WA6 SE or WA2 ?

6SE

OTL dosnt work right with low impedance headphones. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod 

6SE

 

OTL dosnt work right with low impedance headphones. 

I agree that OTL work better with the High Impedance but the Decware does drive the D7000 but my solid state is better with my Matrix than the decware. One advantage of the OTL is it does tame the bass of the D7000 but no question OTL are better with the higher impedance cans.

I've been faced with the same decision and chose the WA2 for my HD650's.  I exchanged some emails with Jack and he actually prefers the WA2 for the HD650's, saying "Both WA2 and WA6-SE are excellent choice for the HD650's. My personal favorite for this phone is the WA2 as it speaks for the true characters of the phone. This combo sounded full, open, smooth, fluid. It adds a slight warm touch to the music but not over."

I think it is a tough question for most people, as they are in same price. However, my opinion is "think about the WHOLE system combination". For your can and other part (CDP, DAC, etc.) have been some how "fast" and rich in speed, getting WA2 will balance your system. In the other hand, WA6 will give you in wider dynamic (compare to WA2).

Of course, the impedance can is also need to consider. Also, ask Jack and he will give you more exact opinion for it.

PS. Jack also offer upgrades for WA6 SE, ask him directly is OK.

I think the simple answer really is WA6SE for low impedance cans, WA2 for high impedance.  I own the WA6 non-SE, and the WA2, and I think the WA2 is better with my T1 for sure, but equally for sure the WA6 is better for the LCD-2.

pardon me for my ignorance, but isn't WA3 similar to WA2 sans the preamp section (could be totally off base, sorry :p)

my HE5-LE doesn't like the ppx3.. but I want my hd650s to sound best they can for money (and I tend to like warmer, smoother sound)

oh well :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikoLayer 

pardon me for my ignorance, but isn't WA3 similar to WA2 sans the preamp section (could be totally off base, sorry :p)

 

my HE5-LE doesn't like the ppx3.. but I want my hd650s to sound best they can for money (and I tend to like warmer, smoother sound)

oh well :D

I'm not sure how similar they are, but there are some obvious differences - like the WA2 has two 6AS7G's - one per channel - and so clearly will have more output power, and uses tube rectification.  And those are just what's obvious from the exterior.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by downsize 

Ahh ... Interesting indeed !   Here's a question for ya :  Is the WA2 the best tube amp you have used on your T1s so far ?

No, I wouldn't go that far, but it is absolutely excellent for the T1.  But the Leben CS300X is still better.  Andso is the RSA Stealth, although that's a closer call.

hmmm, maybe I was thinking another model, I remember hearing something along that line. 

while you are at it, what was the amp you favored the most on HE5-LE? what about hd650, supra maybe?

The HE-5LE are for sure best on the Leben, of the amps I have.  Second best of the amps I have (that someone could actually buy) would be the WA6.

Hi Skylab,

I found a used WA6 & a 300X (unfortunately at 3 times the price). Have you compared both on HD800?

I listen mainly to acoustic & vocal, so tonal balance will be my main concern, considering that the HD800 is supposed to be slightly thin & bright.

Skylab- what would you suggest for the T1 and the LCD-2 that would work well with both phones -  the Concerto or the WA6?