[ColSaulTigh]

+1. I'd recommend something in the Denafrips line. Seems like everyone I know that owns one thinks it is a winner for price/performance.

There's one in the classifieds I've got an inquiry into. I don't mind investing a little more for something that I can grow with, but finding a deal isn't a bad thing, is it?

 

[David222]

There's one in the classifieds I've got an inquiry into. I don't mind investing a little more for something that I can grow with, but finding a deal isn't a bad thing, is it?

You really can't go wrong with any of the DACs that have been suggested here. I have a Qutest paired to WA6 and find it to be excellent.

Just keep in mind, since you're new to both AMP + DAC...there's a good chance a year from now that you decide to move in a different direction with some component in your chain... based on an ever evolving sound signature preference.

Just my $0.02 --> be mindful not to over-invest (too early) until you have line-of-sight on your longer term sound preferences. The gear won't lose its value (most likely)...its more so about avoiding frustrations and maximizing return on (sound) investment.

 

[euter]

Hello Woo Audio fans! I’m decided to sell my Woo Wa2 with great tubes:

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/woo-audio-wa2-tube-amp-otl-upgraded-tubes.16914/

 

[BananaCarnage]

DianaTC's with WA22 Gen-2.
I've been searching this thread and haven't come up with anyone running the new Abyss Diana TC's with the WA22. Even with upgraded power tubes (still waiting the 5998) it seems pretty underpowered. I didn't realize the Diana TC's were so power hungry, for some reason I was under the impression they were easy to drive.

Have the Ferrum stack on the way and intending to use the WA22 as a pre into the Ferrum to see if it can drive these appropriately.

WA22 + 800S is great though . Nice to meet all of you!


Roon -> Matrix Sabre 3 -> WA-22 -> Diana TCs

 

[ucmgr]

I had a similar concern although with a different planar. I've had the HD800's being driven by a Woo Audio WA-22 gen1 and sold that because of lack of use. I missed the Woo Audio sound and ended up with a WA-6SE, which I thought was great combination, but missed the ability to run balanced. I ended up buying a WA-22 gen2 and love it driving the HD800's. Thought I would like to try a pair of planars so I bought a pair of Audeze LCD-3's. There is no question I believe that planars in general require more power than dynamic headphones do. I bet I had to turn the volume control to 1-2 o'clock for the Audeze's vs 9-10 on the Senns. I sold the LCD-3's and just bought some LCD-4's. These seem to be a little more efficient and I'm guessing the only downside of them requiring more juice is that I end up running the tubes a little harder than with the HD800's. Only time will tell, but I really enjoy the differences between the two pairs of headphones.

 

[BananaCarnage]

I have the Ferrum stack coming on wed and planning to run the WA-22 as a preamp into it, I'll see where that takes me. I am almost at the point where I should have bought the WA-33 instead.

 

[ucmgr]

I believe you could easily sell your Wa-22. There are very few preowned ones available. Big difference in $$ but you're the only one who can rationalize that investment. I wonder myself if I were to move on from the WA-22 where I would go next?

 

[attmci]

The WA-22 tube amp is not $$ friendly. You have to spend a lot of $$ on the tubes (more than 1/2 of the current price of the amp) to drive it. If you want to roll some tubes, it will cost a lot more $$ (than the cost of the amp itself). Just my 2c.

 

[ucmgr]

I'd hate to admit how much I've spent on tubes since I bought it. Realistically, there are quite a few reasonably priced tubes that do a very good job. Depending on how much you want to spend to get the last 10% of improvement, it can get quite pricey. I'm almost afraid to use some of the high dollar tubes I've bought because I want them to last forever.

 

[BananaCarnage]

Have some 5998s on the way! I did pick up some new drivers and a rectifier.

 

[ucmgr]

5998's are great tubes, you'll enjoy them. I think they make a bigger difference than a high dollar, well rated rectifier

 

[BananaCarnage]

5998's are great tubes, you'll enjoy them. I think they make a bigger difference than a high dollar, well rated rectifier

So you think that’s true even when used as a pre-amp?

 

[ucmgr]

I really can't answer that question because I only used my WA-22 as a pre-amp while I was having my Janus pre-amp in for servicing. Personally, I wouldn't buy the Wa-22 for use as a pre-amp. It does ok, but there's too many other options that are probably better choices

 

[arftech]

My goodness the WA5LE went up $800!

 

[ColSaulTigh]

I'm officially a member of the "Woo Crew" now!

Woohoo!!!!

(Or is that "WooWoo!")