[Tidal]

I'd like to ask whether this combination does sound good or not.
It is clear that the combo HA5000+W5000 is a must when you want to use the W5000. But do these 2 sets differ a lot ? The price of HA5000 is so ... and X-CAN V8 has a DAC section. Because I don't have any standalone DAC, X-CAN V8 helps my wallet. I use it directly with Macbook Air by the USB cable.

Without any modification, out of the box, does the X-CAN V8(use both DAC and AMP) sound comparable to the HA5000 with the W5000 ?

Thank you.

 

[jc9394]

Never heard the X-CAN V8 before but I was looking for a perfect amp match my W5000 for over a year. Here is list of amps I tried and nothing compare it to HA5000

Little Dot IV Se
Millett Hybrid MAX
Gilmore Lite (very close to HA5000)
RSA SR-71A
RSA Predator
RSA Mustang
Woo Audio 6 Maxxed
AT-HA5000

 

[Ra97oR]

The DAC on the X-can is nothing special, better than on-board but nothing spectacular.

 

[Tidal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ra97oR /img/forum/go_quote.gif The DAC on the X-can is nothing special, better than on-board but nothing spectacular.

For me, the only advantage of the V8 DAC is the ability to connect an AMP to com directly without any investment on the interconnects. I accept that the V8 DAC does not have a good quality.

 

[jc9394]

How about PICO DAC and Gilmore Lite, this combo will be a great match with W5000. I'm using DacMagic with my HA5000 and happy with it.

 

[Ra97oR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc9394 /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about PICO DAC and Gilmore Lite, this combo will be a great match with W5000. I'm using DacMagic with my HA5000 and happy with it.

That > X-Can.


Tbh, I like SS paired with W5000 most. Luxman P1 + W5000 = WIN.

 

[Aethelred]

I cannot comment on V8 but I have V3 fully modded and it just not there. With right tubes it's not bad but W5000 are too thin sounding to my taste.
WA2 maxxed even not with the best tubes this is IT. You can try PM Anouk as she heard this combination with her music and I'm sure she can vote for this sound.
This is best sound for chamber classical music out of all my phones/amp collection.
And I do have HA5000 but most likely this one will go into sale this or the following month. It is great match for W5000 if you looking for spaciousness and imaging but I had no problems trading a bit of imaging for magic vocals and mesmerizing cello from this CD:

HA5000 and WA2 are both great with W5000 to me this is just a matter of personal preference.
You will be happy with any of these oh and not forget the look of HA5000 ....simply gorgeous

 

[jc9394]

Never tried a WA2 but with my maxxed WA6, it is still not as good as HA5000/W5000 combo. I do not listen to classical that much, on jazz and female vocal, I do prefer HA5000 over WA6.

 

[Aethelred]

WA2 OTL - WA6 Transformer output

 

[jc9394]

That I knew, but generally speaking Transformer Coupled is better for low impedance headphone while OTL is better for high impedance headphone.

 

[Aethelred]

I can assure you WA2 has enough power to drive them properly.

 

[Tidal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc9394 /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about PICO DAC and Gilmore Lite, this combo will be a great match with W5000. I'm using DacMagic with my HA5000 and happy with it.

Seems to be a great choice ; not too expensive and not too rare to find.
However, right now, I could not change V8 into others, because my wallet have been torn.

Anyone with an experience with V8 and W5000 ?

 

[Bimber]

I think HA-5000 for W5000. After that you can try to buy second or third amplifier.