Another good pairing: Sennheiser HD250 Linear 1 (300 Ohm).
WBA Tzar 6S41S OTL amplifier
- Thread starter CJG888
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They are a little on the bright side, though.
Nevertheless, transparency and soundstage are remarkable for a closed can (allowing listening at lower levels than otherwise). And they can be worn with glasses!
Nevertheless, transparency and soundstage are remarkable for a closed can (allowing listening at lower levels than otherwise). And they can be worn with glasses!
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I’ve found one downside of this amp. The output tubes get to about 260 C. Looks like it’s going to be fun in summer...
I hope they weren’t too close to the fuel tanks in the MiG 25
I hope they weren’t too close to the fuel tanks in the MiG 25
Trust WBA to come up with a headphone amp with afterburners!
Running in the “big rig” tonight. Source: Pro-Ject CD Box RS2T, MF Tri-Vista 24 tube DAC, cans: Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro.
Unfortunately there is a slight hum on the left channel, caused by a ground loop. I’m trying to get to the bottom of this: in the desktop system in my study (where the amp is usually used) there is no such problem.
So far, the sound has changed radically after about 100 hours of use. The overly soft and warm sound has given way to a bright, open tonal balance (the NOS Mullard 7308 obviously helps here). The sound is almost holographic, although the soundstage is slightly narrower than that projected by the Cyber 20. The best part of this amp, though, is headroom and dynamics. It feels like the first time you drive a large-capacity V8...
One problem though: with the majority of my headphones, I have trouble getting beyond 2.5 on the dial! I will recommend the inclusion on a gain switch on future Tzars...
Unfortunately there is a slight hum on the left channel, caused by a ground loop. I’m trying to get to the bottom of this: in the desktop system in my study (where the amp is usually used) there is no such problem.
So far, the sound has changed radically after about 100 hours of use. The overly soft and warm sound has given way to a bright, open tonal balance (the NOS Mullard 7308 obviously helps here). The sound is almost holographic, although the soundstage is slightly narrower than that projected by the Cyber 20. The best part of this amp, though, is headroom and dynamics. It feels like the first time you drive a large-capacity V8...
One problem though: with the majority of my headphones, I have trouble getting beyond 2.5 on the dial! I will recommend the inclusion on a gain switch on future Tzars...
The sub-bass on this thing is incredible.
It's not considered audiophile sexy, but one or more mains isolation transformers can work wonders against ground loops.
You don't have to invest in an expensive galvanic isolation unit. A pair of el cheapo ring core trannies back to back will do just fine...
You don't have to invest in an expensive galvanic isolation unit. A pair of el cheapo ring core trannies back to back will do just fine...
Indeed, perfect! 500Watt should be more than enough.
Presumably I would use it on the headphone amp?
You can use it on all components of the chain.
Since the output of the isolation transformer is fully floating, there is no need to connect a mains ground to the components.
Isolating only one component might not be enough to break the ground loop.
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Back to the Sylvania 7308 today. It works well with the ATH-R70x, opening up the midrange a little.
With the ATH-W1000z, I prefer the Reflektor 6N23P-EV.
With the ATH-W1000z, I prefer the Reflektor 6N23P-EV.
I‘ve finally found a safe solution to the ground loop problem: an Ifi GND Defender. It goes between the IEC socket and the mains lead, and connects the ground „intelligently“, i.e. when it detects a fault. At all other times the ground is lifted. And, of course, it meets all the EU safety regulations (important for issues such as home fire insurance…).
Deleeh
Headphoneus Supremus
Hello,
have you spoken to Piotr about this?
I also have an amplifier from him and I have zero problems in that respect.
Just switch it on, put the headphones in and it's done.
have you spoken to Piotr about this?
I also have an amplifier from him and I have zero problems in that respect.
Just switch it on, put the headphones in and it's done.
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