[normie610]

Technically- I understand nothing is a contest against the CFA-3, but I am concerned the CFA-3 could be a bit dry in the midrange vs the fuller bodied and sweeter 23R.

For 13R, that’s not the case actually. At least not on my system. CFA3 is much fuller and analog sounding.

 

[rsbrsvp]

For 13R, that’s not the case actually. At least not on my system. CFA3 is much fuller and analog sounding.

Is that because you put a tube pre-amp before it? I'm talking without the tube preamp before.

 

[normie610]

Is that because you put a tube pre-amp before it? I'm talking without the tube preamp before.

I do believe the tube preamp has the same effect for both amps, since they are both very transparent. So if the tube preamp makes one amp sounds fuller, then it will also make the other amp sounds fuller. And comparing between the two, CFA3 sounds fuller. But others who have the experience can also chime in so you can have better and more diverse opinions.

 

[paradoxper]

I haven’t heard the 23R, but had a 13R before, and it’s a no contest vs. CFA3.

Agreed.

 

[SteveM324]

The 23R is fantastic with the Susvara and 1266TC as many have noted. I listened to my ZMF Verite Open this morning through the 23R. As most people know, the VO is known to excel with tubes and I usually use my Auris Nirvana to listen to it. I also heard the VO through the Pendant and a few others at a show before I ordered it. This morning, the VO sounded better than I've ever heard it before. The music was so engaging and the experience was sublime. I had the VO, VC and Aeolus at the same time about 2 years ago and the VO was far better (not even close) than the other 2 for my preferences. The 23R has matched up well with every headphone I've thrown at it including those that are notoriously known for sounding their best with tubes.

 

[iFi audio]

Just wanted to share my compact headphone set up with you guys. RME ADI 2 PRO FS R -> ENLEUM AMP 23R -> Hifiman Susvara.

That should keep your audio expenses at bay for a while

 

[stuart1927]

I received my amp a couple of days ago. Still warming her up but first impressions so far are extremely positive. Like most say, it's quite an achievement for such a small device to power speakers and headphones with so much finesse. I did notice quite a change in sound during the first 24 hrs. She is settling down nicely. I'm powering Tekton perfect set (12) speakers and overall grip is on par with my Line magnetic 518ia, which is an 845 set amp weighing almost 10x the Enleum! Too early for detailed impressions but so far I'm picking up a slightly more detailed presentation (vs the LM) but overall it's not a million miles away from the overall sonic flavour of the LM, which has really surprised me. I'm currently trialling using my tube preamp to connect to the Enleum. I'd be interested in knowing how others have configured their set ups? I.e. how much volume/gain on the preamp vs the Enleum?

 

[SteveM324]

I received my amp a couple of days ago. Still warming her up but first impressions so far are extremely positive. Like most say, it's quite an achievement for such a small device to power speakers and headphones with so much finesse. I did notice quite a change in sound during the first 24 hrs. She is settling down nicely. I'm powering Tekton perfect set (12) speakers and overall grip is on par with my Line magnetic 518ia, which is an 845 set amp weighing almost 10x the Enleum! Too early for detailed impressions but so far I'm picking up a slightly more detailed presentation (vs the LM) but overall it's not a million miles away from the overall sonic flavour of the LM, which has really surprised me. I'm currently trialling using my tube preamp to connect to the Enleum. I'd be interested in knowing how others have configured their set ups? I.e. how much volume/gain on the preamp vs the Enleum?

I have the volume control on my Van Alstine FET Valve CF vacuum tube preamp set at about 11:30 and I don't adjust it. I adjust the volume by using the gain control volume knob on the Enleum. Lately I've been bypassing my preamp and using the 23R as an integrated headphone/speaker amp for better transparency.

 

[carboncopy]

I received my amp a couple of days ago. Still warming her up but first impressions so far are extremely positive. Like most say, it's quite an achievement for such a small device to power speakers and headphones with so much finesse. I did notice quite a change in sound during the first 24 hrs. She is settling down nicely. I'm powering Tekton perfect set (12) speakers and overall grip is on par with my Line magnetic 518ia, which is an 845 set amp weighing almost 10x the Enleum! Too early for detailed impressions but so far I'm picking up a slightly more detailed presentation (vs the LM) but overall it's not a million miles away from the overall sonic flavour of the LM, which has really surprised me. I'm currently trialling using my tube preamp to connect to the Enleum. I'd be interested in knowing how others have configured their set ups? I.e. how much volume/gain on the preamp vs the Enleum?

I use it with my Trafomatic Head 2 in pream mode. The Trafomatic is set for about 9:30 and usually stay there, I make the fine adjustments on the Enleum. The Enleum is usually between 9 and 10:30, dependig on the loudness of the record and how loud I would like to have it.

I found the Enleum without the preamp a bit too sound and round, for me definitely better with the preamp (which has a very energetic, open sound). The DAC alone can easily drive the Enleum ( capable of handling down to 200Ohms load), so it's not about that.

 

[stuart1927]

I use it with my Trafomatic Head 2 in pream mode. The Trafomatic is set for about 9:30 and usually stay there, I make the fine adjustments on the Enleum. The Enleum is usually between 9 and 10:30, dependig on the loudness of the record and how loud I would like to have it.

I found the Enleum without the preamp a bit too sound and round, for me definitely better with the preamp (which has a very energetic, open sound). The DAC alone can easily drive the Enleum ( capable of handling down to 200Ohms load), so it's not about that.

I also have a Trafomatic preamp (Evolution line one) and have just started experimenting...thanks for your cues!

 

[carboncopy]

I also have a Trafomatic preamp (Evolution line one) and have just started experimenting...thanks for your cues!

Nice! Two Line One and the Head 2 have a very big difference...The Head 2 drives in preamp mode also through it´s output transformer (hence the 6 Ohm output impedance in RCA out connection), the Line One is drives without a trafo (essentially just like an OTL) with output impedance of 150 Ohms).

 

[iFi audio]

Lately I've been bypassing my preamp and using the 23R as an integrated headphone/speaker amp for better transparency.

Considering that its 'preamp' actually applies variable gain factor to the output stage, I think that this was the designer's intended purpose and any external pream would only add its own coloration and mask that transparency you've mentioned. That of course can be desirable if one is after extra color.

 

[SteveM324]

I agree. I think it depends on the recording whether I prefer the tube preamp in the chain or not. Well recorded material doesn't need the added coloration that the tubes provide. My preamp is only adding a very tiny amount of tube flavor to the mix.

 

[iFi audio]

I agree. I think it depends on the recording whether I prefer the tube preamp in the chain or not. Well recorded material doesn't need the added coloration that the tubes provide. My preamp is only adding a very tiny amount of tube flavor to the mix.

That's understandable. The more stuff we have to play around with, the better. Enjoy your amp

 

[Sebbai]

Considering that its 'preamp' actually applies variable gain factor to the output stage, I think that this was the designer's intended purpose and any external pream would only add its own coloration and mask that transparency you've mentioned. That of course can be desirable if one is after extra color.

What does this mean? I’m vanilla with these things, are you saying that adding pre-amp to my Bakoon won’t increase the maximum volume output?

Anyone know what the minimum voltage is then? Referring to my previous post about Bakoon/Enleum customer email that they can handle 10V input.