First Watt and Pass Labs Amp Comparisons

[penguinofsleep2]

Has anyone heard a large number of any of the First Watt or Pass Labs amps?

Any sound impressions, thoughts on the subjective differences between the different models, gear pairings, etc? Any thoughts on details such as the difference between the mosfet/jfet models (I probably won't go with SIT), how hot do they make the room, ease of getting parts for DIY, etc. Any good places for DIY kits (if any), instructions, etc.

Looking to eventually build a First Watt or to get an INT25 if parts become unobtainium at some points. Not sure which one yet though. The First Watt would drive an HE6se with speaker taps (and a pre-amp) and most likely a set of speakers at some point.

Mods: Searched but didn't find a dedicated thread. Please move post if needed.

 

[paradoxper]

To start, in regards to HE-6 amplification, you may want to go back and read the amps that can drive the HiFiMan HE-6 planar headphones thread.
Including some favorites such as the F5 or J2, for example, you'll find a breadth of options purely HE-6 specific.

To get your feet wet, DIY Audio has an Pass Labs thread covering the process of the F5. Or F4, to start.

As well, over the years plenty of comparisons have been shared -- perhaps arduous to read/search through.
The HE-6 thread had great posts from Jelt and Preproman. Searching under Pass Labs yields thorough comparisons extending outside of just Nelson.

If you extend the search language outside of Head-Fi, you'll also find supported findings from credible sources that unfortunately can't be named on this forum.