Thoughts on Darkvoice 332 vs WooAudio6 ?

[vasu]

There's been a lot of talk about the Darkvoice 332 and good bit on the WooAudio6. Both are in similar price ranges and are tube amps, but I haven't seen anyone really compare them to one another. So does anyone have any thoughts, comparisons, opinions, etc on these 2 amps?

I'll be pairing them with my Sennheiser HD650 and AKG K701, though the HD650's are what I primarily use. For source, I'll be going optical audio out of my computer into an iBasso D1 which I'll use just for the DAC.

Do they both put out the same amount of power? Does one feel more energetic or fast paced compared to the other?

The iBasso D1 is the only headphone amp I've ever owned, and while it added a lot of energy and punch to my Senn HD555/120ohm, it's just doesn't leave me satisfied with the HD650 or K701 as much as I think it should .. there's a lack of energy, and I don't feel that there's enough bass out of the HD650 on the D1 without clipping or distortion.

So.. any thoughts on these amps, or any other tube amps in the same price range that I might like?

 

[johnsonad]

I love my WA6 and have never thought of replacing it. It has driven every set of cans I've owned (look at my profile) well with exception to the K340's. Either way you can't go wrong. I can say that working with Jack Woo is a pleasure. Good luck and I hope you enjoy which ever amp you purchase.

 

[vasu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnsonad /img/forum/go_quote.gif I love my WA6 and have never thought of replacing it. It has driven every set of cans I've owned (look at my profile) well with exception to the K340's. Either way you can't go wrong. I can say that working with Jack Woo is a pleasure. Good luck and I hope you enjoy which ever amp you purchase.

Thanks for the input. Can you describe how your HD650's sounded out of the WA6?

 

[cyd2025]

i love my modded wa-6 sound but it may not be the most synergistic tube amp
for the 650...it sounds...just normal...nothing outstanding...but the 701 sounds
really outstanding on the modded wa-6...but you should realize this is only my
opinion and that you may find the reverse to be true...

if you have the funds go for the modded wa-6...or if you have a bigger pocket,
then look into the singlepower upgraded mpx3 or the extreme...there are many
on this site who'll swear that the 650 sounds amazing on those amps...
good luck.

 

[johnsonad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the input. Can you describe how your HD650's sounded out of the WA6?

Quote:

Originally Posted by takezo /img/forum/go_quote.gif i love my modded wa-6 sound but it may not be the most synergistic tube amp for the 650...it sounds...just normal...nothing outstanding...but the 701 sounds really outstanding on the modded wa-6...but you should realize this is only my opinion and that you may find the reverse to be true... if you have the funds go for the modded wa-6...or if you have a bigger pocket, then look into the singlepower upgraded mpx3 or the extreme...there are many on this site who'll swear that the 650 sounds amazing on those amps... good luck.

It sounded good to me, but I've since moved passed open dynamic cans. This was my first plung into Head-Fi and I don't regret it at all. The WA6 is very versitile and a good all around amp. Plus, it has great resale as people know it is a good amp. I can't speak for Singlepowers amps so I won't. And take other peoples opinions as what they are opinions. Unless they have owned the amp or cans you want and spent time with them (i.e. not meet impressions) IMHO, I wouldn't weigh these as heavy. Like Takezo is doing, pointing you in a direction of interest, start looking in people sigs and find some that own this combo, then PM them and get their impressions. Also, high cost doesn't mean you are going to get the sound you want. I really didn't know what I was getting when I bought the WA6 as there were not many out at the time, but I can say that it is the only piece of equipment that I still own from the begining of my head-fi journey and have no intention of getting rid of. It works for me, I know its' sound and enjoy it. Hopefully this will help for something

What, I don't know

Good luck and enjoy the music!

 

[johnsonad]

double post

 

[musicmind]

I had been considering the DV332 amp myself, after reading the great feedback on the forum about this amp.
As luck had it though, I have ended up with an upgraded woo6 which became available to me earlier this week. It was considerably more expensive than a DV332, but I think the differences in build quality, upgraded components, the beautiful aesthetics of this amp, as well as its variable impedance option, make the difference in price worthwhile if you are looking for a "keeper".

I couldnt really find any comparative impressions on the forum between the DV332 and Woo6 amps, so I cant say how they compare sonically. However, as you have probably seen, there are many happy users of the DV332 with Senn 650, who have compared it favourably to the Pink Floyd modded X-CANV3, and several who are using it with 701's.

As for the upgraded Woo6 souding good or great with 650's, I will just say that I had the opportunity to compare the Woo6with an Headamp GS-1, which is an amp praised for its synergy with the 650, and the Woo didnt lose out to the GS-1 in any particular area. So much so that my friend, who's reference headphone is a 650 was hard pressed to find a favourite between the two. Thats not to say they sound identical, but they both have good results with the 650.

I dont know the power rating of the Woo6, but the DV332 is rated as > 1Watt on their specifications. Anyone know the power specs of the Woo6 at the different impedance settings?

Hope that helps. I think they are both great amps with the 650.

 

[Gradofan2]

I can't comment on the WA6... but the WA3, with the right tubes, is great with the HD650s.

While you might like an informed comparision between the WA6 and the DV332 with them... I don't know if you're going to find it - I can't recall seeing anyone with both.

But... that may not be the initial question. Perhaps... the initial question should be - "how much do you really want to spend?" If that's "only $500," or "as little as possible" - then there's likely only one, or two real options at that price - the DV332, and the BADA PH12. I would include the PF XCANv3, except... you really have to add the complimentary components, or it may not be competitive with the DV332.

On the other hand... If the answer is "a $1,000," or "a lot more" - then you're probably looking at different options... and the upgraded WA6 may fit into that category.

And... of course... as I indicated in my "synergy" thread... that all assumes you're investing in the entire set up, that "synegizes" with the DV332, or BADA, or WA6, or whatever, and with the HD650s.

Though... if you're budget is limited... I'm quite comfortable in suggesting you will not find better than the DV332 in that price range for the HD650s - although, again, "with the right DAC, cables, etc."