HeadAmp CFA3 Headphone Amp - The Official Thread

[JooLoo]

our CFA3 is being made with JFET input which is a lot more expensive than the standard bipolar and works much better without a pre-amp in front - and the reputation of FETs being that they sound more tube-like compared to bipolar/BJT. We've also been tweaking the gain levels trying to find what works/sounds best. The standard gain settings were pretty low considering the amount of voltage swing available. Not every source is putting out 5 to 12Vrms, so those with <1 to 3Vrms sources will appreciate the higher gain.

whats the max input voltage via xlr and rca?

 

[ChJL]

I have some updates on the upcoming CFA3 Deluxe and CFA-T (w/ tube/hybrid pre-amp). I say CFA-T and not CFA3-T because it's still not clear if the '3' should be part of it.

First on what both models share, a custom Eksonic relay attenuator that is controlled by a motorized pot. Turn the pot manually with a normal analog feel, or use the remote to turn the knob by motor. Since it's not an encoder, there's no need for a display, as the dot on the knob shows the volume level.



Here's the latest version of the balanced attenuator completed by Kerry of Eksonic that I just received, which will be in the CFA3 Deluxe for the first time at CanJam NYC this weekend. The relays we're using are the fastest available, with switching times of 2 milliseconds.



There's also the balance control which can be controlled on the remote. Since the CFA3 Deluxe doesnt have a display, you can press the BAL-0 button in the middle to re-center the left/right balance. The CFA-T shows the balance on the display plus you can change it through the front panel buttons in addition to the remote.

The board also has an output for an OLED display on it for use with the CFA-T. Pictured is the display in blue, also available in white, yellow and green which looks very cool behind the 30% tinted glass. On the CFA-T the remote will have additional buttons to control power on/off, input/output, gain, menu, and display brightness.



We built in at least 2 curves to the attenuator, there's a Sensitive mode and a Linear mode. Sensitive mode (SEN) is intended for easy to power headphones, the volume will ramp up very slowly and give much greater control. Push the button on the remote to switch modes. The volume must be returned to zero before switching modes, which will happen automatically if you hold the SEN or LIN taper buttons. For the CFA3 Deluxe we have enough remote buttons to do up to 6 modes. on the CFA-T, modes can be changed in the display menu.


In LIN mode, step 25 on the volume is at -35dB


In SEN mode, step 25 is very quiet at -65dB as the volume is coming up much slower. Pictured on the display for the CFA-T, but this feature is also on the CFA3 Deluxe

But as far as the difference in sound/presentation between those two models, is there a specific target you are aiming for with the CFA-T? To early to state anything about it? or is it that just straightforward, that a hybrid will have a certain character by design?

 

[Exekuhtor]

Assessment after almost two months of owning the CFA3:
I still love it. I noticed some more difference between the ZF and SS mode. SS mode is faster, brighter, with a completely neutral midrange ("unremarkable" probably sounds harsh, but i think there is no colouring here) and a good amount of air (treble). For dark headphones it's perfect, for neutral ones it depends, for bright headphones it can be too much. With ZF the treble gets subdued and the midrange gets slightly warmer (only a hinch).
In both cases, the bass is the star of the show. Maybe (most likely) it has also to do with the insane amount of power this beast delivers. It slams ultra hard and kicks as much as the connected headphone can possibly deliver, even more than my Envy with the most dynamic tubes in it.
The CFA3 likes a not too hot DAC, i now use my preamp in front of it, the Serene, with a -10db attenuation, so not nearly as much as with tube amps (where i'm at ~ -30). With a direct XLR output from a decently hot DAC you'll probably get some distortion after 2-3 o'clock. Of course you can also just switch to high gain or use the RCA inputs. There is no situation where i thought i needed more power / the CFA3 doesnt have enough headroom, even for the most demanding headphones that exist (Immanis).
The soundstage is decent, but not the biggest, but for that you need tube amps anyway (i find it weird when people chase the biggest soundstage with SS amps anyway). Imaging and especially resolution is superb, especially the speed and immediacy this thing can deliver in combination with its resolution is just nuts for the pricepoint in my opinion.
I think it pairs very well with relaxed / dark or neutral headphones and depending on the headphone / mood i can also highly recommend (any warm) tube amp in front of it.
The combination of my Envy with warm tubes -> CFA3 in ZF mode is the best i can make the Immanis sound.
Drawbacks? Well, it consumes a good amount of power, it gets somewhat hot, toasty, but not extremely flaming hot. It's still a big industrial looking box, just not as big as other TOTL amps.
Really the worst thing i can say about it, is that it can sound boring with neutral / bright headphones that you ideally want some more colouration with. Some headphones just sound best on tubes.
Oh, and i also like the multiple headphone connector output, which will be awesome for A/B testing multiple cans (as long as they have roughly the same sensivity).

Everyone that is looking for a TOTL solid state amp for a normal price, get the CFA3, you won't be disappointed. I highly suspect that this thing will blow up even more and people will realize that you won't have to spend five digits to get a TOTL SS amp.

Edit:
Oh, another gripe for me is that the left connector is at the top and the right one is at the bottom. WHAT? Right should always be on top! Come one! There is actually enough place on the back to just swap the XLR inputs so they are next to each other and not one below the other. I find that very weird. Keep the RCA's that way if you have to, but now you have 2x2 XLR's with left top and right bottom in one column, and right next to it another column with a connection pair that is the same. I don't understand it...

