I'm going to say this is a subjective call. I, myself, preferred the WA6-SE to the WA2 for the HD800. Both were excellent but I gave the edge to the 6-SE.

Although I don't have any direct recent experience with the HE6 SE, and they have an upgraded 2nd Gen version, I would believe it would pair quite well with the HD800S. I was a tremendous fan and if I were to go back to a full-sized tube setup, I would go back to the Woo.

Time for a new gen of Grado? SR60h maybe? :)

Interesting thread revival! This was one of my all-time favorite tube amps. The versatility is impressive. If I were to go back to a full system I'd have this in it. I still have the AKG Q702 and enjoy them. I hope this review is still somewhat valid even with the newer versions.

I eagerly await the final verdict

Pink Floyd- Piper at the Gates of Dawn Meddle Boston- Boston Nirvana- In Utero Nevermind Tool- Lateralus Allman Brothers- Eat a Peach Chicago- Chicago Transit Authority II The Sex Pistols- Nevermind the Bollocks Dire Straights- Brothers in Arms Fleetwood Mac- Rumors Frank...

Agreed. It's not really only about listening volume. The extra power helps the orthos run at their best. Think of it like a sports car. A 2500 lb sports car with 100 hp and one with 500 hp will both get to 100 mph. Which do you think will get there more easily?

I'll go out on a limb and say I would get the WA6LE because I believe the HD700 will sound better on the WA6LE than the LCD-3 will on the WA2. YMMV That said, if you insist on the most "tubey" sound, the WA2 is the choice of the two.

I ride motorcycles. I doubt something as innocuous as wearing a headphone is going to bother me. lol

I've owned and seen a lot of headphones in my day. To me, there's just something about the retro modern classic look of Grados that I've always liked. Be it the standard 225, the metal of the 325 or PS500, the wood on the RS1, I think they look fantastic with the "alien" antenni. I just like the...

That's the truth. I've heard/owned the 325(i) and they were screechingly etched in the treble. The worst of the Grados. IMHO. YMMV

The two most profitable and low volume models using the 1/4 plug has enough profit in them to justify the added cost. The other models are made in larger volumes thus saving Grado money by using the 1/8 plug on the rest of the line

I think Grado made a business decision. It will save them money using one plug than deciding which should get the 1/8 plug and which get the 1/4. John Grado would never make such a public statement, but rest assured, using business sense, that was the primary motivation.

Titled The Endless River https://music.yahoo.com/news/pink-floyd-album-endless-river-october-report-040033206.html

Good luck Frank. It's good to see your enthusiasm. I hope to be over soon enough to listen to the Woo fleet. Enjoy

@ Joe The HD800 and the WA6SE is a really great combo in my opinion. I hope you enjoy it. As for a source and DAC? IMHO I would concentrate on the DAC and if you want a transport, get a quality CD player as the transport and use it through your DAC. To be frank, you're not really going to...

Thanks to Lee for a nice meet. It was good to see Prashant again. Lunch was great. Sometimes the best things happen by accident. Glad to chat with the old usuals, Ari, Paul and Larry. Man I miss the HD800. Maybe sometime I'll have to get back into the hobby. Thank you everyone.

Great writeup Peter. As always. If you get a chance please post some pics with the iPod so everyone can see it's portability to carry or travel with.

@GHOST. The WA6SE is the more powerful amp. That said, both amps have no problems driving the LCD to their full potential. It's really a subjective decision between the two. I preferred the WA6SE. Others may prefer the WA2. Pick your poison.

@Llloyd I have been fortunate enough to hear Frank's Taboo/CSP one a couple of occasions. The answers aren't cut and dry and may just come down to aesthetic preferences. I will say that the Taboo does sound better with the CSP as it's preamp. Although I don't have any tube amps now, if I...

I think the HD650 would do better with the WA6SE with it's clearer and more solid state sound. The HD650, to me, has rolled off highs and a mid bass hump that's not as tight as other headphones. Although I never heard the WA2 with the HD650 I have with the WA6SE. I have said the dynamics of...

On the occasions I've had someone listen to my setup (portable or full sized) I usually let the listener choose a song they like from my library. I find I get the most positive feedback that way. After they listen to a song or two of their chosing, I'll play a few songs I think will highlight...

I would like to see another album from Tool and A Perfect Circle.