[eskamobob1]

Hope Dukei doesn't mind me sharing it here but we're currently doing an SMD build of the CFA3 that lets us use a shorter and narrower case (the 400mm depth was just too big!). It's a 3U high case but the best part is it allows us to flat lay the amp boards on the side heatsinks for a real amp-like look inside. With this there's so much space left inside it gives you a lot of upgrade options like going dual torroid, relay type attenuator, possibly even a dac board if you fancy that. The overall compactness of the amp is a big deal given they'll most likely end up on a desktop for most users and is one of the reasons I'm moving away from using speaker amps for my TC without losing the power.

Mind if I ask for expected case dimensions? Tbh the size of the cfa3 is a major downside to me personaly

 

[Bhk1004]

Mind if I ask for expected case dimensions? Tbh the size of the cfa3 is a major downside to me personaly

34x30x10cm

 

[eskamobob1]

34x30x10cm

Thats for the new version? Thats tiny. 100% doable

 

[Bhk1004]

Thats for the new version? Thats tiny. 100% doable

Yup. Don't ask how or why I know when I already have a cfa3... My wallet hurts.

 

[eskamobob1]

Yup. Don't ask how or why I know when I already have a cfa3... My wallet hurts.

Hahahaha. Man after my own heart. I'm exited for when pictures finally drop.

Follow uo question, are yall running rall directly or through the box? Also, i can't find any descriptions of the sound of the cfa3 in this thread..... anyone know how it stacks up against the uberamp2 in terms of voicing?

 

[drc73rp]

This board has been busy! I didn't realize the CFA3 could run the SR1a's and without the interface? If that's the case I wonder if the speaker taps are a must for this or the hp out from the front will have the same output power anyway. I would love to have the SR1a option in the future.

 

[normie610]

This board has been busy! I didn't realize the CFA3 could run the SR1a's and without the interface? If that's the case I wonder if the speaker taps are a must for this or the hp out from the front will have the same output power anyway. I would love to have the SR1a option in the future.

Well I’m using the interface box, but I don’t know about others though.

 

[paradoxper]

You should definitely use the interface unless you're able to measurabley raise the impedance a bit with cabling. The CFA drove the LCD-R quite well. Although at concession.

 

[drc73rp]

Is there anything else added at the speaker taps? Otherwise I can still have the interface box but with an XLR input instead of speaker cable connectors so I can connect from the front of the CFA3.

 

[littlej0e]

Without further ado... Here is a first look at my CFA3! @normie610 was correct - mine is very similar to his, but with some notable differences. Namely, the addition of "pimp" lights and an external power supply! Full list is below.

Primary Chassis:
Front

• Dual balanced 3 pin
• Single balanced 4 pin
• Single unbalanced 1/4 inch | 6.35mm
• Speaker/Headphone selector switch
• Volume knob
• Triple LEDs (orange/amber)

Rear

• Dual 3 pin balanced XLR
• Dual single ended unbalanced RCA
• Quad speaker taps
• Single-ended/balanced selector switch
• High gain/low gain selector switch
• DC power in Receptacle

Power Supply:
Front

• Power switch (orange/amber)

Rear

• Single DC power receptacle
• Single AC power receptacle

Notes:

• Goals
  • Achieve the best sound quality humanly possible
  • Obtain the maximum number of options and utility for single-ended, balanced, and speaker connections
• Internals
  • TBD. I sprung for upgrades everywhere I possible could including knobs, caps, etc. but I don't have an exact list. Consequently, this will have to wait until I post my follow up.
• Lighting
  • The pimp lights actually serve a purpose other than aesthetics. The lights are my primary visual indicator that the amp is operational. The primary chassis will be installed on the top of my rack, while the PSU will be installed at the bottom with the DC umbilical running between them (I did the exact same thing with my streaming server and always try to keep power sources as far away from sound processing components as humanly possible). The end result is, I won't have to peek my head around my desk to look at the bottom of my rack to see if the CFA3 is running. First-world convenience problems amirite?!? Plus, the pimp lights look pimp...so there's that.
• Sound
  • Initial feedback on the two chassis design is stellar. The builder couldn't hear any noise, even on high gain, while testing with HD800s. A stupidly low noise floor is extremely impressive given the ridiculous amount of power this thing puts out.
• Recommendations
  • If you are interested in getting a CFA3, send a PM to Dukei. DO IT RIGHT NOW!!! Not only is he an extremely skilled CFA3 amp builder, but he's also a fantastic aesthetic designer. The little touches and attention to detail are everywhere - lettering fonts, sizes, and positions...quality connectors, capacitors, and other components...volume knob resistance and quality....etc....etc... This guy is legit phenomenal and an absolute dream to work with. I honestly can't recommend him enough. Dukei = Quali-tie (sorry...had to make it rhyme)
  • If you have the extra space, go with a two chassis design with the external PSU. Either that, or talk with your builder about adding some additional shielding for the toroidal transformer (if possible). The resulting bump in SQ seems to be more than worth it. In my humble opinion, the two chassis solution should be the de facto standard for those looking to get the ultimate sound quality out of the CFA3 design.
• Comparisons
  • I am going to pit this CFA3 build directly against my ToTL Woo Audio WA33 Elite Edition w/JPS wiring and fully upgraded Tak, KR, and Gold Pin tubes. Should be fun!!!
• Questions
  • I'll be running this amp paired with my Abyss AB-1266 Phi TCs, but I can't help but wonder how the two chassis design would sound with slightly more sensitive headphones like the Susvaras.

