[schw06]

Wondering F3 owner's take on good matches for a preamp that has synergy with the amp. I will be driving Zu Definition II's and looking to spend $4000 or less new or used. SS or tubes are ok but looking for good image density, good dynamics, neutral preamp. I am typically a tube owner but will entertain SS or passive.
David

[sts9fan]

I think the main thing you are looking for is high enough gain. Maybe 16-18db. I have liked the sound of my clone with a Audio Research ss pre.

[roscoeiii]

I use a Musical Fidelity kW preamp, a very neutral and powerful preamp with a FirstWatt F1. Great combo that has wonderful dynamics, oomph, and detail. Had best of the qualities of the passive and active pres that I auditioned before it, both of which were Nelson Pass designs (it was also a good deal more expensive than those).

There are a couple of kWs for sale on Audiogon right now. One auction and one for sale listing.

Micheal Fremer has a nice review of it in Stereophile, and you can see its remarkable measurements there as well.

And it is a hybrid tube preamp, with 6112 tubes soldered in, and a claimed 100,000 hr life (!!).

Been a revelatory addition to my system.

[JDUBS]

I think the main thing you are looking for is high enough gain. Maybe 16-18db. I have liked the sound of my clone with a Audio Research ss pre.

l

Aren't the Zu's like >100db sensitive?  Not sure you need all that much gain from the pre.

-Jim

[roscoeiii]

Gain may be due to the unique qualities of the F3. If you aren't familiar with the amp, check out the 6moons reviews, which usually do a good job of explaining FirstWatts unique attributes. I forget the details of the F3, but the F1 & F2 are current source amps, meaning that they can't be used with speakers with crossovers.

Don't have the time to look up the F3's unique aspects, but many in the line are not your typical design.

[JDUBS]

Gain may be due to the unique qualities of the F3. If you aren't familiar with the amp, check out the 6moons reviews, which usually do a good job of explaining FirstWatts unique attributes. I forget the details of the F3, but the F1 & F2 are current source amps, meaning that they can't be used with speakers with crossovers.

Don't have the time to look up the F3's unique aspects, but many in the line are not your typical design.

Not sure if this was directed at me, but the F3 is a gain amp...with like 13db of gain.

-Jim

[JoshK]

l

Aren't the Zu's like >100db sensitive?  Not sure you need all that much gain from the pre.

-Jim

That was my thoughts too.

[sts9fan]

I used it with Druids. If the defs are anything like them they thrive on more gain then the sensitivity would suggest. Ymmv

[lcrim]

I don't understand the gain structure of the F3 but w/ speakers that efficient you need to be careful that you don't end up listening to the noise from a preamps' power supply. 
The Wyred4Sound STP,  while a good deal cheaper than your budget, would allow you to go from passive to active gain.  You should be able to find a setting where your Zu's are happy.