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nice write up Peter. glad your enjoying the amp
nice write up Peter. glad your enjoying the amp
Nice work on the review.I agree about Grados with an amp with a wide soundstage -- this is pretty much what I have set-up with the Phonenix when not using the LCD-3s. I might have to persuade you to get some Magnums now.
+2 on Grado > Headamp GS-1. It was an excellent match with my classic RS1's. I thought the mids and highs were well balanced, and blended well with the lively quality characteristic of the RS1.
Peter, can you give some more specifics on the T1/GS-1 combo. Synergy? How does it stack up to the T1/WA2/WA22 combos you've reported on?
-Daniel
Its a shame that the GS-1 (and possibly the GS-X) seems to be discontinued. Those listeners who appreciate a well designed and put together neutral SS amp, may fit into a small group but they are out there. The good news for the patient, is the occasional but steady appearance of reasonably priced GS-1s in the classified.
interesting, i always wonder if i should try having a solid state amp to compliment my woos...
Hi Daniel:
Funny the differences with the T1s are pretty similar across all of my headphones. That is to say the WA22 has a wider and deeper sound stage, but the GS-1 has a more precise one. Bass on the WA22 has a bit more presence (both go very deep and are very well controlled). The GS-1's bass has no bloom to it whatsoever...deep and taught, yet still impactful. But I prefer the WA22's presentation with regards to bass/mids. They just seem more liquid and organic.
The GS-1 seems to extend the treble a bit more without being bright; while the WA22 has a softer treble (but not rolled off). Price wise, the WA22 (with upgraded tubes) comes in at 2.5 times more than the GS-1...so that says a lot for the GS-1. Especially considering this is coming from a traditional tube guy.
Basically with the WA22 you get a romantic (but still fairly neutral) presentation with fantastically wide and deep imaging and a fantastic tube amp. With the GS-1, you get a no holds barred wire with gain amp...nothing is added to your DAC/source...just the facts. Extremely clean and true to what the input is giving it. Great bass and treble extension and balanced mids. So pick your poison. I happened to pick both.
Its been a while since I heard the WA2, sold it last summer, but I did write up a comparative review with the WA22 (and I did use the T1s as part of the analysis). So that's probably more accurate than anything I can recall right now:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/562618/woo-audio-wa2-and-wa22-comparisons-finally-finished-whew
Cheers