Detail + Warmth in an Amp?

[GAD]

So now I'm in the icky position of not liking any of my amps...

I love the RSA amps for their warmth. I recently got a GS-1, which I love for the detail.

Now I feel like the RSA amps don't have enough detail, and the GS-1 doesn't have enough warmth.

Are there amps out there that have nice warmth with nice detail? I've been pondering a tube amp like the Woo WA6 or even the WA4 - will this get me what I'm looking for? If not what will?

Chain is FLAC -> Custom S/PDIF -> DA10 -> Jena XLR-RCA -> GS-1 -> HD-650

Beware HeadFi, for there lies the path to madness...

GAD

 

[ManAtWork]

Regarding the warmth you favor, if you had listen the CORDA Opera or even the new MOVE, which is well known has warmth and transparent sound. This would meet your requirement.

 

[twsmith]

I have somewhat different impression of the GS-1, which at least in my set-up, seems to more than satisfy me as far as both "warmth" and detail are concerned...but then again, perhaps my concept of warmth is different from yours. Also, there may be other factors in a system that work synergistically to contribute to the overall sound of a particular set-up. Nevertheless, my own set-up, which consists of a DAC1-USB, GS-1 and K701s, on the surface would seem to be the perfect basis for a rather cold detailed sound (based on the sound signatures often described for each of these components individually), yet I find this not to be true at all - so certainly some type of synergy "magic" is happening here. I would suggest giving the GS-1 a chance - try some simple things such as changing interconnects, headphone cables, etc. - these might warm up the sound a bit yet preserve the detail of the GS-1. Also, although I tend to lean a bit toward the skeptical side when it comes to break-in, there are those who believe that ss amps, including the GS-1 do change a bit after time, almost always for the better - so your GS-1 may still have not reached its true self, and you just might find it to sound warmer and more to your liking after 150 hrs or so.

 

[tom hankins]

I was in the same boat as you looking for an amp to walk the line of both ample detail and still be both warm and musical. Not sure what your budget is but any of the better tube amps give plenty of both.
I ended up with the Singlepower amps. My preference is the Supra or MPX3 SDS line. Very sensative to tube rolling. You can add or subtract warmth or detail (depending on tubes) as your heart desires.

 

[MaloS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAD /img/forum/go_quote.gif So now I'm in the icky position of not liking any of my amps... I love the RSA amps for their warmth. I recently got a GS-1, which I love for the detail. Now I feel like the RSA amps don't have enough detail, and the GS-1 doesn't have enough warmth. Are there amps out there that have nice warmth with nice detail? I've been pondering a tube amp like the Woo WA6 or even the WA4 - will this get me what I'm looking for? If not what will? Chain is FLAC -> Custom S/PDIF -> DA10 -> Jena XLR-RCA -> GS-1 -> HD-650 Beware HeadFi, for there lies the path to madness... GAD

You are aware that your GS-1 is just a higher end amplifier than any of your RSAs? I think if you got an HR-2 you would be looking at a different picture...

Also, were you trying to get that Raptor?

 

[Icarium]

Yeah my take on Ray vs Headamp amps is the same in that Ray is more toward the warmth spectrum and Headamp is more toward the colder/detail spectrum. I feel that Rudistor falls in between with their fully discrete line (Not the NX line) as they are detailed yet do have some coloration that is equated with warmth.

To my ears anyway.

 

[GAD]

Figure around $1000 give or take.

I'm thinking I'd like to try a tube amp. I've looked at the Raptor, and figured it was a sign that two became available.

I've read some not-so-great things about them though, and I'm kind of wanting to get a nice amp and stop hunting.

Is the HR-2 that much better than the XP-7?

Either way I really think it's time to move to a good tube amp. I won't be happy until i do...

I've been reading good things about the Woo amps. Will a WA6 or WA4 give me the sound I'm looking for?

GAD

 

[GAD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManAtWork /img/forum/go_quote.gif Regarding the warmth you favor, if you had listen the CORDA Opera or even the new MOVE, which is well known has warmth and transparent sound. This would meet your requirement.

Thanks - I think I need to get tubes out of my system though.

GAD

 

[diego]

I've always liked very detailed systems, so when I started to put together a system for my computer I bought a LaRocco PRII which I had read was one of the better portable amps. It was very detailed and good sounding but I was suffering from a lot of hearing fatigue. Looking to improve things I bought the Singlepower PPX3 I have now and I can tell you I didn't lose any detail while I got the warmth I wanted. I was afraid at first I wasn't going to like it but in fact I did so much that I ordered a Extreme. So if I were you I wouldn't be afraid of not getting enough detail if you buy a tube amp.

Regards,
Diego

 

[rlanger]

Hey Gad,

I'm sure you've seen some of my WA6 impressions, so I won't go into great detail here, except to say that yes, warm and detailed is an apt description.

If the WA6 doesn't turn out to be what you are looking for, I'm pretty sure that you could get a very good price for it used.

Go ahead, pull the trigger. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[mrarroyo]

GAD the Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 with the PinkFloyd mods, a pair of Russian 6H23-EB tubes and a Little Pinkie PSU is what you are looking for to give the Senns warmth and detail.

Does anyone close to you have an X-Can V3 you could listen too. Even if it is not modded you will get a flavor for what it can become. Now, if you want to spend a bit more money then the Mapletree Ear + Purist HD would do an even better job. Good luck.

 

[tbonner1]

GAD-So now I'm in the icky position of not liking any of my amps...


Been there, you may be suffering from Audiophilia Nervosa.

Put all headphones away for a few days and adjust yourself to try to listen non-critically and enjoy the music. The differences you are talking about are inherent between SS and tubes.

 

[Asr]

Graham Slee Solo? PS Audio GCHA? Lehmann Black Cube Linear? Note I don't know how these sound, just throwing them out there for you to look into.

 

[The Burn Pt.2]

If you like the gs-1, why not get a dynahi? It is much warmer and won't lose the detail. Tube amps and portable amps mentioned probably won't be your best solution here. Also look into a beta22. The HR-2 imo is ahead of the xp7 by a long run- but if you really like the gs-1, the b22 is the answer as going back to even an hr-2 might be disappointing because of the particular coloration(though much clearer than the xp7).

You could get one with stepped pot and nice case and still end up saving money over a hr2 or the likes.