paradoxper
Headphoneus Supremus
When will the boredom of Covid pass.
KG CFA3 headphone amp
- Thread starter RudeWolf
- Start date
paradoxper
Headphoneus Supremus
Mastering the Planar:
The CFA curiosity was borne out of cursory drive. First starting with the little Transconductance which has served the Code-X well. Inspired by the rather mediocre Bakoon HPA**
Little documented under the CFA3, however, suffice to say, a true reference, and Kevin Gilmore's best dynamic amplifier to date.
I will focus on comparisons of the CFA v the 13R as I feel the other amplifiers I brought in underwhelmed. Those being the Riviera AFC-10, BHA-1 and Formula S amplifiers.
The Dynahi serves a bit redundant and there are enough words of commentary around its sound performance and comparisons there-in.
To start, the Bakoon AMP-13R is very diminutive and is quite impressive in its stature. Quick aside: the bottom heatsinks that serve as footers feel a bit clever — although its efficiency may remain in question. The design of the 13R is also very impressive with the single volume knob controlling set gain, volume, input control, power. Yet doesn't match the Acoustic Dimensions 41-step attenuator used in the CFA.
The 13R’s price tag of $6k does not lend itself to as much flattery.
However, it’s my money and it’s my bias.
On to the sound:
*I have had an difficulty discerning the SS/ZF in the CFA, as such, ZF only was employed*
The CFA provides very deep, powerful bass with absolute master control. Bass lines are clear in delineation, punch and extension. It really elevates the visceral quality of the Abyss to at least a step above. Mid-bass is presented in balance and again control as there is no bleed into the mids.
Mids feel rather neutral, clear, lacking some richness — not so mid centric and really a little dry.
Aside: this characteristic perhaps attributed to the Linear System v Toshiba. I may, if motivated-inclined investigate swapping the Linear for Toshiba*
The Abyss also does not serve as the sweetest sounding driver, to be clear.
Treble has beautifully detailed and extended range. I might say a little crystalline sparkle — although I might also prefer to avoid a floral language. Here, too, perhaps dry/harsh. I like this lack of warmth in trade of what I will personally regard as natural realism.
The 13R is, in contrast — struggling. Bass presence feels forced and in context I mean delineation is more blurred — softer (not bloomed.) The control is missing as it doesn’t present enough powerful control. The visceral body is simply missing by about 1 1/2 steps below.
Mids are presented with a softer touch, less voluminous, less bodied. A little centric and a little warm and relaxed. I can’t say I love this. I do not.
The treble is smooth, very smooth but again, lacks the control I seek. Extension up top is cut off and detail is a bit congested. This amplifier does not feel swift-footed as I'd say marketed. There is a very passive nature to the sound of this amplifier which I feel simply blunts what the Abyss can offer that no other can match.
If I may, the 13R feels a bit in character to the ECP 3F — to give a fair picture. A soft house-sound.
The CFA feels like the Dynahi to N. Less warmth and impresses upon more delivery. Better control of space and bass. A more lively and dynamic house-sound.
Long Live the Cult of Gilmore. Leave your politics at the door.
Up next Eddie Current 6L6 ultra-linear. And perhaps a cooked Copenhagen if I can bribe Doug of ECP Audio.
The CFA curiosity was borne out of cursory drive. First starting with the little Transconductance which has served the Code-X well. Inspired by the rather mediocre Bakoon HPA**
Little documented under the CFA3, however, suffice to say, a true reference, and Kevin Gilmore's best dynamic amplifier to date.
I will focus on comparisons of the CFA v the 13R as I feel the other amplifiers I brought in underwhelmed. Those being the Riviera AFC-10, BHA-1 and Formula S amplifiers.
The Dynahi serves a bit redundant and there are enough words of commentary around its sound performance and comparisons there-in.
To start, the Bakoon AMP-13R is very diminutive and is quite impressive in its stature. Quick aside: the bottom heatsinks that serve as footers feel a bit clever — although its efficiency may remain in question. The design of the 13R is also very impressive with the single volume knob controlling set gain, volume, input control, power. Yet doesn't match the Acoustic Dimensions 41-step attenuator used in the CFA.
The 13R’s price tag of $6k does not lend itself to as much flattery.
However, it’s my money and it’s my bias.
On to the sound:
*I have had an difficulty discerning the SS/ZF in the CFA, as such, ZF only was employed*
The CFA provides very deep, powerful bass with absolute master control. Bass lines are clear in delineation, punch and extension. It really elevates the visceral quality of the Abyss to at least a step above. Mid-bass is presented in balance and again control as there is no bleed into the mids.
