F1 or F2...which should I build for an Abbey

[audionut]

With an Abbey...which F series amp should I build, the F1 or the F2??

I read somewhere that the F1 might sound better on the Abbey, but the F2 has got such great reviews...which to build???

 

[BTW]

Current amps works very very well with fullrangers.. So F1 or F2 would be an excellent match with your spks. The choice of either F1 or F2 would be more of your own personal preference.. If you like the SET type of sound then go for F2, if you like the PP type of bass, punch and control then go for F1.

 

[Biosonar]

With an Abbey...which F series amp should I build, the F1 or the F2??

As an owner of an F1, F2 and Abbey, perhaps I can add some information. With the Abbey, I perfer the F1 over the F2. Does that mean the F1 is better? No, I think it's a better match. The Fostex 166E is a musical speaker with a nice warm character, but it is not as resolving or fast as some of its higher priced relatives. The F1 tends to excel in what the Fostex is lacking, so the combination is .... well fun. With the Fostex's warmth, you will have plenty of tonal color.

The Abbey with F2 is still nice, but much more laided back in presentation. Tonal color is fleshed out a little more, but PRAT is reduced by a corresponding amount. Which is better? Depends on your taste. For me, I like the F1 with Fostex drivers and the F2 with Lowthers. But your taste may vary. Hope this helps.

 

[Gopher2K]

Biosnar,

Thanks for that great feedback. I'm curious--do you think your impressions would be the same with the 165k driver?

I am considering a Firstwatt amplifier for my abbys right now and, though i own both 166E and 165k drivers, prefer the nearfield drivers in my system.

Do you suspect the F1 would still be the better synergy?