ZMF November 2024 // Schedule - Announcements and MEGATHREAD!

[jsabini1]

I wonder how this compares to my V281LE or Headtrip II.

The V281 LE comparison would be interesting, though the Vio is a much more versatile amp in that the DSHA-3FN would not adequately drive something like a Tungsten or Susvara. But it wasn't designed for that kind of application.

I can say it sounds superb with my ZMFs and Focals (which it was designed for, hence the F). It's a flexible amp in that it also sounds excellent with Senns, and surprisingly with the Rosson I have as well.

 

[theveterans]

The V281 LE comparison would be interesting, though the Vio is a much more versatile amp in that the DSHA-3FN would not adequately drive something like a Tungsten or Susvara. But it wasn't designed for that kind of application.

I can say it sounds superb with my ZMFs and Focals (which it was designed for, hence the F). It's a flexible amp in that it also sounds excellent with Senns, and surprisingly with the Rosson I have as well.

My other wish is that Christian would release another version with the nickel cores instead of amorphous cobalt as well

 

[BeelzAlBob]

Beautiful!
The headphones aren't bad either
But honestly in the picture the headphones look like they have kind of a holographic effect maybe depending on which angle you are looking at them.

Chatoyance

 

[RoThe]

Chatoyance

Ooh nice! Thank you for that! I didn't know there was a word for it. Already found a few videos to admire it

 

[s2kphile]

My other wish is that Christian would release another version with the nickel cores instead of amorphous cobalt as well

Please excuse my ignorance but what is the difference?

 

[theveterans]

Please excuse my ignorance but what is the difference?

I haven't heard the nickel version but some ECP DHSA3F owners preferred the nickel over the amorphous for tonality

 

[jsabini1]

Please excuse my ignorance but what is the difference?

If you want in depth info on this amp, and various views on the different Lundahl cores the thread on SBAF is quite informative, which I found interesting as an owner of one.

I do think sonic differences between the cores will also depend on your chain, headphones, and preferences. Christian (CeeTee) explains why he chose the amorphous cores, and I think it makes sense. It is also possible that the differences in the core preferences are a bit like pad preferences for ZMFs.

I think the amp sounds really excellent in the current configuration, but I never heard the OG amp or compared cores.

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/ecp-dsha3f-ravenswood-3f.7382/

 

[AcousticMatt]

Never heard one of these. I'd love to compare it to an Enleum amp23R, which is what I would consider the best solid state headphone amp I've heard to date.

It was a standout for me hearing the DSHA-3FN at CanJam SoCal. I auditioned with my Caldera, which some people don't recommend and recommend ZMF dynamics instead. Regardless, it was a beautiful sound. It was connected to a Holo Cyan 2 DAC.

The Enleum Amp 23R is different in that it sounds warmer overall and more intense in the bass. But the DSHA-3FN sounded unbelievably open yet pleasant. Unlike any other solid state I've heard. It made me want to get one and have the Amp 23R and the DSHA-3FN be my two complimentary solid states.

 

[s2kphile]

Interesting...I wonder how does the V281 LE stack up since thats my current go to hugh end SS amp.

Enleum Amp 23R or DSHA-3FN, hmmm...

ZMFs need new amps to play with.

 

[dbull12]

I believe the Enleum is more suited for planars, although I could be wrong about that. 3FN is definitely made for dynamic drivers and seems like a great choice for Focal, ZMF, Grado. I spent a long time debating whether to upgrade to the 3FN or a Mass Kobo 433. I have the 433 on the way since I got a really good deal on one from a user here, but 3FN definitely seems like one of the best small solid state amps out there for dynamic driver ZMF, possibly the best depending on preferences

 

[Adnan Firoze]

Interesting...I wonder how does the V281 LE stack up since thats my current go to hugh end SS amp.

Enleum Amp 23R or DSHA-3FN, hmmm...

ZMFs need new amps to play with.

Hmm .... my interest is also piqued. But with my ZMFs, I usually go the tube route anyway. Granted I have not heard the DHSA-FN, but given the grunt and flavored sound of the Vio, I doubt you are missing out on anything. Further, from specs, the 281 should be super versatile given the range of gain (across planars as well). Interestingly enough, I enjoy the Atrium on the 281LE more than tubes but I like the Caldera on 300B tubes. Kind of upside down.

 

[s2kphile]

I believe the Enleum is more suited for planars, although I could be wrong about that. 3FN is definitely made for dynamic drivers and seems like a great choice for Focal, ZMF, Grado. I spent a long time debating whether to upgrade to the 3FN or a Mass Kobo 433. I have the 433 on the way since I got a really good deal on one from a user here, but 3FN definitely seems like one of the best small solid state amps out there for dynamic driver ZMF, possibly the best depending on preferences

I had a Mass Kobo 433 but couldnt justify keeping it since I had a Wells Headtrip II and V281 LE and since both complemented each other, it made the 433 redudant. Though it was great amp. Neutral leaning to the side of analytical.

Hmm .... my interest is also piqued. But with my ZMFs, I usually go the tube route anyway. Granted I have not heard the DHSA-FN, but given the grunt and flavored sound of the Vio, I doubt you are missing out on anything. Further, from specs, the 281 should be super versatile given the range of gain (across planars as well). Interestingly enough, I enjoy the Atrium on the 281LE more than tubes but I like the Caldera on 300B tubes. Kind of upside down.

V281LE versatility is the reason why I kept it. 4.4mm out. Check. Pre-out to stereo speakers. Check. Ability to swap opamps. Check. Heck I may pick up another one because its that good of an amp. AC is great, Caldera is good, but the Bokeh sings on the v281LE.

Where are all the November drop pictures guys?

 

[TechNICKal]

Where are all the November drop pictures guys?

Waiting for the shipping notification. Will definitely be sharing pics when they get here.

 

[ilikebananafudge]

Interesting...I wonder how does the V281 LE stack up since thats my current go to hugh end SS amp.

Enleum Amp 23R or DSHA-3FN, hmmm...

ZMFs need new amps to play with.

+1 to DSHA-3F with ZMFs. Also, if you want to try tubes for cheap, definitely check out the Shortest Way 51+, which also works great with my ZMFs.

 

[JerseyD]

I wonder how this compares to my V281LE or Headtrip II.

I need to demo this to see if I should add it to my evergrowing collection of amps.

At CanJam a year ago, Zach had an older CFA 3FN in the ZMF room. I had just listened to it (and thought it sounded great!) and Zach asked me if I liked it. He said that he loved it and that it has a unique sound he has never heard from another solid state amp.