The response I got was:     Not actually sure that means yes or no.    Also, can't say I'm terribly happy about needing $60 in adapters to output an un-amped signal. 

Thanks for the responses. I had looked at a few of those but they applied to the older generation Ipads.   Would I need one of these: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD824ZM/A/lightning-to-30-pin-adapter-02-m?fnode=3a&fs=m.ipadCompatibility%3Dipad4gen or is that only if I use Line Out Dock...

I've gone through the various threads but remain uncertain of the answer. I have the new Ipad with the lightning connector. I'm looking for a basic dac/amp to use when laying in bed. I've been looking at the Fiio E7 or E17. What needs to be between the Ipad and the dac/amp to make this...

+1 on the Cave In -Jupiter recommendation.   Loop - A Guilded Eternity is also a great album:  

Great write up. Even better that it specifically included music I listen to, on specific equipment I own. Thanks for the effort.

Quote: Cool.

Quote:   Quote: Thanks for the explanations. Quote: I'm all over the metal spectrum though I am primarily a thrash and death metal fan. I do own quite a bit of black metal and grindcore. Not too much metal I don't enjoy and listen to other than a few of the power metal bands...

I miswrote when I said speakers. I am only asking in relation to driving headphones.

What is the relationship between the tubes installed and the amp's ability to drive speakers? I understand that the power tubes power the headphones but what, other than the sound of the amp, do the other tubes do?

Quote:  I've looked at them though the sound signature seemed to be akin to the Denon 2000s. I'll read up on them again. But I've had the HE-500 in the back of my head after wading through a number of threads, reviews, etc. Quote:  Something to consider though I thought they weren't...

Quote: That's a great question.   I've been listening to music a long time but have primarily listened through speakers when not at the computer. The WA2 was my first foray into a higher-end amp and handles pre-amp duties in my bedroom system. I'd like to shift into more of a 50-50...

Quote: That would seem to be true though from what I've read the description of the HE-500 would seem to better suit my musical tastes. Actually, in the thread you cited, the op specifically stated that he thought the WA2/LCD-2 combo over extenuated the things they did well making what...

Quote:  I did. That and a few other comments led me to believe that the WA2 would match with the HE-500 fine. Those subjective opinions plus the fact that it would 'seem' that there is sufficient power.

Quote:   I don't have an answer but I would note that in my email regarding powering the He-500 or LCD-2, Woo's 'concern' was not about the impedance of the headphones but about the sensitivity.

Canvas Solaris Atheist (Unquestionable Presence in particular) Fates Warning Zero Hour   Not quite any particular type of metal: Mind Over Four Thought Industry     A few bands that lean a bit to the power metal side: White Skull Pagans Mind Tad Morose (their earlier stuff)

Quote:  Not yet. I may give it a spin this weekend.   I suspect I will try the HE-500 with my WA2 at some point. I have to admit that I don't have a clear understanding of why exactly I should have difficulty driving them.   A calculator at Apex's website concludes:  ...

Quote:  I wasn't doubting you, merely noting that I don't usually associate the phrase "greater power" to mean a 10% increase.

Quote: Sound qualities aside, that the use of the 7236 adds only 31 milliwatts (assuming it is as simple as 10% more power than the rating with the stock tubes) of power over the stock tubes for the WA2 is sort of surprising. When I purchased my amp, I was recommended those tubes for use...

Out of curiousity, does anyone know the power output of the WA2 using the 7236 tubes?

Quote:  I've been looking at a lot of headphones though I wonder if this represents more of a side-grade than an upgrade.   ...and I wish I saw the multi-quote button earlier.

Quote:  I read that thread. The LCD-2, as they presently exist, are barely more sensitive than the HE-500s. Not certain I would have any better results running them. There were a few comparison threads regarding the WA2, and a review mentioning the HE-500 being run by the WA2, but it seems...

Quote:  I've never sold a piece of equipment so I doubt I'll start here. Also, one reason I picked the WA2 was the ability to use it as a pre-amp.   Most likely, I'll look to getting headphones that will match and consider building a new system down the road. For a bit more, perhaps the...

Quote:   Appreciate the reply. This would seem to be the state of things unfortunately. I've had my WA2 about 30 months and I have to admit a bit of regret due to the limiting of compatible headphones. I'm a longtime lurker on these pages and I've learned a considerable amount since my...

A seperate thread elicted no responses so I thought I'd try my luck here:   I own the WA2, utilizing the 7236 power tubes. Presently, I have been using Denon d2000s for listening. I primarily listen to metal (everything from death to thrash to black and so on).   I've been perusing the...

A bump and an addition:   I also sent an amail to HifiMan regarding using the WA2 with the HE-500 and their reply was that it was compatible.   As the Senn Hd-700 and Grado models are in the same price range, any thoughts regarding those headphones would be appreciated as well.