Thanks. Probably read it here, but it seems the PL amps are designed to work with...anything, where the FW amps are a little quirkier in their design and how they pair with things. When I say pair, not talking about sound quality as much as the electronic characteristics of a given speaker not matching what the amp is happy to drive.
It seems the F8 is more flexible compared to other FW amps (maybe closer to PL amps...I might be totally wrong).
Why would the SIT 3 be more compatible...what characteristics give it that edge? I notice (oddly to me) the F8 has a lower rated power at 4 ohms vs. 8 when it is usually the opposite (or maybe the same).
It seems the F8 is more flexible compared to other FW amps (maybe closer to PL amps...I might be totally wrong).
Why would the SIT 3 be more compatible...what characteristics give it that edge? I notice (oddly to me) the F8 has a lower rated power at 4 ohms vs. 8 when it is usually the opposite (or maybe the same).
Highly personal, and I would be hypnotized by the left brain side and F8.....but if 30.8 or XA-25 walked into the room, I'd start singing "Can't take my eyes off of you" and buy one of those....but that's my lizard brain.
Russellc
Russellc
SIT 3 can deliver more current to drive a wider range of speakers. It's a push pull dedign with sound characteristics of a single ended amp.
F8 has limited ability to how much current it can deliver so the speakers you select should preferably not go below 5 ohms anywhere in the impedance plot.
The exception to that would be if your speakers are greater than 93dB/2.83V then you're probably going to be ok no matter what the impedance plot.
Try and get a demo of either SIT 3, F8, or F7.
You are going to absolutely love one of these amps with the speakers you have.
With the appropriate speakers I would choose F8.
If you're the type of person who changes speakers a lot eg once every couple of years the XA25 is probably more appropriate.
Yet another magical Nelson’s amp that we can’t quite diy here to its fullest potential 🙂
Weeeeeeelllllllll.... I will likely never have the opportunity to hear an authentic FW J2, but I personally get the feels every time I fire up the Babel J2. With Nelson and CodyT's generosity (and of course Mighty ZM), I'll soon have one built with SS devices to compare.
Sorry to the OP for the OT, but PKI give it a try.
Another amp never hurt anyone.
Sorry to the OP for the OT, but PKI give it a try.
Another amp never hurt anyone.
As Nelson mentioned, the F8 is essentially the replacement for J2, and J2 was in production (because of popularity, I.E., it sounds fantastic) until they literally ran out of the semiconductors it was built with…
In my opinion F8 is a complete home run choice, you’ll absolutely love it, and wonder why it took you so long to try these kind of amps.
In my opinion F8 is a complete home run choice, you’ll absolutely love it, and wonder why it took you so long to try these kind of amps.
2 pico - good context on the impedance. Generally speaking, I see myself leaning towards higher-efficiency speakers (something like Zu, Tekton, Klipsch) but I also have the MC275 and other options.
Also, I just don't listen to stuff super-loud (and if I do...I have options).
6L6 - good context!
Also, I just don't listen to stuff super-loud (and if I do...I have options).
6L6 - good context!
just to correct our Jim - they didn't run out of semis for J2, Papa meant it's time for new amp
F8 practically using same semis as J2
F8 practically using same semis as J2
Thanks - so either way I can think of the F8 as a J2 replacement (not arguing if one is better, worse, the same, just generally the replacement).
In that case definitely get F8 or any of the other Firstwatt amps you can get your hands on.
Yes, the J2 was made for 12 years, this from a company committed to
about 1 year for products.