Mids feel rather neutral, clear, lacking some richness — not so mid centric and really a little dry.
Aside: this characteristic perhaps attributed to the Linear System v Toshiba. I may, if motivated-inclined investigate swapping the Linear for Toshiba*
The Abyss also does not serve as the sweetest sounding driver, to be clear.
Treble has beautifully detailed and extended range. I might say a little crystalline sparkle — although I might also prefer to avoid a floral language. Here, too, perhaps dry/harsh. I like this lack of warmth in trade of what I will personally regard as natural realism.
The 13R is, in contrast — struggling. Bass presence feels forced and in context I mean delineation is more blurred — softer (not bloomed.) The control is missing as it doesn’t present enough powerful control. The visceral body is simply missing by about 1 1/2 steps below.
Mids are presented with a softer touch, less voluminous, less bodied. A little centric and a little warm and relaxed. I can’t say I love this. I do not.
The treble is smooth, very smooth but again, lacks the control I seek. Extension up top is cut off and detail is a bit congested. This amplifier does not feel swift-footed as I'd say marketed. There is a very passive nature to the sound of this amplifier which I feel simply blunts what the Abyss can offer that no other can match.
If I may, the 13R feels a bit in character to the ECP 3F — to give a fair picture. A soft house-sound.
The CFA feels like the Dynahi to N. Less warmth and impresses upon more delivery. Better control of space and bass. A more lively and dynamic house-sound.
Long Live the Cult of Gilmore. Leave your politics at the door.
Up next Eddie Current 6L6 ultra-linear. And perhaps a cooked Copenhagen if I can bribe Doug of ECP Audio.
Last edited:
Ethereal Sound
500+ Head-Fier
Thank you for the impressions. Better bass than a Dynahi?! I'm a bit surprised you didn't like the AFC10, which I thought was a wonderful amp. The CFA-3 seems like a very impressive amplifier though based off your description, probably not the one for me. Time to set aside some pennies for an ECP amp I guess!
paradoxper
Headphoneus Supremus
Better bass than the SuSy Dynahi. More bass definition, more punch. Dynahi carries a little warmth which many find pleasing though.
The AFC-10 is ok. Softer sounding even than the 13R. As a matter of preference, it simply didn't meet my criteria for good sound. Talking that nth degree.
The AFC-10 is ok. Softer sounding even than the 13R. As a matter of preference, it simply didn't meet my criteria for good sound. Talking that nth degree.
Ethereal Sound
500+ Head-Fier
Crazy that it even has more punch. I do agree on the AFC-10 being softer sounding. For what it is, I think it is too expensive but it really has a really musical, dreamy quality to the sound.
paradoxper
Headphoneus Supremus
Its sound quality is dog crap for the money. Welcome to commercial gear. 
For that directive, I have a lot of faith in Doug's designs. He can play with gain options, to give you drive for any load.
For that directive, I have a lot of faith in Doug's designs. He can play with gain options, to give you drive for any load.
RudeWolf
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
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I almost bought the BHA-1 instead of building this. Phew, I guess!
Wondering how the CFA3 will go against a top shelf tube amp.
Wondering how the CFA3 will go against a top shelf tube amp.
paradoxper
Headphoneus Supremus
I've yet to hear a hybrid that I felt was a great middle-ground of the two. It's one reason I've decided to pursue an EC 6L6 ultra-linear, however, discussion of the CFA/hybrid peaked some interest as well.
Ethereal Sound
500+ Head-Fier
Its sound quality is dog crap for the money. Welcome to commercial gear.
For that directive, I have a lot of faith in Doug's designs. He can play with gain options, to give you drive for any load.
Essentially why I almost exclusively go for DIY amps. It's crazy the kind of quality you can get for far less.
wishbon3
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
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Getting one of these CFAs built! Can't wait. Thanks @Dukei and @paradoxper!
paradoxper
Headphoneus Supremus
Yea. Don't forget your Abyss at the door!
Your welcome though.
Your welcome though.
wishbon3
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
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Just lend me some $$ and I'll have an Abyss by tomorrow. 
Homrsimson
500+ Head-Fier
Just lend me some $$ and I'll have an Abyss by tomorrow.
I likewise have one coming with wishbon and already have the TC
. Very excited, curious how I find this given I have tended to favor tube amps (granted, nothing if this caliber).
The fun should commence soon 
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