maclrc
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2008
- Posts
- 28
- Likes
- 0
Hello All,
A few months back I began the process of switching most of my listening to headphones (mostly due to noise contraints).
I upgraded my Grado 125s to RS-1s, dusted off my seldom used X-CAN V3 (with X-PSU V3) and started listening. To be honest, I was disappointed. Mid range was oddly muffled and overal sound seemed harsh. Some posting here on head-fi helped me with the decision to change my van den hul first ultimate interconnect for chord chorus 2, this helped with the mids, but sound still a bit harsh for my tastes. I soon had the desire to try out some tube amps and recently purchased a darkvoice 336 SE. Probably in error, it came without any tubes so I picked up some RCA Grey Plate 6AS7Gs and Sylvania 6SN7GTBs on eBay. I have also ordered some Senn HD650s as, after demoing them, I think I will have 2 headphones that will cover most types of music (I find RS-1s wonderfully musical, but a bit bright for some music/recordings, 650s not quite so musical - still v good - but more laid back/warm - so much more comfortable too).
My set-up is now:
Sugden Masterclass CDP
Chord Chorus 2 interconnect
Darkvoice 336 SE amp
Grado RS-1 headphones/ Senn HD650 headphones
I really love the general sound of the darkvoice and think tubes are the way to go for me. However, I freely admit that the 336 is a bit of a lateral move from the X-CAN/X-PSU combo, different sound, similar SQ.
I'm not a huge fan of endlessly upgrading and tinkering with kit, so am now looking to buy a headphone amp that will last me for several years. I don't intend to change much of my other kit either, so I'm looking to finish my set-up.
Initial thoughts are either the EC Zana Deux or the WA5 LE.
EDIT: WA5 LE ruled out due to UK price ($500 shipping), unless people can give a very good reason for choosing it. The maxed out WA6 SE is a good option though, so can replace it's big brother in the line-up.
Please give your thoughts on the above and mention any other good contenders - the amp will ideally have good synergy with the RS-1s and HD650s, be warm sounding (not a fan of too much treble) and look good (I apologise for this vanity, but for the money this is important to me - on this note I really don't like the look of the Single Power amps...)
Apologies for the life story
PS: Budget is flexible but max of circa £1800/$3600
A few months back I began the process of switching most of my listening to headphones (mostly due to noise contraints).
I upgraded my Grado 125s to RS-1s, dusted off my seldom used X-CAN V3 (with X-PSU V3) and started listening. To be honest, I was disappointed. Mid range was oddly muffled and overal sound seemed harsh. Some posting here on head-fi helped me with the decision to change my van den hul first ultimate interconnect for chord chorus 2, this helped with the mids, but sound still a bit harsh for my tastes. I soon had the desire to try out some tube amps and recently purchased a darkvoice 336 SE. Probably in error, it came without any tubes so I picked up some RCA Grey Plate 6AS7Gs and Sylvania 6SN7GTBs on eBay. I have also ordered some Senn HD650s as, after demoing them, I think I will have 2 headphones that will cover most types of music (I find RS-1s wonderfully musical, but a bit bright for some music/recordings, 650s not quite so musical - still v good - but more laid back/warm - so much more comfortable too).
My set-up is now:
Sugden Masterclass CDP
Chord Chorus 2 interconnect
Darkvoice 336 SE amp
Grado RS-1 headphones/ Senn HD650 headphones
I really love the general sound of the darkvoice and think tubes are the way to go for me. However, I freely admit that the 336 is a bit of a lateral move from the X-CAN/X-PSU combo, different sound, similar SQ.
I'm not a huge fan of endlessly upgrading and tinkering with kit, so am now looking to buy a headphone amp that will last me for several years. I don't intend to change much of my other kit either, so I'm looking to finish my set-up.
Initial thoughts are either the EC Zana Deux or the WA5 LE.
EDIT: WA5 LE ruled out due to UK price ($500 shipping), unless people can give a very good reason for choosing it. The maxed out WA6 SE is a good option though, so can replace it's big brother in the line-up.
Please give your thoughts on the above and mention any other good contenders - the amp will ideally have good synergy with the RS-1s and HD650s, be warm sounding (not a fan of too much treble) and look good (I apologise for this vanity, but for the money this is important to me - on this note I really don't like the look of the Single Power amps...)
Apologies for the life story
PS: Budget is flexible but max of circa £1800/$3600