[oceanwave1000]

I recently purchased the Sennheiser HD800 and paired it up with my current Audio-Gd compass. The sound wasn't as great as I expected, something seemed lacking compared to my current HD650/Audio Gd Compass Dac/AMp. I need some help in deciding what to purchase in order to improve the quality of sound coming out of my system. I'm currently thinking about WA22/WA2/WA6 with Audio-Gd compasss for DAC. I want the best value tube amp for Sennheiser Hd800 under 2k hopefully, one where I would notice dramatic differences. 
 
Please advice. Any recommendations would be appreciated =)

 

[Dubstep Girl]

WA22 or WA2 are both great choices. the compass doesn't have balanced output does it? cause the WA22 requires balanced input or else you're better off buying WA6-SE.

 

[jackwess]

I know some guys love tubes with the HD800, and i know your frustration that a solid state amp wasn't capable of driving them well .
 
Have you considered another brands? Vioelectric or Burson makes great amps that pair well with the HD800. 

 

[azynneo]

zana deux, super 7, gs-x, also the anedio! is amazing it's an amp + dac though.

 

[YoengJyh]

Try the EarMax Pro Silver Edition. Not bad at all.

 

[Skolar311]

I've always wanted to hear the HD800's on the Woo Audio WA7 Fireflies. I think it's a beautiful little amp and heard good things about it.

 

[Thaddy]

The advice given in your other thread wasn't good enough?
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/663754/best-value-tube-amp-for-sennheiser-hd800-under-2k

 

[oceanwave1000]

Your advice was great =) Thaddy 
However some headfier dont' click into the summit hifi forum and I wanted to gather more opinions. 
 
Thanks everyone!

 

[Painterspal]

Icon Audio HP9 mk2
 
Completely eclipsed the Violectric v200 in my rig and responds well to tube rolling.

 

[Skolar311]

Quote:

Icon Audio HP9 mk2
 
Completely eclipsed the Violectric v200 in my rig and responds well to tube rolling.

 
Don't you mean HP8? And isn't that a Euro only amp?

 

[Painterspal]

Quote:

 
Don't you mean HP8? And isn't that a Euro only amp?

Yes, my stupid - blame my fat fingers on the touch screen.
 
Euro only? No idea - best you speak to Icon Audio - although I've no doubt you could just use a voltage converter if need be. And believe me, the HP8 is worth it - listening to it now, simply fabulous with classical (and everything else).

 

[Skolar311]

Quote:

Yes, my stupid - blame my fat fingers on the touch screen.
 
Euro only? No idea - best you speak to Icon Audio - although I've no doubt you could just use a voltage converter if need be. And believe me, the HP8 is worth it - listening to it now, simply fabulous with classical (and everything else).

It does seem like QUITE a nice amp! I'll have to look into this one myself.

 

[oceanwave1000]

Just wondering, has anyone liked the Phonitor more than tube amps such as Woo Audio 2?

 

[Sonic Defender]

On a somewhat related note, a stretch I know, but I loved my Auditor (exact same amp without crossfeed as Phonitor) with my 650s (I know, but it is a Senn). The Auditor/Phonitor provide lots of voltage and like SPL say, even when you push the amp, it stays in control and ontop of the drivers, at least to my ears. Zombie_X did a good review of the Auditor as have a few others around here. I will go back to a nice tube in the future, likely Woo, but for now the SS sound works just fine for me.

 

[Airstripone]

Quote:

I know some guys love tubes with the HD800, and i know your frustration that a solid state amp wasn't capable of driving them well .
 
Have you considered another brands? Vioelectric or Burson makes great amps that pair well with the HD800. 

Looking forward to my Vioelectric V181 coming up next month. Also heard a lot about how good it is with HiFiMan HE500 in balanced systems.