Some impression on Zu Omen Definition

The Mini torii has a volume control, but many amps come like this in the SET world. So you can use a pre amp or not, and it will not harm the quality of your sound if you do. Either the F3 or the Decware will be a winner for you, though I am betting the Decware would be much less similar to your current amp than the F3. BTW you will have to be very patient, and move quickly to get a used DIY F3. I bought the one Gopher had within an hour or so of it posting and Gopher snagged mine in about 15 minutes. That was the only one I have seen for sale in two months. If I were you, based on what I know about myself and Gopher, I would grab the Decware before we jump on it. If I were not breaking in a brand new fabulous amp with two other fantastic amps sitting next to it, I would go for it myself:). But I am spontaneous and may change my mind at any second:).

Oh ... I just found out that the F3 has an input impedance of 10k Ohm, which is too low for my PrimaLuna Preamp with output impedance of 2800 ohm!!! I almost overlook this part. Gee ...

So, the F3 is not good for me then? Would other First Watt product good for me? I think I read someone post the preference for Zu is

F3 -> M2 -> XA 30.5

I don't know the difference between F3 and M2 by reading the web site. Does anyone has any experience with M2 and Zu Omen Definition?

Why don't you just get a different pre amp then? Everyone can give you an opinion, but your room, your electronics, and your music preferences will dictate what will work best for you. Opinions are just that, and vary depending on all the above factors. Where are you located btw? Maybe you can find a local that you could audition with? That is a good way to get a taste of what different set ups will give you.

>I love mine with an Emotiva XPA-2<

LoveD, you mean?

Moving on to the next thing, eh?

Shakey

I hope I can audition them too, but it is not possible. I am in Vancouver, Canada. I don't think there is anyone in Vancouver carry Zu and PrimaLuna. So, I can only audition different amps but not the whole system. So, I mainly rely on my internet research and other people's comment. I know other people won't know exactly my electronics and room setting, but just trying to get most opinion as possible. And I don't have an acoustic / electrical engineering background. I am sure there are a lot of very knowledgeable people here, and has vast experience of different brands. So, all of your opinion are actually very important to me =)

I read the First Watt web site. It described the design concept of each model which I don't understand. Reading 6moons and other people's comment, the M2 seems to be the next choice which pass my sanity test. It has a low gain of 15 dB (checked), a higher input impedance of 100k (checked), it has warmer sound than F5 and J2 per 6moons (checked), it has a low output impedance which suppose to give tighter bass, right?

Do you think M2 would be a good fit for me? Does it give a tubey sound close to SET amps? Anyone?

Thanks.