[watchluvr4ever]

I am looking to venture into my first tube amp. From just looking at the construction of the Woo Audio 3, it appears to be a bargain at only $470. Would this be a good entry into tube amps? I prefer to stay under $500, but also have my eye on the Headroom Desktop Millet Hybrid amp at $649. How would these compare to each other, and what has more bang for the buck? I appreciate your time. Thanks.

 

[replytoken]

As its name indicates, the HR Millett is a hybrid amp, so you need to keep that in mind when comparing "tube" amps. You might also be interested in reading the following: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Iss...x_headroom.htm .

 

[socrates63]

I think the Woo3 is a good entry into the tube world. I bought a used Woo3 and it's my first tube amp. They don't come up too often but you can find used ones for $340-370 range.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of tubes. One of the greatest strengths of tube amps is the ability to roll tubes. If you have a tube amp in mind, think about investigating what tubes sound good for that amp and then look into the cost of buying them.

I don't know much about the Headroom Millet Hybrid but one thing I like is that it comes with several sets of tubes out of the box. You're probaby pretty set with those and don't need to spend extra money on more tubes.

 

[SK138]

Have you considered used X-Can V2? The price of used V2 is about $250 and it sounds wonderful with little soldering iron job (cap changes). I have both Woo3 and (2) modified X-Can V2 and I still like the sound of X-Can V2 but Woo3 is gorgeous.

 

[watchluvr4ever]

Are the tubes that come with the Woo Audio 3 any good? It says the power cord is not included with the amp, where can I find a good power cord?

 

[yotacowboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SK138 Have you considered used X-Can V2? The price of used V2 is about $250 and it sounds wonderful with little soldering iron job (cap changes). I have both Woo3 and (2) modified X-Can V2 and I still like the sound of X-Can V2 but Woo3 is gorgeous.

What tubes are you running there? looks like a WE 124 power, but i can't really tell...

 

[GreatDane]

The tubes that come with are good not great. if you decide to give them a chance , give them atleast 40 hours+ to break in (imo). My stock tubes seemed to get better at just about the time I received my upgrade tubes.

Even with the stock tubes the amp rocks...you will enjoy the amp. Expect to pay upwards of $80 USD to replace all 3 tubes to atleast make it worth doing.

You can buy a power cord almost anywhere such as a computer store. Any power cord will do unless you care to waste money on a $200 cord

 

[mrarroyo]

For less than $500 you can get an used Mapletree Ear Purist + HD (sell for $600 new) or you can it new in a kit form for $500. Another option is an used Musical Fidelity X-Can V3, I just picked on up for $319 delivered. Good luck.

 

[SK138]

I am using Western Electric 5998/421A as input tube and two matched Amperex 6922 gold pins for output tubes...for now

One X-Can V2 is running Electro-Harmonix Russian 6H23/6922 Type 2 and the other X-Can V2 is running Russian Rocket Logo 6H23....for now


Quote:

Originally Posted by yotacowboy What tubes are you running there? looks like a WE 124 power, but i can't really tell...

 

[jimmyjames8]

The Woo 3 was/is my first piece of tube gear of any kind. It kicks the crap out of 3 different op amp based headphone amps I have owned. The Woo is the real deal and a bonafided bargain. The toobs that come with it are fine. A tungsol 5998 power tube for $40 is a great upgrade/toob roll and 6922's pre amp tubes (Groove tube $20/pr.) are recommended but the tubes that come with sound great. The Tungsol 5998 gives more bass and just looks too cool. Power cord w/IEC plug on one end are at Rat Shack, Allied, Grainger, etc. $5 to $20. Luv my Woo!

 

[Capt. Z]

I have the Woo3 also and love it very much.

The nice thing with the tube is, that you can "dial in" the sound you prefer by changing tubes.

 

[watchluvr4ever]

A little off topic but which amp would sound better straight out of the box, the Woo Audio 3 or the HeadRoom Micro Amp with the desktop module? I have decided that I'm not really ready to venture into the price range of the HeadRoom Millet Hybrid amp. My wife says I have been spending too much money lately. Just in the past week I have purchased Senn 595's and Grado SR-325's. She's showing teeth when I talk about getting an amp now.

 

[la_marquise]

Sorry, don't mean to threadjack but I am in a similar position to the OP...

I am trying to decide between a Mapletree HD Ear+ or Woo Audio 3 for using it with everything from Grados to Beyers. Ideally, I would NOT be upgrading for a VERY long time after this....

Which amp would provide greater clarity, soundstage and speed, esp. for large orchestras?

Thanks!

 

[watchluvr4ever]

Please read my last post, I am interested in getting some opinions.

 

[jxb2]

I had Woo3, sold it, missed it too much, and went and bought another. Hard to explain what is so captivating, but it gets things "right" from a musical, rather than electronic, perspective. It is not as fast as some amps, but neither is live music!