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next tube amp: MAD Ear+ HD, WA6, or RSA Raptor?

May 23, 2009 at 5:24 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 14
SemiAudiophile

SemiAudiophile

Headphoneus Supremus
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i'm trying to decide between these 3 amps. the most important thing i'm looking for is versatility. one that can drive all grado/akg/senns well or have somewhat good synergy. the WA6 i'm looking to get the PDPS upgrade. don't know about any good upgrades for the other 2. budget is around $700 more or less.

MAD Ear+ HD - i hear it does low impedance phones better like grado, akg.

WA6 - i hear it's very musical and syrupy which is nice. i know it can drive the HD650's pretty good. but what about the 701's and grados?

Raptor - i hear that it's extremely detailed almost SS like which is a plus, but a bit over my budget. being a OTL, i also hear that it makes the 650's sing.

SinglePower PPX3 slam - i hear it drives it all well, but way over my budget. and because of the bad customer service this prob isn't an option. if anything, i'll look for one used.

suggestions, anybody? right now i'm leaning towards the WA6 with PDPS upgrade...
 
May 23, 2009 at 5:46 AM Post #2 of 14
interested in this as well. Been looking for a nice tube amp that works well with both low and high imp cans without breaking the bank
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May 23, 2009 at 6:15 AM Post #3 of 14
All of the mentioned amps are well regarded, so it probably comes down to sound signature/listener preferences.
One of the main reasons I purchased WA6SE (big brother to WA6) was its ability to drive both low and high impedance cans very well.
 
May 23, 2009 at 1:51 PM Post #5 of 14
A lot will depend on the sound you are looking for. Personally I believe the PPX Slam is the one which offers the best sound and the best opportunity to tweak the sound by rolling tubes. Of course I would only buy one used due to Mikhail's "issues".

Next and IMO quite close specially w/ Grados is the Mapletree, rolling of tubes is a bit more limited (12AX7, 7025, 5725, etc) but you still have options.

The Raptor is a heck of a good sounding amp, however it is more analytical and SS sounding. In other words to me it does not have the euphoric presentation of the other tube amps. However if you are willing to spend time looking for tubes and testing them you will be rewarded w/ a great amp for the likes of Senn HD600/650.

The Woo is one amp which I have only briefly listened to, so I can not make a lot of comments on. Sorry.
 
May 23, 2009 at 9:54 PM Post #6 of 14
mrarroyo, which did you prefer with the k701's? the mapletree or the heed?

peanuthead, may i ask why you decided to sell your wa6se so quickly? having owning it for just a little over 2 months? your SE is very tempting, too bad it wasn't in black finish.
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thanks for the input and confirmation guys.
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May 24, 2009 at 12:53 AM Post #8 of 14
The Raptor is an amazing amp. I have not heard the Maple Tree though. I would pick the Raptor unless I get a chance to hear the Maple Tree.
But honestly, I would pick the Woo 6 SE since that amp blew me away. I would not pick the stock Woo 6 though even though it's a good amp.
 
May 27, 2009 at 2:38 AM Post #9 of 14
I have been havnig the same question myself.

My primary cans are HP2 and GS1000, and the amps I was looking at are the Raptor, Woo 2 and Woo 6SE.

I am using M902 as my DAC and so far I only had the chance to audition the Raptor. While the amp doesn't work very well with GS1000, it certainly synergizes well with HP2.

Anyone here had the opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison of the Raptor and Woo 2/Woo 6E? I would love to hear your opinons.
 
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