Some impression on Zu Omen Definition

The Definition (full Def 2 - I've never heard the Omen Def) with the First Watt F3 was just an incredible pairing. It did it all and had no real weaknesses, on any type of music.

(With that setup with my Tom Evans phono & line stages, for the first time ever I was completely satisfied without a tube in the chain anywhere. Gave up absolutely nothing to any tube gear in the areas where tubes are typically considered to be superior. But then the TE gear is not like tubes or transistors.)

Of course, I still sold the F3 (my 2nd). I got a Graaf GM20 OTL amp and like it just a bit better - but it was really a matter of taste, not superiority. In fact, I'm not sure I can say I've *ever* heard an amp "better" than the F3. When that thing is warm it's like the best low-power SET in tone and dimensionality but with real extension and a much lower noise floor.

(You may think your 45 SET is extended, and quiet, and it may be, but it's not like what can be done with no output transformers and - gulp - little chunks of sand instead of tubes. I have had other tube gear that was utterly silent for all intents and purposes (Shindo Monbrison) but not a tube amp that had a noise floor as seemingly nonexistent as the F3's. Now, why did I sell that thing again?)

It's such a crazy hobby, what with the virtually infinite number of permutations of gear possible. Not really a safe mix with the overly curious.

Hey Paul,I know what you mean in regards to curiosity. The First watt amps intrique me based on their very simple(I love) design and reviews/word of mouth reputation. I have absolute passion for my Coincident Frankenstein 300b monoblocks, but would love to compare/contrast with a First watt amp. The tone,harmonics and pure naturalness of the Franks is the best I`ve heard so far. Paul have you heard the F5 or the J2 versions? This truly is a great hobby if approached with the right attitude.

I also had an F5 once. I liked the F3 better by a decent margin. I think I had AN/Es then (also a great match with the F3).

Just an update on this thread and share with you guys. I am not convinced that my Preamp with such high output impedance (2800ohm for mid and treble, 11.5k ohm at 20Hz!!) will match with F3 with input impedance of 10k.

I decided to give the AES SE-1 a try. It is good, it has 7 wpc with the 300B tube and can drive the Zu no problem. The problem of having too much gain is also alleviate. I can now turn the preamp to about 10 - 11 position, with the volume control in iTunes at about 1/4 of the bar.

The sound is also improved for instruments like piano. It seems the treble frequency is improve. There is no significant improvement on vocal, which surprise me. Because 300B is well know to deliver very smooth vocal. Don't get me wrong, the vocal on my system is very good, I am quite satisfied, that means the McCormack can delivery vocal as good as a 300B SET amp, this is what surprise me.

Gte357,
Congradulations with your new amp. The 300b is a very good tube, but keep in mine there are quite a variety of flavors among them. They can sound very different from one brand to another ,i.e. frequency extremes,dynamics, midrange tone,harmonic overtones etc. Change a tube and vocal performance changes along with it.
Best of Luck,