Some impression on Zu Omen Definition

Roscoe,

You and Paul Folbrech's comments have me on the lookout for a good deal on a used commercial F3. He mentioned too that his Pass built F3 sounded better than his Rawson.

Is it the Rawson builds that are inferior or DIYs in general? I ask because I know some people critique Rawson's work, but could someone more 'meticulous' in sticking to the plans provided to the DIY community build an equal, or did Pass keep a few tricks up his sleeve?

If you really only had 30 minutes on them when you bought them, they will be changing a lot in the MONTHS to come. If I had to name a qualm with Zu speakers (FRDs really) its the length of burn in.

Some guys seem to enjoy it, but I just want everything sounding awesome and ready to roll day 1. I already paid for it, I don't like working for it :)

I'm listening to a pair of Superflys with an F3 clone as I type this and its damn good. You should be able to pick one up between $500 and $600 here when they come up and I strongly suggest you do to assess it for yourself. They re-sell easily if you don't like it and you've got nothing to lose.

This F3 along with a Redgum RGi120 (integrated) are the two solid state standouts I've found for Zu speakers. I'm driving my F3 clone with a Shindo pre and the presentation is very similar to my 845 SET monos. Not sure I'd know which was playing if blindfolded--it really is SS that sounds like SET.

The Redgum makes for an exceptional, energetic synergy as well. Not quite the level of refinement of the Shindo/845 or F3 combos, but dripping wet, nicely textured and with awesome bass and drive.

I've got a Redgum RGi35 sitting on my dining table that I've been meaning to compare to my buddy's RGi120 (also on my table) and contrast the 2 against the F3 for my summer amp duties (845s too hot), but since the F3 has gotten here I haven't had much interest in pulling it out to A/B.

Someone on AC said that Mini-Torii was highly recommended by one of the Zu boys and has an exceptional synergy with the Omens. I haven't heard it, but my interest is piqued in that amp. I was strongly tempted to buy the used one on AC to demo for myself, but I've got four amps on hand at the moment and there has to be SOME end to my wife's patience with me, lol.

My hesitation in snagging the mini torii is that that low wattage is into 4ohms. Into my 16ohm Superflys that is truly flea power (will that be LESS than a 45 SET?)

I wouldn't underestimate the F3s, they're pretty darn good to be honest. Some say its the best sounding Nelson Pass amplifier, period. Driven by my Shindo it makes for a very musical presentation.

I'm going to bring it to a buddy's place this weekend to see how it does driving a pair of Sunny Cable Co speakers.

My Shindo has a 5k ohm impedance and seems to match better well with the Rawson F3 clone I'm using.

This is an excerpt from an email with the buddy that turned me on to the F3:

"I did not run the Aurieges with the F3 and am not sure it would match well. Actually, it probably would - I now recall Dr. Pass saying that the F3 requires an extremely tiny current to drive and so even pres with high output impedance are nearly always fine."

I've got no affiliation with the seller, but FYI there is a Rawson F3 clone on now.