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First Watt F8

Name: First Watt F8
Brand: First Watt
SKU: f8
Rating: 4.5 (16 reviews)

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Originally created almost 6 years ago, the F8 is a stereo two-stage single-ended Class A amplifier using the NOS Toshiba 2SJ74 P channel Jfets and SemiSouth R100 SiC power Jfets for signal gain, plus IRFP240 Mosfet mu-follower current sources, for a total of three devices per channel.

It is similar to the J2 amplifier, but has only one front end transistor instead of six, operated as a current feedback amplifier (CFA) as opposed to the J2's voltage feedback (VFA) differential input. This front end is more consistent with the single-ended approach to amplifier design and yields a purer second harmonic character, less distortion with lower negative feedback, greater bandwidth and higher damping factor.

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Overall Score 90/100

Deliciously Crispy

First Watt F8 — refined low-power Class A finesse

The First Watt F8 is a quietly radical 25 Wpc Class A amplifier that prioritizes tonal richness, resolution and spatial coherence over brute force. Reviewers from John Richardson, Srajan Ebaen and Audiophilepure note its natural textures, clean midrange and an unusually three-dimensional presentation for a solid-state design. The F8 blends a warm, second-harmonic-tinged character with tight control and impressive micro-dynamics; imaging stays stable even when the amp is swapped between very different speakers. Construction follows First Watt’s minimalist aesthetic with robust metal casework and sensible thermal design. Ideal for listeners with efficient speakers or a capable preamp who want musical immediacy and transparency rather than high wattage. The F8 is a persuasive, well-engineered choice for those seeking refined, intimate playback rather than maximum SPL.

Part Time Audiophile

"I find the First Watt F8 to be the almost perfect all-around amplifier for the two stereophonic setups that I spend most of my time enjoying."

Audiophilepure

"The First Watt F8 is not only a great all-around amplifier, it's also quite a triumph of design."

6 Moons

"To simplify, the F8 showed some extra bite, snap and articulation at a small cost of roundness and gravity."

Pros

Tonal refinement and transparency that lets microdetail and decay through without grain or shout — a natural, musical midrange.
Exceptional soundstaging and imaging for its class, delivering convincing three-dimensional space and stable images.
Surprisingly authoritative dynamics and driver control given modest power—improved damping vs. predecessors yields tight transients and useful headroom with efficient speakers.

Cons

Low output (25 Wpc into 8 Ω, 15 Wpc into 4 Ω) means careful speaker or preamp matching is required for many systems.
Practical quibbles: rear-mounted power switch can be inconvenient and the amp draws notable idle power (~170 W).

Sound Quality

90/100

Dynamics

90/100

Reviewers repeatedly praise the F8's control, transient snap and micro-dynamics: "leading edges of notes were snappy" and it "put me on notice" that speakers could reach high SPLs without distortion. The amp is a low-power design (25 Wpc into 8 Ω / 15 Wpc into 4 Ω) but reviewers report authoritative grip and improved damping factor vs. the J2, so relative to its power class the F8 delivers impressive headroom and current delivery.

Soundstage Imaging

91/100

Multiple reviewers note an especially three-dimensional presentation: 'carving out realistic three-dimensional space' and images 'outlined and separated with inviting moisture.' The F8 preserves imaging stability and scale even when swapped between very different speaker systems, indicating excellent channel separation and spatial coherence for its class.

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Build Quality

89/100

Reviewers call the F8 'a triumph of design' with solid metal casework and a well-executed implementation; the topology uses current-feedback and a robust power arrangement (steady 170W consumption noted). Minor practical quibbles (rear-mounted power switch) are mentioned, but overall construction, thermal/PSU design and fit-and-finish are praised.

Value for Money

89/100

At the cited price of $4,000 reviewers frame the F8 as 'the pinnacle of what refined solid state amplification is all about' and award a strong recommendation. That endorsement is balanced against its modest power rating (25 Wpc into 8 Ω / 15 Wpc into 4 Ω) and the requirement for either efficient speakers or a robust preamp; reviewers compare it favorably to First Watt kin (F7) and the J2 in tonal and damping improvements while noting that higher‑power amps (e.g. Pass Labs X250.8) will control very large woofers more deeply. Given the high level of refinement for a low‑power amp and reviewers' positive language, the F8 represents a justified premium in its niche.