new model- or if this is just the reality of the circut. I can understand that many will appreciate it for it's close to perfect neutrality- but I like things thick, solid, and meaty, devoid of bloat or veil.

Different strokes for different folks........