Hello folks,
I have a chance to dip my toes in the first watt (clone) waters. An F3 clone to be exact. My concerns are this; will this amp drive my 90db Nola Boxer 2's,and would this work with my Promitheous Audio passive preamp? I am currently running a pair of Monarchy Audio SM70mkII amps. My listening room is approximately 9x13 with 8ft ceiling. A loud listening session for my is about 85-90db. I am seated about 6ft away from my Nola's. Any insight you folks can share would be greatly appreciated.
I have a chance to dip my toes in the first watt (clone) waters. An F3 clone to be exact. My concerns are this; will this amp drive my 90db Nola Boxer 2's,and would this work with my Promitheous Audio passive preamp? I am currently running a pair of Monarchy Audio SM70mkII amps. My listening room is approximately 9x13 with 8ft ceiling. A loud listening session for my is about 85-90db. I am seated about 6ft away from my Nola's. Any insight you folks can share would be greatly appreciated.
I think you should build 2 firstwatt amps why settle for just one.
LOL! I would be picking this up used. I have ZERO skills. I would probably solder my ear to a pcb!
In that case I assume you probably live in the USA, call Mark from Reno Hifi and ask to demo 2 different Firstwatt amps. He sells second hand gear also so no problem there.
Mark is one of the best retailers I have ever dealt with.
Reno Hi-Fi
Was that 85dB to 90dB average or peak loudness?
Assuming average loudness level then your average power requirement is less than 1Watt so it would certainly be ok power-wise.
However the damping factor is not great so the F3 tends to be a little more suited to full range drivers or driving the mids/tweeter in a biamp setup. Without seeing an impedance curve of your speakers it's hard to say how suited they would be. Power shouldn't be an issue though.
The safest bet would be F5, M2, F6, J2, AlephJ, before the F3.
F3 should be ok but the other amps are a better match.
However I quite enjoy listening to my ACA amp on 90 dB speakers sitting at the computer, but I'm only sitting 4 feet away. Best advice is to get an audition.
Assuming average loudness level then your average power requirement is less than 1Watt so it would certainly be ok power-wise.
However the damping factor is not great so the F3 tends to be a little more suited to full range drivers or driving the mids/tweeter in a biamp setup. Without seeing an impedance curve of your speakers it's hard to say how suited they would be. Power shouldn't be an issue though.
The safest bet would be F5, M2, F6, J2, AlephJ, before the F3.
F3 should be ok but the other amps are a better match.
However I quite enjoy listening to my ACA amp on 90 dB speakers sitting at the computer, but I'm only sitting 4 feet away. Best advice is to get an audition.
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Buy Papa's DIY version.
I wish I had 1% of the skill and knowledge that you folks have. Un fortunately that would be a project WAY beyond my skill level. There are those who do,and those who save their pennies and buy things. Looks like I'll be saving for a while!
An alterative solution to your conundrum:
Ask Zen Mod to build you his Bablefish J (Custom Aleph Circuit).
It's a bloody nice amp, equally as good as any of the Firstwatt choices.
Most likely better. The real benefit is, it can be tailored to perfectly match your speaker requirements.
You'll be guaranteed an amp with excellent build quality.
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