IIRC you have a lot of experience with Firstwatt models. I happened upon an unassembled F3 kit. Could you offer your opinions of the F3 vs. other Firstwatt models?
Thanks in advance.
I'm sorry, but I really don't want to write a full rundown of my experience with the M2, J2, F3, F5, F7, F2J, or with the Aleph 30, XA30.5, XA30.8, or INT-150. I understand this info may be helpful to many, but to do these amps justice and write a comprehensive review would be really time consuming ; Time I don't have.
But to answer your specific question about the F3, I'll simply say that it is the smoothest of the bunch (that I've tried). It is highly resolving, as all FW amps are, but the highs aren't as "lit up" as others. The sound is very cohesive, fluid, and natural. There's plenty of tonal density and warmth, while still maintaining definition. Within the FW house, I feel it is sort of the opposite of the F5. I 100% understand why the F3 has been called THE solid state amp for tube lovers...though I'm willing to bet that the F3 is more quiet than most tube amps. I'll add that the F3 is one of Nelson's favorites. With that endorsement, you really should build your kit and listen for yourself.