Price Paid:  $1200.00 from used

Summary:
Don Garber of Fi Audio created this amplifier as a "low-cost" solution for people who could not afford his 2A3 Monoblocs. As a "low-cost" product, I expected it to be quite compromised in sound quality compared to its much more expensive siblings.

I have never heard Fi's 2A3 Monoblocs, but I have heard Wright Sound, Bottlehead, and Moth Audio 2A3 amps. The "X" is magical! It puts the "music" back in music reproduction. I like it better than the Wright. I like it as much as the Moth 2A3, and for half the price.

It has such smooth output it takes the pain out of digital. But it doesn't seem to smooth over the small details. Transients sound quick but natural, piano and stringed instrument attacks sound like the instrument, instead of some smeared facsimile. Note decays sound just right, vocals sound great!

In fact, any kind of acoustical music sounds fabulous. Heavy metal, hip-hop, hard-rock people need not apply. This amp won't help at all. If you have good quality, high efficiency speakers (94dB or greater) this is one super amplifier.

This one has the optional Magnequest output iron, which is supposed to help bass output.

Strengths:
Sound quality, vocals, acoustical instruments, percussion. Unique appearance: NOTHING looks like a Fi X!

Weaknesses:
Needs efficient speakers. If your speakers aren't 94dB or higher, don't bother. But then, if you really want great dynamics, you need high efficiency speakers anyway. The output tubes aren't cheap, but at least the $50/pair Sovteks work very well.

Similar Products Used:
Dynaco Mk III, Wright Sound 2A3, Bottlehead Paramours, Moth Audio Si2A3, Decware SE34I Integrated.

Price Paid:  $1400.00 from Private Owner

Summary:
SET amps have their drawbacks,in that they don't put out killer bass...however what they do is produce music in such a natural, compelling way,that for me it is highly unlikely I could ever go back to solid state.This amp makes WONDERFUL MUSIC...PERIOD.Piano sounds like PIANO.Attack ,decay ,timbre,and a rich palpable TONE, it's all there. Vocals sometimes cause me do stop whatever I am doing ,and just sit to listen.Along with the magical Jeff Korneff 45,this is the nicest amp I have heard to date.

Strengths:
Reproduces music beautifully

Weaknesses:
Need efficient speaker system

Similar Products Used:
Cary 572,AES Superamp,Sun Audio 2A3,300B,Art Audio 40 watt Concerto,Jeff Korneff 45,

Price Paid:  $1150.00 from Direct

Summary:
I have had , maybe, 2 dozen tube amps ( Audio Research, Counterpoint, Wavelength, Wellborne, Cary, Mac,ETC), with 5 being SET's, This Fi"X" intergrated, is by far the best amp I have ever heard. I am happy listening to the music again!
(Fi'X", AR XA1/Stanton 908 LZ,Lloyd Peppard Nuvista custom phono pre, ,Sony SCD 1, The Hornshoppe "Horns").

Strengths:
Musicality

Weaknesses:
Needs efficient speakers, not a weaknes, just a fact!

Similar Products Used:
See list

Summary:
After 6 months of auditioning tube amplifiers (multipentode, push pull, SETs) this is the best 2A3 amp I heard, and the best deal. Well built, slamming bass ( not boomy loud/distorted low noise), takes your cD collection and not only removes veils from the sound, but makes the music gripping. Hard to put into words, but songs, or pieces I used to press the skip button, are know delightful. No recognizable coloration, but transparent to the recording conditions. Amazing with the vinyl. If you like music, this will get you closer. Jazz, classical, rock, Latin, country . . .. Excellent built quality and a beautiful, like a bauhaus prototype. Hand built quality-made in Brooklyn, New York City!

Strengths:
Makes the music present unlike any ither amp I've heard, plain + simple, for this price or 3, 4 times as much,you cant do any better

Weaknesses:
Must have speakers no less and above 94 dbs/ meter sensitivity, 8ohms, to get enogh headroom, but everyone should anyway . . .

Similar Products Used:
NAD, Wright Sound WPA3.5

Summary:
Dollar for dollar, in the stock form, it's hard to beat. Three and a half watts is not a lot of power for those not familiar, or those not using self powered sub-woofers. 300B's are a lot easier. Still, it is a tremendous value. A lot of fun.