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First Watt F3 or Red Wine Audio 30.2

Hello,
I'm looking for a new amp. Everything seems to point me in the direction of the First Watt F3 or the Red Wine Audio 30.2.
I have Devore Super Gibbon 8's in a small-medium sized room. I listen to mostly rock/metal, electronic, funk and jazz. I'm more interested in (real world) bass groove, and percussion/drums than female vocals. Above all I want all my cd's to be listenable, not just the well recorded ones.
Thanks,
Glen.
g_goodwin

Showing 2 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>07-27-09: Stringreen
Why are you evaluating these amps? There are so many great name brand amps these guys may be out of business in this economy at any time.<<

Earth to Stringbean:

First Watt is Nelson Pass.

LOL
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I own the F3 and F5.

Both are terrific products with the F3 being a bit more sophisticated and refined. However, it is a relatively low output amplifier. Furthermore, the user must be cognizant of the low input impedance (10K) so many tube preamps will not work well.

The F5's higher power output and higher input impedance make it more friendly for use with a variety of speakers and preamplifiers. It will also drive a 2 ohm load without blinking.

I am a Pass dealer but have no financial interest in First Watt products.
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