[lentiman]

Heya, I'm new.  Horribly new, and looking for advice.  I have a pair of AKG K702's and Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium's (250 Ohm, but maybe switching to 600 Ohm).  I'm looking to get a good amp for home use.  I've bought a Maverick TubeMagic D1 for work, mostly for the DT990's.  While I'm waiting for the Maverick, I wanted opinions of both the WA6 + Sophia Princess and Burson HA-160.  Both are roughly the same price.  I've read some of the reviews and opinions of both amps.  Sounds like the Burson HA-160 and the K702's are a good match.  But how does it compare to the WA6?  Thoughts?  No need to rehash what 6Moons says, I want personal experience.  Also, does anyone have these in the Seattle area?  I'd love to take a listen if possible.  Other thoughts?  Please chime in. Thanks.
 
Also: I don't feel the need to spend a ton of money, if there is a similar or better amp than either of these for the same price (or preferably less) then please tell me about it.  I'm unfamiliar with tube amps, but love the aesthetics.  I'm in love with the WA6 but I've not listened to it, so it's a bit ridiculous.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Here's your problem as I see it. Your headphones! LOL...
 
Sorry but the 600 ohm beyers really sound their best with tube amps and the Woo6 is really good with them.
 
Your K702s though....I was never a fan with ANY tube amp that I tried. They just came off thin. But with a good SS amp, they sounded much better.
 
But the beyers can sound nice with a SS amp; whereas the K702s were just thin on every tube amp I tried them with. So I guess I would lean in suggesting a SS amp.

 

[CastanonY]

Never tried the Beyer, but you really can't go wrong with the Burson HA-160/ K702 combo.  These two are made for each other. : )
 

 

[wwmhf]

I think the Beyerdynamic DT990 600 Ohm work better with a tube amp, especially the OTL type.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

Never tried the Beyer, but you really can't go wrong with the Burson HA-160/ K702 combo.  These two are made for each other. : )
 

Ah...but 600 ohm beyers and the HD-160 don't work well at all from my experience (DT880/600 and T1s).

 

[AudioGlow]

Hmm, an intriguing thread as I have the Burson amp and the AKG 702's myself. I actually love the sound from my 702's and my Bellari tube amp though and wouldn't say they sound bad with all tube amps, just need one's with good power.  

 

[oqvist]

What makes the HA-160 synergyize well with the K70X... It´s mentioned sooo many times. Is it the new canamp for the K70x or what?

 

[TheMiddleSky]

if I'm not wrong, I ever read the review that HA-160 is a neutral amp, so I just wondering why it really good to pair with K70x? not something warmer like Graham Slee Solo II?

 

[Arctia]

AKG K701/702 is extremely sensitive to the amp. Too much power, the treble becomes out of hand. Too little power, bass diminishes and overall clarity suffers.
 
Burson's amp has a low gain setting that's perfect for the K701/702, unlike most amps that are usually designed for 60-300ohm headphones. Gain is a little too high for the K701/702, which is why you hear people complain about a bump in the treble.

 

[ImitationOfLife]

I LOVE my Woo Audio 6. My HD650 and DT770/600 both sound fantastic through it, but based on everything I've read, the 701/702 should not be used with a tube amp.
 
Plus, I've read that the Burson is fantastic with the 702. And everyone else in this thread says it is. There's your answer.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

I LOVE my Woo Audio 6. My HD650 and DT770/600 both sound fantastic through it, but based on everything I've read, the 701/702 should not be used with a tube amp.
 
Plus, I've read that the Burson is fantastic with the 702. And everyone else in this thread says it is. There's your answer.

Having heard all of the above combinations, I completely agree with your summary.