Comments on: First Watt F7 Amplifier

By: Dan Mance

Dan Mance — Wed, 24 May 2017 22:49:00 +0000

I purchased an F7 six months ago to drive 96dB DIY speakers. Previously i had 45 and 2A3 SET amps. It took several dozen hours before I really thought the F7's could replace my SETs. I almost sent them back after the RenoHiFi trial period ...but they just transformed one day. From there they have just gotten better - more details, snap, thumpf. And with modern DACs getting better and more insightful - only a solid state can do them justice. Definitely a keeper - cant wait for the new stuff NP is talking about coming in 2017.

By: henrichristophe

henrichristophe — Sat, 20 May 2017 15:14:00 +0000

In reply to Mark R. Thanks for responding. I might have to send mine in to get it checked out. It makes a loud clicking noise as it's warning up it seems. Hmmmmmmm.

By: Mark R

Mark R — Fri, 19 May 2017 15:24:00 +0000

In reply to henrichristophe. I just got my F7 a few days ago, and have put around 30 hours on it. Mine is dead silent, with no popping noises on startup or shut down. Wonderful amp, btw, and that's with only 30 hours on it! I think it's a KEEPER!

By: henrichristophe

henrichristophe — Wed, 10 May 2017 07:22:00 +0000

John, a very good review!

I have a question for you, or anyone else that has a F7.... My F7 makes a popping noise when it's warning up. Maybe three or four in the first half hour/forty five minutes or so, and also when it's cooling down after shut off. Is this normal? Is anyone else experiencing this?

Thanks.

By: John Hoffman

John Hoffman — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 05:42:00 +0000

In reply to Ron Cagenello. Thanks for the kind words, the F7 is a fun review to work on. All of us have different priorities when it comes to listening to our system. The F7 will reflect the characterisitcs of the components in front of it, and the Shrimp may very well be in line with the kind of sound that reaches into you and connects with the music. That is not a bad thing at all, and why we enjoy this hobby. No piece of gear is perfect, or the perfect piece for evey hobbyist. So everyone of us get to undertake a journey, and there are many paths and stopping paths for all of us. You have found yours, and that is great.

By: Ron Cagenello

Ron Cagenello — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 22:56:00 +0000

John, great write-up, thanks! I agree with your assesssment, having owned the amp for a year now. In fact I built a B1 and used that at first, but the Manley Shrimp was better (hopefully not a reflection on my DIY skills!). I just bought a Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE with stage 2 updates and now I can really hear what the F7 is capable of, and it is seriously wonderful. I am driving Gibbon Super 8's currently but also listen to Gallo 3.1s and the amp can comfortably handle either. I hope more folks get to hear it, and reviews like yours will help to drive that interest.
Ron Cagenello