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Tube amp recommendations for RS2/T1

post #1 of 13
11/22/10 at 6:20am
Thread Starter 
Hi all. My first post here so please, be gentle!

I’m looking to add a tubed headphone amp, and a DAC, to replace my Peachtree Nova in my bedroom.
 
For the DAC, I currently have a Benchmark DAC1 USB in my main (speaker based) rig, and am very happy with its sound in that setup (it’s not bad with headphones either), but I use it for several digital sources there, which requires switching the input selector by hand, which is a bit of a pain since it isn’t easily accessible.  So, I was thinking of getting a DAC1 HDR – the one with a remote control – to replace it, and then use the DAC1 USB in my bedroom.  So, that takes care of the DAC.  (I know - not the cheapest DAC alternative, but I view it as an upgrade of my main system’s DAC, which will leave me with an unused DAC1 USB that I can use the bedroom).
 
So that brings me to the amp.  I find that the Nova sounds too thin and crisp - I feed it lossless files optically via an Airport Express. It has detail, but little warmth when driving headphones (I get the same “vibe” from it with both my Grado RS2’s and my Beyerdynamic T1’s).  In contrast, I’ve fed both of those phones with a Ray Samuels SR-71A (via a LOD-connected iPod) and I think that sounds very, very good with both phones (I use the SR-71A in my office).  It’s reasonable to assume the DAC in the Nova is superior to the iPod’s, so I am led to the conclusion that the Nova’s headphone amp just isn’t doing it for me.
 
I’m also aware that I could skip an amp entirely and just use the DAC1’s headphone amp – but I like tubes, and that would be a terrible saving of money.  And as we all know, that is simply unacceptable!  wink.gif
 
So, working with a budget in the rough $1500 area, some research around here points to amp candidates such as the Woo WA6SE and Little Dot VI+.  I am also putting the Ray Samuels Raptor on my list, since I enjoy my SR-71A so much.  I’d appreciate some thoughts/comments/feedback/suggestions here with regard to my amp short list, considering my two main phones (RS2/T1) and my source.

Thanks all!

Jerico
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post #2 of 13
11/22/10 at 6:20pm

Welcome to Head-fi! My apologies to your wallet. evil_smiley.gif

 

When it comes to Grados, I've yet to hear better synergy than with the MAD tube amps. I have the Ear+HD and find that it's got plenty of power for my T1s (and sounds phenomenal with them) and a very special synergy with my RS1i's.

 

I've also like the Woo6 very much with both. I hear that the Decware CSP-2 (a Head-fi good friend who owns the T1s and swears by the combo) is great with the T1s, but I can't comment on the Grado synergy.

 

Good luck!

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post #3 of 13
11/22/10 at 6:41pm
Thread Starter 

Hi, Hero - thanks for the reply!

 

I did check out the MAD stuff as well, but the look and form factor aren't for me (aesthetic OCD, WAF, etc).

 

The Woo really seems to get high praise - at least there's a short list!  The focus for this amp will be the T1's, as I generally leave the Grado's at work, and keep the T1's at home for "real" listening.

 

Decisions...!

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post #4 of 13
11/23/10 at 6:18pm

The Decware CSP-2 is much better with  the T1 because it is high impedance and it is an OTL. The Woo 6 was not even close IMO to the synergy with the Decware. i do not know about Grado's as I have never heard a pair but for the T1 the CSP-2 is best I have heard and that included the 6 and 6SE. I have not heard the Woo2 and really would not change this amp for my T1 it jut too good.

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post #5 of 13
11/23/10 at 6:23pm
It will be difficult to find a tube amp that will be really good with both. The Grados are much harder to find a good tube match with, being very low impedance. And the tube amps that do low impedance well (by virtue of being transformer coupled to match that impedance range) typically are not quite as good with the really high impedance headphones like the T1.

The best compromise probably is the WA6 (or 6SE if you can spare the change). But another alternative would be to get two amps, one optimized for each smily_headphones1.gif
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post #6 of 13
11/23/10 at 6:34pm

If you can swing the $1k for a WA6SE, I'd say it's a pretty good option. When compared to the standard WA6, the SE manages to have both more power (for the T1s) and a warmer tube sound (for the Grados). At this moment, I personally like it better than the Mapletrees (I have an Ear+ HD and a Super II) with both the T1s and HF-2s, though I still prefer the HD+ with RS-1s.

