Yes you are definitely right, the preamp is only bringing extra distortion to the chain which is not necessarily a bad thing. In my setup it becomes more forward, I decided to remove it as it sounds a bit too aggressive. but again, if I am using a more laid-back/dark source it may be a good thing. 

It's here! All the hype is real... I haven't had that 'wow' feeling in a while :) Thanks Justin and Mark for making it happen!   I tried hooking a VAC preamp before the BHSE, not gonna say it's definitely better but it does make a difference. gonna compare again later  

Haha from what I read the amp weighs 36lbs - I would be worrying if the 2 box design weighs 8lbs only. also waiting in batch 4 but I am convinced the waiting will be worth it :)

Thanks for the update!

seems like eventually I can't say no to the metal base... sorry wallet

looking great! bhse/wes comparison maybe? ;)   still waiting for shipment notice of mine... should be very last few in batch 4

Hi, yes I read  through these 2 threads, maybe I missed something but there doesn't seem to be much comparison (mostly by the same person, if any).   And both threads were closed so I started a new one here :)

Hi all,   I am currently building my first stax system and I may need some help deciding which amp to use.   Basically I'm not considering BHSE because of the leading time and I was told the new electra won't be out in months so I planned to order WES since we have a local distributor here...

Mimouille I've always wanted to try the SE5U... but damn why do they not even have distributors? :( I read so many positive reviews on it but I don't think I'm daring enough to order without auditioning

kind of weird to see people who don't treat HiFi as a hobby on a HiFi forum.. not all people exaggerate, some of them do but many are just describing what they observe. I really don't want to sound mean but what you were saying is like a near-sighted man claiming all others are exaggerating what...

tested VE5 for a while today, what a surprise... I still love VE6, but if VE5 was out earlier I would have had a hard time making decision between these two. the vocal is like... tube amp vs solid state if compared to VE6.

Yes K10 is awesome - but for all-arounders VE6 and UM legacy are always on the top of my list, above K10. I also prefer UERM although it may get 'too reference' for some.   that's just my taste, of course :)

defnitely, not cheap but I ordered mine without too much hesitation after auditioning it. I don't think I've seen any thread, still too new to build a user base?

Thanks for the info! and congrats :)         awesome review, now i'm more tempted to give VE5 a try. I am also using Mars and I've never heard any cable that alters the sound signature so much.. it simply makes any CIEM sound much smoother and clearer. love those photos from the lab too...

exactly. i always find it unnecessary to argue over this, especially when quite a few of those who complain about the price or even cry for a boycott against a certain brand actually haven't owned or auditioned one. I do appreciate it when people say something is overpriced given the context of...