ATH-W5000 with (OTL) tube amp?

[Balisarda]

I've heard soo much good about the ATH-W5000, I'm considering saving up for a pair. However, I'd like to do so without changing amps, so can anyone tell me how the ATH-W5000 sounds driven by OTL tube amps in general or a Berning micro-ZOTL in particular?

Thanks!

 

[Bones13]

Don't know that amp. I LOVE my W5000 the Raptor, although I did put in some warmer tubes than stock. Great thing about tubed amps, is you can dial in your sound preference with the tubes. This is a warmer setup than I like for the Senn 650, which is much warmer than the clear, crisp, precise W5000.

 

[Balisarda]

Thanks for the feedback, Bones!

I have the HD 650, too, and love it. Just as you have, I've voiced my amp with tubes that sound more neutral, linear, resolving, which I think the HD 650 needs.

 

[xenithon]

I have my W5000s hooked up to my ASl HB1 tube amp. It is flea-powered at best (rated at 15mW) using a pair of EL84s, but it is an absolutely fantastic pairing!

 

[Oski]

Absolutely love the W5000 with the Earmax Pro. The W5000 definitely benefits from the warmth and fullness of tubes. After getting this combo, I haven't bought another amp or headphone since the beginning of the year.

 

[Balisarda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oski I haven't bought another amp or headphone since the beginning of the year.

Congratulations to your wallet; that's quite an accomplishment!!

Thanks for the feedback, everyone; I much appreciate it.

 

[Fitz]

I really like the W5000 with my modded Darkvoice, which is a SET OTL amp, and I also love the M5000 on it. I use very warm tubes in it, as well.

 

[lator]

W5000 + MPX3 =

 

[mikeymad]

I am pushing my 5000's with the ASL MG Head MkIII which has the OTL mode. I find myself going back and forth with the OTL and transformer modes depending on how laid back I want them to be.

 

[skyline889]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeymad I am pushing my 5000's with the ASL MG Head MkIII which has the OTL mode. I find myself going back and forth with the OTL and transformer modes depending on how laid back I want them to be.

OMG that set-up is beautiful!

 

[slwiser]

It is great to see others getting into the W5000. There are many great headphones and this is one of them.

 

[Balisarda]

Gosh, mikeymad, that is a nice setup, but I'd have a heartattack dangling a $750 pair of woodies so precariously!

Again, my thanks to everyone for their kind feedback!

 

[mikeymad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balisarda but I'd have a heartattack dangling a $750 pair of woodies so precariously!

Don't worry Balisarda. They were there for the photo only. They are either in their box, or hanging on the rack (much more secure).

Cheers.

 

[skyline889]

How do the W5000s sound with that ASL?

 

[mikeymad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyline889 How do the W5000s sound with that ASL?

I have been having more fun with the setup than doing any critical listening. To me the overall presentation with the 5k's is slightly dark, but detailed. I like the very warm sound in OTL mode, and then switch the ASL over to the transformers and crank it up a bit to rock out more.

I don’t believe that it is the best presentation available for the 5k’s (it is only a $300+ amp) . I think that they could be pushed with a bigger (more powerful) amp and have some more precise control.