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Senn 650 - which balanced tube amp

post #1 of 24
3/23/10 at 6:32pm
Thread Starter 
Hi all

I have a pair of Senn HD650 that I love.

I have tried a quality SS amp that clearly did so much right but it did not involve me or give me the sweet sound I enjoy. The solid state amp was a Talisman.

I find the little Dot MKIII a far less accomplished amp but I prefer it for the moreish sweet quality it adds.

I want to go balanced but I want to get that tube sweetness plus the qualities of the Talisman, those being excellent seperation, black background etc etc.

I have considered the new Little dot MKVIII and David tells me this would give me what I want. It is on budget, about $1000.

Are there any recomendations?

Thanks

Gareth
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
post #2 of 24
3/23/10 at 7:25pm
Would you consider a better SE amp?

WA6
Mad Ear
or CSP-2.

I think better SE amps are better than at least cheap balanced amps.
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post #3 of 24
3/23/10 at 9:29pm
Thread Starter 

Sensible

Hi
That sounds like a sensible suggestion, go for quality over quantity.
I have no opportunity to hear any of these amps however, I am in Australia.
Where do I start?
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post #4 of 24
3/23/10 at 9:47pm
There are Australian meets. Check out the meets forum.

Depending on your dedication to the cause you can always buy to try and sell the amp if you dont like them. Nobody guesses right at what amp they want on the first try.
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post #5 of 24
3/23/10 at 10:28pm
You can't really go wrong with tubes though. Especially if you roll, you'll eventually find a sound that suits you.
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post #6 of 24
3/23/10 at 11:50pm
Thread Starter 

Woo Audio

Looking at some of the earlier suggestions, I like the look of the Woo stuff.
Is the 6SE worth the extra over the 6 and where does the 2 fit in????
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post #7 of 24
3/24/10 at 12:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gags72 View Post
Looking at some of the earlier suggestions, I like the look of the Woo stuff.
Is the 6SE worth the extra over the 6 and where does the 2 fit in????
Wherabouts in Aus are you, Gags? We have a Sydney meet coming up that'll give you a chance to listen to any number of good amplifiers and make an informed choice

I used to own a 6SE, and I bought it predominantly because of increased output power and a better design. Jack recommends the 6 for those on a budget or those with space constraints, but the 6SE is the uncompromised version of the design.

However, if you end up buying a 6SE, make sure Jack modifies it to accept 6FD7 tubes. It's only a few caps that need to be switched for those that can handle higher voltage, as I understand it, and the 6FD7 tubes are the real ticket with that amp and Sennheisers.
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post #8 of 24
3/24/10 at 12:40am
EHHA
embedded hybrid headphone amp
Embedded Hybrid Headphone Amlifier
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post #9 of 24
3/24/10 at 12:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jh4db536 View Post
EHHA
embedded hybrid headphone amp
Embedded Hybrid Headphone Amlifier
I'm sincerely hoping we'll have one of these at the next Sydney meet, too

*winks meaningfully in Johnwmclean's direction*
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post #10 of 24
3/24/10 at 2:15am
Thread Starter 

Sydney

Yes I am in Sydney

So hw about the Woo stuff, is it just ok or great and why is it always the 6 or 6se and not the 2 spoken of?
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post #11 of 24
3/24/10 at 2:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gags72 View Post
Yes I am in Sydney

So hw about the Woo stuff, is it just ok or great and why is it always the 6 or 6se and not the 2 spoken of?
The 2 is OTL, wheras the 6 and 6SE are transformer coupled. An OTL tube amp does well with high impedance loads, but generally speaking is less desirable for low impedances, just due to the nature of tubes (tubes are naturally suited to providing voltage swing, which high impedance loads crave, but aren't so good at providing current, which low impedances crave). Transformer-coupled tube amps take care of both fronts, and thus are more versatile.

The build quality of the Woo's are excellent, and my 6SE was certainly a very nice match for my HD600, but I've found better bang for buck to be found in DIY designs. Even though I don't possess a modicum of DIY skill, I'm lucky to know 3 local head-fi'ers who are all exceptionally gifted in that regard
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post #12 of 24
3/24/10 at 6:00am
Thread Starter 

Hmmmm

So does that mean that these friends of yours may be able to sell me a solution?
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post #13 of 24
3/24/10 at 3:42pm
Yes, the Woo stuff is great. You can probably buy any of their amps and be happy. I would wait and go to the meet.
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post #14 of 24
3/24/10 at 6:52pm
Thread Starter 

Meet

When is the meet?

Also I have contacted Jack who says for the DH650 the WA2 is the best choice for the budget.

Are there any WA2 owners who use 650s?
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post #15 of 24
3/24/10 at 6:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gags72 View Post
When is the meet?
Sometime within the next few months, no date has been set yet.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
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