WTB: ECP DSHA-3F

Discussion in 'Closed (Archived) Sales' started by Souldriver, Jul 17, 2022.

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  1. Souldriver

    Souldriver Almost "Made"

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    Looking for an ECP DSHA-3F Ravenswood amp. (I know, join the club)

    I would love to hear the Atrium on one before deciding if I just should invest more in the tube side of amps. I would love to have a higher end SS option as well for my Focals and HD800s.

    Nickel vs Amorphous probably doesn't matter much but I would probably prefer an Amorphous unit to excite the more laid back ZMF.
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2022
  2. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    I own both amorphous and nickel, as well as a DNA Stellaris and an EC Aficionado (with suitable tubes). For my Atrium LTD koa, mainly modern jazz and classical material, HQPlayer DSD256 upsampling/modulation into Holo NOS DACs, here's my current preference order: Stellaris > 3F amorphous > Af > 3F nickel. Note that this is not a "laid back" vs not ordering, but rather overall experience. The differences are not huge, in any case. In particular, the Stellaris and the 3F nickel are "wetter" than the other two, but the Stellaris also has the best dynamics and staging. 3F nickel is delightful, but I prefer it with Verité, especially closed, than with Atrium.

    As to your main question: I have the two 3F in different locations, and I can't currently see myself parting with either, after way too many other solid-state iterations.
     
  3. Souldriver

    Souldriver Almost "Made"

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    Whats that? You totally want to sell me your amorphous?
    Ahh darn i misheard, maybe sone wishful thinking;)


    That is some good info. I know Zach has been pairing it with both versions (and the decware prototype) at shows. Unfortunately those shows havent neen near me and I am still trying to avoid crowds.

    I would love to hear more impressions regarding your Koa. I have a Bubinga LTD myself.
     
  4. Failed Engineer

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    +1 on the Atrium/3F combo. It's just spectacular. It will take some pad and mesh rolling to optimize for your preferences, but you will get there. I have amorphous on one of my 3Fs and silver amorphous on the other. The silver amorphous 3F shows the Atrium can scale very high. Micro-dynamics in particular are great and tonal weight and timbre are phenomenal on the combo.

    The staging can be optimized with the Auteur pads and the 3F will be happy to engage but I prefer the more intimate staging and sharper imaging of BE2 pads.

    You will not be disappointed with the 3F/Atrium unless you just don't like the signature of the Atrium. Personally don't think tubes are necessary once you hear it on the 3F.
     
  5. Souldriver

    Souldriver Almost "Made"

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    I didnt even know there was an amorphous and silver amorphous. I did know people mentioned the cobalt.

    I do like the Atrium and i have the sbaf/marv mesh and auteur pads to play with. I want to look at the be2 pads but i think that will need an email to zmf as i do not see them listed. Which be2 are you rolling btw? I know people have liked suede perforated.

    My goal is to get it back to the feel it had in the very early break in. Treble was more present, imaging felt very exact (like to the millimeter) texture was rised higher and less smoothed. I would think as you and @earnmyturns mentioned the amorph 3F can add those excitements back. Or get me towards those goals.
     
  6. Failed Engineer

    Failed Engineer Friend

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    I think you are on the right track with 3F amorphous. I don't think there's a free lunch with Atrium in regards to stage and imaging. Pads will accentuate one at the expense of the other. Auteur prioritizing stage but it become fuzzier. BE2 the opposite. Universe a good middle ground. Further I also did not like the Auteur pads because the bass became a bit uncontrolled for my tastes.

    I only have the lamb BE2s, intend to order the suedes at some point. The Universe suede's are my second favorite pads. I find the treble to be better with all the suede pads in comparison to the same shape in lamb. I also prefer the marv mesh.

    As far as the silver amorphous transformers I ended up buying one from a member here and I think it's the only one with the silvers. The price is stupid and probably not even worth mentioning. Try the regular amorphous and then see if you want to go down the rolling transformers rabbit hole.

    Hope you can find a 3F soon. I think you'll like the pairing given what you are describing as your reasons for pursuing one.
     
  7. Souldriver

    Souldriver Almost "Made"

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    I really appreciate your thoughts. It seems to be spot on and inline with how i was thinking which is a very nice relief. I will be ok sacrificing some stage as the Atrium has that in spades and right now i have a BHC that spaces things out well. I am also more used to and lean towards an intimate (not to be confused with small) stage a la focal and lcd-x.

    Ill try pads first as its an easy roll then eventually the mesh. I want to do the least with the mesh as holes in wood can wear out and its a slightly more risky swap.

    I think its also a good sign many here have multiple Ravenswoods (a flock/conspiracy of woods?) As that usually that only happens with worthwhile gear.
     
  8. Beefy

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    Had you seen that @CEE TEE and @dsavitsk were developing a new DHSA-3F variant to be released soon? From some comments it seems like it might be a teeny bit more mass-market without being so reliant on being hand-built, but also sounds like it will be a bit cheaper and more available....

    [ED] oh, I just saw that you had posted in the other thread. Personally, for me, I'd wait for the new version. But I care more about cost than getting something bespoke and hand-built.
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2022
  9. Souldriver

    Souldriver Almost "Made"

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    Yessir. I think CeeTee also noted more info should be coming in a week or two as well. It is the same circuit as well. Still worth putting out the feeler, i usually buy most things used.
     
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