[LugBug1]

I owned them while they were in production in a system consisting of a Thorens 'table, and KEF Ref101/ BA A100/ BA A40 (at various incarnations of the system). Switching to a Hegeman Hapi2/Amber70 was a revelation at the time. I also re-auditioned the 3020 in a much higher resolution system about 15 years later. Frankly, it was a slaughter. No offence meant.

Good stuff And no offence taken bud 

 

[LugBug1]

Just want to add.. I'm not advocating anyone to try old amps instead of dedicated hp amps, as there is quite a bit of luck and work involved in vintage stuff. (see the vintage thread for details)
 
But I will say that newer isn't always better. The HD600 is testimony to that.

 

[Shaffer]

Just want to add.. I'm not advocating anyone to try old amps instead of dedicated hp amps, as there is quite a bit of luck and work involved in vintage stuff. (see the vintage thread for details)

But I will say that newer isn't always better. The HD600 is testimony to that.

Agreed.

Edit: I have a Kenwood 3130 receiver from the early-70s that's magic with DT880/600.

 

[bikerboy94]

Pulled the trigger today on the HD600. Really excited to hear them.

 

[StanD]

  Just want to add.. I'm not advocating anyone to try old amps instead of dedicated hp amps, as there is quite a bit of luck and work involved in vintage stuff. (see the vintage thread for details)
 
But I will say that newer isn't always better. The HD600 is testimony to that.

No, the HD600 is the exception to the rule. Almost two decades of continuous sales and excellence, that's a tough hurdle for any headphone, amp or DAC to cross.

 

[playingwithfire]

   
 
Well, I have no idea of DAC. I never used. I have a HP laptop with beat audio. To my surprise, I just found it can drive hd600 pretty well. Well, I know I did not listen to a well-drived 600. I just found on HP with beat audio, it's much better than other laptop. When I further use fiio e12 with them, I feel e12 cannot have obvious improvement over HP. That's it.
So I suppose HP laptop cannot fully drive 600 and e12 is not good enough. So what's next for me?
As for sonic preference, I prefer warm sound a little bit. Well, when I told I listend to Orchestra/symphony, I mean I do not listen too much vocal. And for symphony, dynamic and soundstage is very important.
Is it now more clear for my need?
Thanks so much!

WA6 SE

 

[CADCAM]

Agreed.

Edit: I have a Kenwood 3130 receiver from the early-70s that's magic with DT880/600.

I have an old Onkyo Integra cd player from the mid 90's (DX-C606) and am blown away at times but its headphone output. I try not to listen to it too often as I wonder why I need all my amps and DAC's...

 

[yangian]

  WA6 SE

So you think WA6(what's se?) is better than Matrix M-Stage and LDMk 3? It's much expensive. Could you share more on what you think? Thanks!

 

[Shaffer]

So you think WA6(what's se?) is better than Matrix M-Stage and LDMk 3? It's much expensive. Could you share more on what you think? Thanks!

The WA6SE is ~$1200 and does not include a DAC. It's certainly a very nice amplifier. A friendly tip, look at the profiles of the folks who respond.

 

[yangian]

The WA6SE is ~$1200 and does not include a DAC. It's certainly a very nice amplifier. A friendly tip, look at the profiles of the folks who respond.

Well, it should be better according to its price. I wonder how much better than other cheaper ones. Moreover, it's beyond my budget.Though I saw someone thought >$1000 amplifiers are needed to fully drive HD 600. I have no desire to such an investment.

 

[Shaffer]

Well, it should be better according to its price. I wonder how much better than other cheaper ones. Moreover, it's beyond my budget.Though I saw someone thought >$1000 amplifiers are needed to fully drive HD 600. I have no desire to such an investment.

I have $1000 amplifier, but prefer the LDIII with upgraded tubes with the 600s.

 

[yangian]

I have $1000 amplifier, but prefer the LDIII with upgraded tubes with the 600s.

Thanks, buddy. That's right. Same for headphones. Expensive does not mean absolutely better. So any idea on Matrix M-Stage over LD3? Thanks!

 

[playingwithfire]

The WA6SE is ~$1200 and does not include a DAC. It's certainly a very nice amplifier. A friendly tip, look at the profiles of the folks who respond.

What is that suppose to mean? I was kidding. I haven't had the luxury of hearing the WA6. With that said I have heard the 600 through both a LDMKII and a O2 (both using ODAC) and I prefer the SS. Just sounds cleaner. I will say though, I have heard an awful lot of good things about the Audio GD offerings and if I was making the purchase today and didn't have first hand experience, I'd probably lean that way. Haven't heard the M-Stage though.

 

[Shaffer]

Thanks, buddy. That's right. Same for headphones. Expensive does not mean absolutely better. So any idea on Matrix M-Stage over LD3? Thanks!

If you can include a good DAC in your budget and a few extra shekels for tubes, the LDIII. The Matrix can be had with a DAC and it's congruent with your sonic preferences, hence the recommendation. Plus, used, it's much less expensive, if that's an important factor.

 

[Shaffer]

What is that suppose to mean? I was kidding. I haven't had the luxury of hearing the WA6. With that said I have heard the 600 through both a LDMKII and a O2 (both using ODAC) and I prefer the SS. Just sounds cleaner. I will say though, I have heard an awful lot of good things about the Audio GD offerings and if I was making the purchase today and didn't have first hand experience, I'd probably lean that way. Haven't heard the M-Stage though.

I've heard the O2 with the HD600 in my system. It sounded like sand with the dynamic contrast of a pancake. Different points of reference.