[jarnopp]

I will look into auditioning these, but track record with simaudio moon is underwelming and overpriced per performance. 430 was mediocre.

Have you tried the Hugo TT2? I find it very full and transparent driving the HE-6.

 

[Happy Camper]

I will look into auditioning these, but track record with simaudio moon is underwelming and overpriced per performance. 430 was mediocre.

The 430 is a headphone amp. While the integrated amps are pricey, you would be remiss in not trying them.

 

[Articnoise]

I will look into auditioning these, but track record with simaudio moon is underwelming and overpriced per performance. 430 was mediocre.

Which amp do you use/like with your HE6?

 

[jerick70]

Which amp do you use/like with your HE6?

I think the best amp that I've heard with the HE6 is the Firstwatt J2.

 

[Jozurr]

I think the best amp that I've heard with the HE6 is the Firstwatt J2.

I agree. The synergy of J2 with the HE-6 is exceptional.

 

[ossidian]

I personally like the McIntosh MC2000 with the HE6 and the V1000 V2 using Duelund Resistors. Though tubes are not everyones cup of tea.

 

[SilverEars]

I agree. The synergy of J2 with the HE-6 is exceptional.

J2 wasn't as good as I hoped. I expected a whole lot more from such an expensive amp.

Since the amp didn't have volume control, I tried various pre-amp DACs, and results weren't all that impressive.

I didn't like how warm the J2 sounded. I dislike Pass HPA-1 as well. I liked the clarity of the Rag.

 

[JamieMcC]

J2 wasn't as good as I hoped. I expected a whole lot more from such an expensive amp.

Since the amp didn't have volume control, I tried various pre-amp DACs, and results weren't all that impressive.

I didn't like how warm the J2 sounded. I dislike Pass HPA-1 as well. I liked the clarity of the Rag.

Your probably just haven't found the right pre to put in front of the J2 yet.

 

[Jozurr]

J2 wasn't as good as I hoped. I expected a whole lot more from such an expensive amp.

Since the amp didn't have volume control, I tried various pre-amp DACs, and results weren't all that impressive.

I didn't like how warm the J2 sounded. I dislike Pass HPA-1 as well. I liked the clarity of the Rag.

Really not sure how you found the J2 warm and the Ragnarok cleaner - the J2 is not very warm amp and it sounds extremely clean and is more resolving than the ragnarok.

 

[jerick70]

Really not sure how you found the J2 warm and the Ragnarok cleaner - the J2 is not very warm amp and it sounds extremely clean and is more resolving than the ragnarok.

I agree with this statement. I owned a J2 for many years and it was very clean and extremely resolving. I've not heard a Rag so can't comment here.

 

[MadSounds]

J2 is by far my favorite amp for the he-6. I was expecting it to be slightly warmer then directly from my NOS 11, was surprised to find the opposite to be true. strikingly crisp.

 

[leon995]

Just got a he6se. Reading through the post saw a lot praise on first watt J2. So anyone here happened to want to try something new and want to part from the J2 please let me know. Thanks.

 

[MadSounds]

Just got a he6se. Reading through the post saw a lot praise on first watt J2. So anyone here happened to want to try something new and want to part from the J2 please let me know. Thanks.

I would search on hi-fi shark and wait for one your confident buying (ie credible seller with extensive history) there are 2 for sale in Europe right now for crazy cheap (~1100$ and 1400$), IMO this price is too good to be true. expect to pay 1800-2100$

 

[jerick70]

Just got a he6se. Reading through the post saw a lot praise on first watt J2. So anyone here happened to want to try something new and want to part from the J2 please let me know. Thanks.

I would buy from Reno HiFi. They have demos and factory refurb units around the $2400 range and include full factory warranties.

http://www.renohifi.com/FirstUsed/FirstUsedInStock.htm

 

[bagwell359]

No the original Rag did not drive them well. I tried it at the Schiitr store, and it was gasping for air.

Not finding this with the Rag 1 or Rag 2. I've used the HE6SE with both, and the HE-6 with the Rag 1. The Rag 1 was able to drive bass heavy cuts and loud brassy cuts at about 3:30 o'clock in Gain 2. I do tend to listen a bit quieter than most - but In several cases I went to Gain 3, to see if I could get the amp or headphones to misbehave and found no issue. I only used the Rag 2 the other day with the HE6SE (which according to one report is lower efficiency than than then the HE-6) and again found myself pleased with the sonics although the treble seemed a bit rougher.than the R1 (the bass/mids were better).

I used a Gumby 1, and various CD players and streamers.