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WA6SE or DNA Sonett for HD800 and some low impedance cans?

post #1 of 11
12/13/10 at 3:30am
Thread Starter 

I'm considering purchasing the WA6SE or the DNA Sonett to drive the HD800 (which, I am yet to acquire), HF2 and the W5000. I also see an RS1i in my future. Has anyone compared these amps with any of these headphones?

 

I'm particularly interested in how the WA6SE and DNA Sonett perform comparatively with the HD800 and RS1i.

 

Thanks.

 

PS I was originally considering the WA2 as well, but have decided to rule it out in favour of the WA6SE, which appears to be better suited to driving both low and high impedance headphones.


Edited by MrSpenkelink - 12/15/10 at 5:04am
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post #2 of 11
12/13/10 at 5:56am

Dear,

 

Half year ago, i have the same puzzle like yours, but i finally choose WA2. it is because Sonett need to wait until enough quantity to make (it is 5 at the time i asked) and it takes a month to build it. i also need to pay half as deposit once i make up my mind, where Woo just need me to wait for 2 weeks.

 

For the sonic difference, i have chance to audit Sonett last Christmas ( i haven't listened Woo until i received WA2), my impression is somehow a "old-style" tube amp. It is more emphasis on the overall balance between the tubic and analytic power

 

Anyway, both amp are great, and i think you will not regret for getter either one.biggrin.gif

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post #3 of 11
12/13/10 at 8:40am

Non-global-feedback OTL + Low impedance headphone=the suck

 

Between those 2 get the Sonnet

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post #4 of 11
12/13/10 at 8:47am

Did you look at the WA6SE?  Or maybe up the budget to WA22?

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post #5 of 11
12/13/10 at 4:18pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nikongod View Post

Non-global-feedback OTL + Low impedance headphone=the suck

 

Between those 2 get the Sonnet

 

Really? I wonder why Jack Woo recommended it as his preferred amp over the WA6 and WA6SE for the RS1i, which is a low impedance phone?
 

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post #6 of 11
12/13/10 at 4:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jc9394 View Post

Did you look at the WA6SE?  Or maybe up the budget to WA22?


Yes, I'm now considering the WA6SE. I've decided to rule the WA2 out of consideration, even though Jack Woo recommended it as his personal preference for both the HD800 and RS1i, and I prefer its form factor. The WA22 is beyond my budget.


Edited by MrSpenkelink - 12/15/10 at 5:11am
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post #7 of 11
12/14/10 at 7:36am

I tried W5000 with WA2 and I do not like it at all, it sounds like power from my iPod.  The WA6SE/W5000 pairing is almost on par with HA5000/W5000 combo except the mids/vocal still not as smooth. 

 

Maybe it is me but I really think the HA5000/W5000 combo voiced to Asian pops.  It just sound amazing with Asian female vocal.

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post #8 of 11
12/14/10 at 7:58am
Thread Starter 

^ Fair enough. My primary reason for purchasing one of these amps is to pair it with the HD800 (and probably the RS1i further down the track). If the amp also has synergy with the HF2 and W5000, then all the better. 

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post #9 of 11
12/14/10 at 8:34am

^ What exactly is this synergy that you speak of? What characteristics are you looking for, in trying to match an amplifier to your list of headphones? The sound signature of an amp, and how it compliments the characteristics of a headphone is for me one of the most important criteria in such a choice. 

 

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post #10 of 11
12/14/10 at 6:05pm
Thread Starter 

When a headphone and an amplifier combine to produce a pleasing sound to the ear that is unique to this pairing, that can be described as a synergistic relationship. 

 

From my reading, the HD800, which has a reputation for being "picky" with amplification, "sounds good" with the DNA Sonett. It seems that the DNA Sonett "complements" the HD800's capabilities. In otherwords, there appears to be a "synergy" between these two pieces of audio equipment.  

 

The W5000 also has a reputation for being "fussy" with amplification. However, by all reports the HA5000 amp that was produced by audio-technica to pair with the W5000 "makes it sing". There appears to be a "synergy" in this pairing of audio components.

 

At the risk of putting too fine a point on it, I've created this thread because I'm seeking impressions and advice from Head-Fi'ers who have heard the HD800 and RS1i in particular, with the amps that I'm interested in. I'm sure that there must be some Head-Fi'ers out there who have, and I'd welcome their input.   


Edited by MrSpenkelink - 12/15/10 at 5:07am
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post #11 of 11
12/16/10 at 5:25pm
Thread Starter 

Self serving thread bump. Is there no one here who has compared these two amps using the HD800 at least?

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