[cheeseeater]

Looking at a used pair of Hifiman HE-560 headphones. Any impressions on them especially when paired with the WA22? They may not be a TOTL headphone but I'm thinking for my budget and a first set of headphones they may be a good place to start. Any advice?

have you auditioned them? It can cost more in the long run sometimes if you start low on the ladder because upgrades can be inevitable.

 

[abvolt]

Isn't that so true.. 

 

[Abcidian]

​I have not. Other than my friends Blue Hawaii SE and Stax SR009 I really don't have any kind of reference point. Of course they won't be in the same league as the Stax but I do know what can be achieved. I'm basing my interest of reviews and feedback. Sounds like in general they were liked but do have some limitations but every pair of headphones and pairing amp will. For $1000 less than a new pair of Focal Elears they may be a good entry level set to get me started.

 

[abvolt]

I have the he-500's and can tell you the Elear's are miles better in sq haven't heard the he-560's so I can't comment on them I would say for a little more $$ you'd be happier with the Elear's over the he-560's just my opinion..enjoy

 

[Abcidian]

​I'm sure they are. Thanks for the feedback. I checked with a local dealer and they don't even have the Elears in stock.

 

[Badas]

 
​I'm sure they are. Thanks for the feedback. I checked with a local dealer and they don't even have the Elears in stock.

Lots of dealers are having problems keeping them in stock. The Elears haven't even made our country yet.
I have had a listen to the Utopia tho. A mate has a pair. Very, very nice.

 

[leftside]

If you can get a good deal on the 560's then go for it. They would make a fantastic set of first headphones. 

 

[AlexDDD]

Has anyone tested some 5998A tubes on the Wa22?
I know they are not the same with 5998, but are they worthy?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Badas]

  Has anyone tested some 5998A tubes on the Wa22?
I know they are not the same with 5998, but are they worthy?
Thanks in advance!

 
If you mean these then they are not much different than the GE6AS7GA. I use GE6AS7GA's. To my ear they are the nicer of the cheaper 6080/6AS7G type of tubes (I tried a lot). They are not worth paying high prices tho. $40-$60 would be okay. I purchased 16 sets at about the $25.00 per set range.
 
In my amp:
 

 
 
The 5998A is no where as nice sounding as a Chatham or Tung Sol 5998.

 

[abvolt]

I agree with most others I've owned 3 sets of the 5998a's and after a while I sold them, their nothing even close to the ts 5998's my favorites, Try a mullard 6080 I really enjoy them.. 

 

[AlexDDD]

 
 
If you mean these then they are not much different than the GE6AS7GA. I use GE6AS7GA's. To my ear they are the nicer of the cheaper 6080/6AS7G type of tubes (I tried a lot). They are not worth paying high prices tho. $40-$60 would be okay. I purchased 16 sets at about the $25.00 per set range.
 
In my amp:
 

 
 
The 5998A is no where as nice sounding as a Chatham or Tung Sol 5998.

Are you using adapters for the 5998a? Aren^t they compatible with the standard sockets?

 

[Badas]

Are you using adapters for the 5998a? Aren^t they compatible with the standard sockets?

Yeah the 5998 is compatible with the standard socket. I use tube saves. If a pin breaks it wrecks the save but protects my socket. So no costly repair.

 

[cheeseeater]

Yeah the 5998 is compatible with the standard socket. I use tube saves. If a pin breaks it wrecks the save but protects my socket. So no costly repair.

Where did you get those beautiful socket saves?

 

[Abcidian]

Well I finally have the initial pieces put together. For the first time last Saturday I heard music flow through my system again. I made the choice to buy a used pair of HD-650s with a 4 pin XLR Blue Dragon ten foot cable. To tell the truth I could be happy listening to it just as it is. Down the road the tube rolling and the search for the ultimate (within my budget) headphones will begin. I decided not to send my WA22 back to Woo to get the phase splitters installed. Instead I found what I believe to be at least an equivalent phono stage with balanced outputs that should help to drive this balanced beast to its full potential. My new phono stage is on its way to me so the wait continues to hear what kind of improvements it will bring. Happy listening!

 

[leftside]

What phono stage and turntable setup do you have?