 

[uncleseven]

I have some updates on the upcoming CFA3 Deluxe and CFA-T (w/ tube/hybrid pre-amp). I say CFA-T and not CFA3-T because it's still not clear if the '3' should be part of it.

First on what both models share, a custom Eksonic relay attenuator that is controlled by a motorized pot. Turn the pot manually with a normal analog feel, or use the remote to turn the knob by motor. Since it's not an encoder, there's no need for a display, as the dot on the knob shows the volume level.



Here's the latest version of the balanced attenuator completed by Kerry of Eksonic that I just received, which will be in the CFA3 Deluxe for the first time at CanJam NYC this weekend. The relays we're using are the fastest available, with switching times of 2 milliseconds.



There's also the balance control which can be controlled on the remote. Since the CFA3 Deluxe doesnt have a display, you can press the BAL-0 button in the middle to re-center the left/right balance. The CFA-T shows the balance on the display plus you can change it through the front panel buttons in addition to the remote.

The board also has an output for an OLED display on it for use with the CFA-T. Pictured is the display in blue, also available in white, yellow and green which looks very cool behind the 30% tinted glass. On the CFA-T the remote will have additional buttons to control power on/off, input/output, gain, menu, and display brightness.



We built in at least 2 curves to the attenuator, there's a Sensitive mode and a Linear mode. Sensitive mode (SEN) is intended for easy to power headphones, the volume will ramp up very slowly and give much greater control. Push the button on the remote to switch modes. The volume must be returned to zero before switching modes, which will happen automatically if you hold the SEN or LIN taper buttons. For the CFA3 Deluxe we have enough remote buttons to do up to 6 modes. on the CFA-T, modes can be changed in the display menu.


In LIN mode, step 25 on the volume is at -35dB


In SEN mode, step 25 is very quiet at -65dB as the volume is coming up much slower. Pictured on the display for the CFA-T, but this feature is also on the CFA3 Deluxe

Can you help me to update about the refund of the CFA3 PreOrder?
I just request to refund on 06 Nov 2024 and get the reply on 13 Nov 2024

Hello - I've noted on your order to cancel the pre-order and initiate a refund. We're working as quickly as we can on processing our return requests, thanks for your patience!
--
Tim
HeadAmp Audio

up to now, never reply me any mail and update status.
Would you pls try to ask your support team to reply me?
Thanks

 

[fiascogarcia]

Assessment after almost two months of owning the CFA3:


Edit:
Oh, another gripe for me is that the left connector is at the top and the right one is at the bottom. WHAT? Right should always be on top! Come one! There is actually enough place on the back to just swap the XLR inputs so they are next to each other and not one below the other. I find that very weird. Keep the RCA's that way if you have to, but now you have 2x2 XLR's with left top and right bottom in one column, and right next to it another column with a connection pair that is the same. I don't understand it...

I think all gear I've seen that has connections vertically aligned have left on top and right on bottom, including my switch box and streamer. I always assumed that was standard. I'll have to pay attention to that.

 

[Exekuhtor]

I think all gear I've seen that has connections vertically aligned have left on top and right on bottom, including my switch box and streamer. I always assumed that was standard. I'll have to pay attention to that.

Really? Because (i thought) on every DAC the manufacturer tries to place the outputs next to each other (in lines), which i thought is also true for amplifiers. Every amp i own(ed) did certainly not have the connections lined up in columns...

 

[passballtotucker]

Has anyone who ordered this year receive one yet?

 

[chesebert]

Really? Because (i thought) on every DAC the manufacturer tries to place the outputs next to each other (in lines), which i thought is also true for amplifiers. Every amp i own(ed) did certainly not have the connections lined up in columns...

I believe it’s a Headamp thing. Same rca config since early 2000s. I have seen vertical rca stacks in other small to medium footprint gear (not standard equipment size).

 

[fiascogarcia]

Really? Because (i thought) on every DAC the manufacturer tries to place the outputs next to each other (in lines), which i thought is also true for amplifiers. Every amp i own(ed) did certainly not have the connections lined up in columns...

I think I misunderstood what you were saying. Yes, most amps and DACs have the outputs side-by-side horizontally. I was just saying that any equipment that have them placed vertically put the left on top and the right on the bottom.

 

[skylinekursk]

Can you help me to update about the refund of the CFA3 PreOrder?
I just request to refund on 06 Nov 2024 and get the reply on 13 Nov 2024

up to now, never reply me any mail and update status.
Would you pls try to ask your support team to reply me?
Thanks

Has anyone who ordered this year receive one yet?

Im waiting since November and even asked to make refund few month ago...

 

[uncleseven]

Im waiting since November and even asked to make refund few month ago...

I don’t know why need over 5 months for the refund…… and never got any reply and update…….

 

[bfreedma]

Im waiting since November and even asked to make refund few month ago...

Have you tried calling? I know you shouldn’t have to, particularly if it’s an international call, but worth a try given how long you’ve waited for an email response

 

[skylinekursk]

Have you tried calling? I know you shouldn’t have to, particularly if it’s an international call, but worth a try given how long you’ve waited for an email response

Justin sent email to me today, he say we going solve issue asap, no problem from my or their side...

 

[uncleseven]

Justin sent email to me today, he say we going solve issue asap, no problem from my or their side...

Thanks your information. I still not get any email，I just sent the request again. Hope I can get the reply soon.

 

[George Hincapie]

How is CFA comparing to other top tier options? Has anyone compared to HM1 or 765? How is it driving MHT DS?