Reviews
The gold panel look so good
"Thanks to Justin for the quick response to my request to switch to the gold PANEL, and the color looks great. When I received the unit, I was pleasantly surprised by the size, especially compared to the P750u. It’s a whole size smaller, and the depth is much reduced. The impression it gives me is powerful yet controlled. The noise floor is well managed — even with the D9200 on high gain at 10 o’clock, the noise floor isn’t obvious (I usually listen to the D9200 on low gain). Its power is such that most of my headphones are loud enough even on low gain (D9200, HD800s, Utopia 2022, Meze Elite, D8000 DC Pro). But using high gain with some headphones also works nicely, including HD800s, Utopia 2022, Meze Elite, and D8000 DC Pro. The volume difference between high and low gain isn’t huge, similar to my P750u. I feel high gain can bring out more of the background. My feeling for the two mode: SS feels more refined and restrained, highlighting vocals and micro-dynamics. ZF feels more open, with a stronger sense of space and stage presence."
— Alex (5/5)
A powerful and refined upgrade
"I have owned the HeadAmp CFA3 for about two weeks now, and so far I am very impressed with it. I originally bought this amplifier mainly to drive the HIFIMAN Susvara, although my Susvara has not arrived yet. In the meantime, I have been using the CFA3 with my other headphones, including the HE1000se, Sennheiser HD800S, and Grado RS1x. Compared with my previous amplifier, the Cayin HA-3A, the improvement is immediately noticeable. The soundstage feels larger and more open, and the treble is smoother and more refined. With the HE1000se, I always felt the vocals could sound a little too thin and slightly pushed back in the mix. With the CFA3, that is no longer the case. Vocals now have better presence, body, and balance, while still keeping the excellent detail and air that the HE1000se is known for. The HD800S also benefits from the CFA3’s control and spacious presentation. It sounds cleaner, more effortless, and more expansive, without becoming sharp or fatiguing. What surprised me most, however, was the improvement with the Grado RS1x. Since the RS1x is very easy to drive, I did not expect a major difference, but the CFA3 still brought a clear upgrade over my old amp. The sound feels more refined, controlled, and enjoyable, which was a delightful surprise. Overall, my early experience with the HeadAmp CFA3 has been excellent. Even before trying it with the Susvara, it has already improved the performance of all the headphones I currently own. The bigger soundstage, smoother high frequencies, better vocal presence, and stronger sense of control make it a very satisfying amplifier. I am now even more excited to hear what it can do with the Susvara when it arrives."
— Chao (5/5)
Is the CFA3 the best SS amp ever?
"I've always been impressed with the build quality of Justin's gear and this tops everything so far for me. Everything looks over engineered, heatsinks, switchgear and volume control etc. I've been running HFM HE1K UV and Raal Immanis. Both HPs love a bit of voltage swing but this can cause them to be a bit peaky if not handled well. One of the things I love about CFA3 is the control that comes with the power. Steel hand in velvet glove comes to mind. This allows both HPs to exhibit the detail, soundstage, space and harmonics they're known for. I also love the ability to change the sound signature on the fly with SS and ZF modes, which I use for both HPs depending on the genre. Good things are worth waiting for - well this is a great thing and the best SS amp I've heard at any price point."
— Neil W. (5/5)
Outstanding Amp
"I thank all previous reviewers for their input in making my decision. I must admit I was initially uncomfortable with the thought of buying a headphone amp at such a price. . . . I'm not rich, but I am so glad I did. I won't repeat other reviews for all are glowing; all I can say is OMG. My Susvara Unveiled and Focal Stellia headphones are amazing with this amp. No matter what I am listening to (mostly classic rock), it sounds fuller and more detailed on the CFA-3 than I had ever anticipated. I am not an audiophile, so I cannot be more detailed as so many reviews are. This was one of my greatest audio investments, and I appreciate Justin and HeadAmp."