 

[ken6217]

Without further ado... Here is a first look at my CFA3! @normie610 was correct - mine is very similar to his, but with some notable difference. Namely, the addition of "pimp" lights and an external power supply! Full list is below.

Primary Chassis:
Front

• Dual balanced 3 pin
• Single balanced 4 pin
• Single unbalanced 1/4 inch | 6.35mm
• Speaker/Headphone selector switch
• Volume knob
• Triple LEDs (orange/amber)

Rear

• Dual 3 pin balanced XLR
• Dual single ended unbalanced RCA
• Quad speaker taps
• Single-ended/balanced selector switch
• High gain/low gain selector switch
• DC power in Receptacle

Power Supply:
Front

• Power switch (orange/amber)

Rear

• Single DC power receptacle
• Single AC power receptacle

Notes:

• Lighting
  • The pimp lights actually serve a purpose other than aesthetics. The lights are my primary visual indicator that the amp is operational. The primary chassis will be installed on the top of my rack, while the PSU will be installed at the bottom with the DC umbilical running between them (I did the exact same thing with my streaming server and always try to keep power sources as far away from sound processing components as humanly possible). The end result is, I won't have to peek my head around my desk to look at the bottom of my rack to see if the CFA3 is running. First-world convenience problems amirite?!? Plus, the pimp lights look pimp...so there's that.
• Sound
  • Initial feedback on the two chassis design is stellar. The builder couldn't hear any noise, even on high gain, while testing with HD800s. A stupidly low noise floor is extremely impressive given the ridiculous amount of power this thing puts out.
• Recommendations
  • If you are interested in getting a CFA3, send a PM to Dukei. DO IT RIGHT NOW!!! Not only is he an extremely skilled CFA3 amp builder, but he's also a fantastic aesthetic designer. The little touches and attention to detail are everywhere - lettering fonts, sizes, and positions...quality connectors, capacitors, and other components...volume knob resistance and quality....etc....etc... This guy is legit phenomenal and an absolute dream to work with. I honestly can't recommend him enough. Dukei = Quali-tie (sorry...had to make it rhyme)
  • If you have the extra space, go with a two chassis design with the external PSU. Either that, or talk with your builder about adding some additional shielding for the toroidal transformer (if possible). The resulting bump in SQ seems to be worth it.
• Comparisons
  • I am going to pit this CFA3 build directly against my ToTL Woo Audio WA33 Elite Edition w/JPS wiring and fully upgraded Tak, KR, and Gold Pin tubes. Should be fun!!!

Looks great. Dukei is shielding the power supply inside with mine.

 

[ken6217]

I’m curious to hear your impressions of the CFA3 and the WA33 Elite

 

[littlej0e]

I’m curious to hear your impressions of the CFA3 and the WA33 Elite

So am I, believe me... However, I must stay that I'm scared $hitless the CFA3 will out perform it Let's just say...if you see me posting a classified ad selling the WA33 suspiciously before I post the results of my comparison, that should tell you everything you need to know - haha

 

[ken6217]

So am I, believe me... However, I must stay that I'm scared $hitless the CFA3 will out perform it Let's just say...if you see me posting a classified ad selling the WA33 suspiciously before I post the results of my comparison, that should tell you everything you need to know - haha

Then let’s see how many people that say they lust over the WA33 put their hands in their pocket and take out their money.

 

[eskamobob1]

Then let’s see how many people that say they lust over the WA33 put their hands in their pocket and take out their money.

I mean, I lust over a ton of stuff I simply won't buy. I pretty desperately want a b20 aurelia for example. But buying one when I litteraly can't find anyone willing to work on the car in my state means I probabaly won't pull that trigger