 

Have not heard the Decware so cannot comment.

 

Good luck!

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post #7 of 13
11/23/10 at 7:02pm
Thread Starter 

I think that I'd prefer to get an amp that sounds awesome with the T1s, rather than something that sounds ok with both.  It doesn't sound like the all-in-one approach is too easy.  I'll also be dropping some $ on the DAC (not to mention cables), so this could get to be an expensive gift to myself!

 

For kicks and giggles, any thoughts on the Woo WA22?

 

Doesn't seem like there are many votes for the Raptor.  That has the appeal of using 12AU7s, of which I have a bunch of NOS varieties lying around (for my speaker amps) - I could save some cash on tube rolling down the line.

 

I'm usually kind of an impulse buyer, at least after a rapid burst of research (and auditioning if possible).  I've never really had buyer's remorse on anything, aside from entry level stuff that left me unsatisfied.  This time around, I'm trying to be patient and pick the right components.  So again, thanks everyone for the help!

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post #8 of 13
11/23/10 at 7:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Olias of Sunhillow View Post

If you can swing the $1k for a WA6SE, I'd say it's a pretty good option. When compared to the standard WA6, the SE manages to have both more power (for the T1s) and a warmer tube sound (for the Grados). At this moment, I personally like it better than the Mapletrees (I have an Ear+ HD and a Super II) with both the T1s and HF-2s, though I still prefer the HD+ with RS-1s.

 

Have not heard the Decware so cannot comment.

 

Good luck!


While I absolutely agree with the RS1/MAD pairing as tops, I find the MAD amps have plenty of "juice" for the T1s. For even more, drop in a 12AX7 driver tube (in place of the 5751). I never go past 12 o'clock and easily hit 80-85dB (more than I usually listen to). I find the NOS Sylvanias (preferably Grey Plate Triple Micas) and more recently Electro-Harmonix Golds very nice and pack quite a wallup with the T1s.

 

Even a great pairing with my HD800s...very versatile amps IMO. The Woo amps are also great, but less "tubey". So if that's your goal, then go with the Woo amps, if you like more of a tubey sound, then I would suggest the MAD amps.

 


Edited by MacedonianHero - 11/23/10 at 7:18pm
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post #9 of 13
11/23/10 at 7:24pm
I've not heard the Raptor with the T1, but my RSA Stealth is excellent with them. But the Raptor is likely not good with the Grados, for which it is not an ideal technical match.
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post #10 of 13
11/23/10 at 8:41pm


 

Quote:
Originally Posted by MacedonianHero View Post


The Woo amps are also great, but less "tubey". So if that's your goal, then go with the Woo amps, if you like more of a tubey sound, then I would suggest the MAD amps.

 



This is consistent with my experience as well. While the WA6SE and Super II are roughly similar in their "tubey"-ness, the Ear+ HD is the champion of good ol' tube warmth (at least as far as amps mentioned in this discussion that I have personally heard).

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post #11 of 13
11/23/10 at 8:53pm
Have you considered Donald North's Sonett? It's in your price range and it has taps on the output transformers - you can choose between low impedance (can't remember the exact figure) and 120 Ohms. It uses the excellent 6H30 tube, as well. I've spent a bit of time listening to it at meets and like that amp a lot. To be fair, I haven't heard it with the RS-2 or T1. Still, add it to your list and read up. It might work for you.
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post #12 of 13
11/24/10 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

Have you considered Donald North's Sonett? It's in your price range and it has taps on the output transformers - you can choose between low impedance (can't remember the exact figure) and 120 Ohms. It uses the excellent 6H30 tube, as well. I've spent a bit of time listening to it at meets and like that amp a lot. To be fair, I haven't heard it with the RS-2 or T1. Still, add it to your list and read up. It might work for you.


Good recommendation ! The DNA Sonett really interest me as well. I know they are at different price point, but anyone have a chance to compare the Sonett vs EAR++HD for RS1 ? Would the magical synergy of the EAR++HD still hold preference ?

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post #13 of 13
11/24/10 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 

That Sonett is a handsome looking amp - and at a nice price.  It would also give me some "tube relief" as my pre-amp runs on 6H30P's (I have the DR's in it now, plus spares - they're expensive but they sound amazing).

 

Thanks for the heads-up, I'll add this one to my list!


Edited by jerico - 11/24/10 at 3:47pm
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