— Jeff (5/5)
Amazing Headphone Amp
"I got the CFA3 a few weeks ago to use with my Susvara Unveiled, and once I began using it, I first noticed a significant improvement in bass response compared to my previous setup (I had been using the Hugo TT2’s integrated amp). Over time, I began to notice a more holographic soundstage as well. Overall, I think the CFA3 has pushed the Sus UVs in areas they needed a bit more and helped them excel where they already shined"
— Jason R. (5/5)
Much better than GS-X MK2
"I have use GS-X MK2 for many years for my solid state amp and enjoyed music with it. After a long waiting from CFA3 pre-order, I got my Deluxe edition. The sound quality improvement is very obvious and impressed me. Increased value adjustment steps and remote controller are also make my daily music experience become deluxe. It’s also work well if connect three headphone at the same time. It helps me a lot to compare headphones. Overall, I’m very satisfied with CFA3 deluxe edition and it’s worth to wait for this amp."
— Clyde (5/5)
A truly spectacular headphone amp
"While attending Canjam NYC 2025 and after hours of listening to many audio setups being a bit jaded, I then walked into Headamp's room. I sat down and put on a pair of OG Susvara's hooked it up to the CFA3, I was simply struck by the sound on an emotional level - I had to own this amp. I have own other multi-kilobuck amps but Headamp's CFA3 is different. Sure, there is a vast reserve of power, transparency and technical detail which is all there, but what struck me was the sense of realism and clarity, full stop. I bought the CFA3 Deluxe along with the Susvara Unveiled and it's heaven. I also paired my CFA Deluxe with the HE6se V2, Utopia, LCD-4, Caldera Closed, etc. . . . . They all sounded exceptional, with the Feedback switch (SS vs ZF) to tailor the sound depending on the headphone. This is a top of the line amp with the highest build quality and sound."
— Tom W. (5/5)
Magnificent Amp - Deluxe Edition
"Many folks have commented on the highs/mids/lows/space, which are all amazing. I will comment on something different to try to be helpful to those reading. I have been listening to it with Susvaras and the other usual suspects. It is really is an incredible joy. The amp has enough power to give the notes authority and delicacy at the same time--excitement and effortlessness at once. The timbre of instruments with this amp is remarkable. The amp doesn't seem to color the presentation, rather, it is more like waking up the presentation. The leading edges of sounds are authoritative without being offensive. As others have put above, absolutely an endgame product. Really something."
— Daniel S. (5/5)
Unparalleled beauty in the craftsmanship and sound
"This amplifier is absolutely incredible! I’m not a professional reviewer, but I’m writing this based on my personal experience with it. I recently got my hands on the HEADAMP OFC3 Deluxe Edition Headphones amplifier, and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. Building it took some time, as it’s only available as a preorder due to high demand. But it was worth the wait. I already have three amplifiers, but I really wanted to get this one because someone I trust recommended it. They had the chance to hear it in person and said it was amazing. So, I jumped in and ordered it right away. I plan to buy HIFIMAN Susvara and Abyss 1266, as I believe my amplifiers won’t drive them to a full potential, so I decided to get a powerful amplifier first. I’ve tried all my headphones, both planar magnetic and dynamic, and the OFC3 Deluxe Edition drives them to new heights. It’s like they’re singing instead of just playing music. It’s an unforgettable experience. When you listen to music through this amplifier, you get lost in the music and don’t want it to end. And when you’re not listening, you can’t stop thinking about the next time you can use it. I love that. I chose the Deluxe Edition because it has a Balance control on the included remote control. Some tracks require or feel like adjusting the balance, and the remote control makes it easy to do. There are also other useful options on the remote control, so it’s worth getting this edition. One of my favorite options is the Feedback switch: “SS” (super symmetry) mode reduces distortion, and “ZF” (zero feedback) mode makes the sound tube-like, which is really pleasing to my ears. In short, this amplifier is one of the best out there. You won’t be disappointed, you’ll love it for many years to come."
— Andriy S. (5/5)
ENDGAME FOR ME.
"it is hard to follow all the great reviews but here we go. simply put. this is the best sounding and most powerful amp that I have listened to. for up to 3 times the cost and more in some cases. at a much lower price. it is built like a tank. this easily powers my mod house tungsten. Justin has done a topnotch job designing and building this true masterpiece. he has been a pleasure to do business with. a must buy."
— TOM S. (5/5)
