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HeadAmp CFA3 Headphone Amp (Pre-Order Deposit)
Our re-imagined production of Kevin Gilmore's best solid state balanced headphone amp, the CFA3, is nearly ready for you! We've spent the last 2 years designing our CFA3 from the ground up with all-new surface mount circuit boards that are mixed with the best new old stock transistors famously found in Gilmore's designs. Plus, our innovative, compact chassis design is very desktop friendly.
This is THE headphone amp you will want to drive your HIFIMAN Susvara & Susvara Unveiled, Abyss AB-1266 or Dan Clark Expanse & Stealth to their FULL potential and beyond!
Desktop Friendly - A Giant in Power, Not in Size
Unlike other designs of the CFA3, HeadAmp's version can easily be placed on a desktop due to it's compact size. Our CFA3 is designed to bring as much power as you'll ever need in a conveniently small footprint. Truly take advantage of the HIFIMAN Susvara's sound while working on your latest project or relax while effortlessly powering every detail of Focal's Utopia 2022 against a dead silent noise floor. There's no other dynamic/planar headphone amplifier out there like it!
What's Under the Hood
HeadAmp brings you the best sound by choosing the best components and testing our designs to the strictest standards. We started with the end in mind: the absolute best sound from the hardest to drive headphones. By building our CFA3 from the ground up, HeadAmp was able to focus on getting the full performance out of the best planar and dynamic headphones out there. From its specially-designed heat sink that ensures the most power available, to a custom volume control that allows you to fine-tune your listening experience, no compromises were made on this CFA3.
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HeadAmp CFA3 Headphone Amp (Pre-Order Deposit)
Built for power and refinement, the HeadAmp CFA3 brings electrostatic-like realism and enormous headroom to demanding headphones. In testing K. E. Heartsong found the CFA3 capable of driving even the most inefficient planars and closing the gap with true electrostatic rigs.
Sonically it delivers deep, propulsive bass, a transparent midrange with precise vocal placement, and air-infused treble with superb resolution—together producing an expansive, layered soundstage and excellent imaging. The amplifier's dynamics and low distortion are matched to its spec'd power delivery: up to 15W into 50Ω balanced and up to 80Vpp, yielding ample transient authority.
Engineered in a CNC-machined anodized aluminum chassis with a linear Golden Reference PSU, toroidal transformer, 47-step volume and multiple balanced I/O, the CFA3 suits listeners who pair high-end planars, Abyss or HIFIMAN Susvara, or sensitive electrostatics and demand reference-level performance at a compelling value.
Pros
- Exceptional power and headroom—able to drive inefficient planars and demanding headphones with authority.
- Electrostatic-like realism, with outstanding transparency, separation and a vast, layered soundstage.
- Premium build and thoughtful connectivity—CNC-machined anodized-aluminum chassis, linear Golden Reference PSU, toroidal transformer, 47-step volume and multiple balanced inputs/outputs.
Sound Quality
90/100
Reviewer highlights the amp's headroom and power ('impressive 15-watts of power into 50-ohms') and describes excellent transient and dynamic abilities that render demanding material with energy and authority. The CFA3 is described as able to drive even the most inefficient headphones with headroom to spare.
Noise Floor
86/100
While the review emphasizes exceptional transparency and detail retrieval (implying a very low noise floor), it does not explicitly use phrases such as 'dead quiet' or 'black background'. Given the discrete Toshiba matched pairs, linear PSU and toroidal transformer, reviewers' sonic descriptions support a very quiet unit suitable for most IEMs and all full-size headphones.
Headphone Compatibility
92/100
Specifications and review testing indicate up to 15W into 50-ohm balanced and the reviewer specifically drove Abyss AB1266 Phi TC and electrostatic-like loads successfully. Multiple balanced outputs and strong power delivery make it well suited to both inefficient planars and sensitive electrostatics; output impedance not stated but real-world testing with varied high-end headphones is reported.
Build Quality
90/100
CNC-machined anodized aluminum chassis, toroidal transformer, discrete Golden Reference regulation and a passive heatsink with top heat fins indicate high-quality construction. The physical description (solid heavy unit, 22 lb, well appointed controls and switches) supports a premium build assessment.
Features Connectivity
89/100
The CFA3 offers two XLR balanced inputs, one RCA input, multiple headphone outputs on the front (6.3mm, dual XLR, 4.4mm), 47-step volume, and various switches (feedback, gain, input). No built-in DAC or streaming features are mentioned; the plentiful analog I/O, balanced outputs and multiple gain options justify a well-featured score (baseline 80 + extras).
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewer states the CFA3 'can compete at easily twice its price' and presents it as exceptional relative to cost. With Regular Edition $3,999 (Special $4,999) and glowing comparative language, reviewers convey a justified-premium value judgment.
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