ECP DSHA3F Ravenswood 3F

Except for some of the harder to drive orthos (namely classic HFMs), I would choose the ECBW over Rag most of the time. Just my $0.02.

 

Yeah p much. The 3F was cleaner and more neutral compared to the warmer and smoother/relaxed T4. The Stratus had more open/layered stage with more separation and slam than the T4. But the T4 is also 2/3 the price of those other amps. Also the 3F had a harder time with planars vs the Stratus, prob because it was optimized for Focals. Perhaps the reg DSHA-3 would be the better SS choice for planars vs the 3F.

 

I'm surprised the Phonitor X doesn't fall somewhere in here? (I haven't heard it; but @Torq and @gbeast both seemed to speak highly of it.)

 

A few people have expressed interest in the DSHA3F. It usually takes me 6 to 8 weeks to make amps, and in the interest of not having the process overlap, I would like to do a small batch run of these. To that end, I would like to take orders of them for the next two weeks or so, after which I won't take any orders until the first batch is done. That would mean that this initial batch should be ready by late March, with any potential later orders not being done until late May or June.

The price is $2800 + shipping (and tax in CT), and the process is a non-refundable 50% down payment at the time of ordering with the remainder due before shipment.

Please contact me for details at my username [at] ecpaudio.com

 

Going to rob a bank, brb.

 

Do us all a favor and wear an Amir mask when you do it.

 

The version Marv heard uses Lundahl amorphous input transformers. They are extremely detailed if a little cold. The tone of the amp can be warmed slightly with Lundahl nickel core transformers (my preference.) The transformers are also rollable, and additional sets (attached to PCBs with little pins,etc) cost $300.

But yes, the T4 is definitely warmer with the Focals due to how the impedances interact - you can order that one through Tom

 

@dsavitsk If the purpose is to amp low-impedance (resistive load) but current-hungry (not as severe as classic hfm though) planars, still 3F is a good way to go? Or do you prefer '3 or '4 for such situations?

@purr1n reported a good match to verum, so guessing probably quite good though.

 

3F is a good way to go - you basically have three thing going on. There is the low impedance, which is good, but more important is the lack of feedback, and more important than that is the very tight control of the signal current loops.

The '3 (and '4, but the '4 is unnecessary in most cases) in essence trades some of the impedance advantage for the output protection, impedance matching, and possible additional gain of transformers. They are exceptionally good transformers, but they will impact the sound.

I have always thought of Sennheiser as "standard" with everything else being a variation, and so I think of the Sennheiser amp as the default option. But maybe Sennheiser, with their weird impedance bump and need for some output impedance are the odd one out, not withstanding their ubiquity?

Another option is the L3 which will have more gain and power than the Ravenswood '3.

 

Wow, nice to see this amp getting some shine and that Doug's potentially putting together a whole batch! I commissioned mine in late 2017 for the Utopia, ended up using it for pretty much everything that passed through my collection since. Took some potato pictures a while back; the woodwork (wenge) is certainly something.

Spoiler: pics

Back when I was really into the hobby, I eventually settled on the '3F and the EC Af (EML 2A3 Mesh, WE JW 2C51, Jupiter caps) as my amps of choice. Not much of a critical listener because I'm bad, but I also felt the two were quite close, particularly with the Auteur. Perhaps a stronger "holographic" feel from the tube amp's staging, but the ECP's certainly no slouch (and with no real hassle, fussing over tube and cap selection, etc.).

 

I fortunately had the opportunity to purchase the amp from g_mr_p around 3 months ago. I was hesitant to post impressions because I don't have another solid state on hand to compare it with, and I don't have much of a post history. I don't think I'm very good at describing differences between amps, but here we go

I've been using it mainly with my ZMF Atticus and Auteur. It's been feed by an Yggdrasil A1, and my other amp for comparison is a DNA Stratus. First thing that amazed me about the 3F was it's smooth yet detailed treble. From memory, the Auteur was slightly harsh off the Jotunheim and Ragnarok. Then the build quality - the Wenge wood is a beauty and pictures do not do it justice

Ravenswood

• More neutral - when compared to the Stratus, nothing seems to be emphasized or recessed
• Maybe a slight advantage in micro-details, but it's close
• More controlled bass
• Larger stage with better imaging

Stratus

• More forward mids, which imo makes it a perfect pairing with the Auteur
• Smoother treble without losing much in detail
• Greater bass impact, but not as controlled as 3F
• More intimate and smaller stage

 

Please include the Stratus tubes, otherwise it's kind of pointless. It's a long way from stock to 422A/Single plate/6N1P-E

 

They are stock tubes and it’s the latest revision of the Stratus. I don’t want to derail this thread with conversations about another amp, but if you don’t mind I may send a PM about tube recommendations

 

ECP DSHA3F - Amorphous $2,800 (slightly cooler)
ECP DSHA3F - Nickel $3,100 (slightly warmer)
ECP T4 - $2,200
ECP L3 - $TBD? "more gain and power than Ravenswood 3F"

Correct?