Woo WA7 questions.

[Draaftlore]

So late into next year I plan on getting a WA7 fireflies time amp, and either an Audeze LCD X or LCD 2C headphones. I have a few questions.

1. What does the tube psu bring to the table to cost an extra 600 over the linear power supply?

2.a. Would you guys recommend a separate DAC for it?
2.b. If yes which DAC would you recommend for best overall sound. I do not have a specific genre in mind.

3. Should I get a ifi USB ground loop with a plug for it to clean up my audio source also?

 

[bflat]

So late into next year I plan on getting a WA7 fireflies time amp, and either an Audeze LCD X or LCD 2C headphones. I have a few questions.

1. What does the tube psu bring to the table to cost an extra 600 over the linear power supply?

2.a. Would you guys recommend a separate DAC for it?
2.b. If yes which DAC would you recommend for best overall sound. I do not have a specific genre in mind.

3. Should I get a ifi USB ground loop with a plug for it to clean up my audio source also?

1. - Default is a solid state power supply making the WA7 a hybrid amp with little to no tube rolling capabilities. Adding the TP transforms the WA7 to all tube power and gives a huge amount of tube rolling possibilities to find the sound you like.

2. - Gen 2 is pretty good so definitely try that first. Of course a better DAC will give you better sound, especially if you go with one of the Schiit multi-bit DACs. Bitfrost would be a good choice and reasonably priced. This will give you a more organic, analog sound without losing any resolution. If you really want to go max detail and resolution, a higher priced option would be Chord Qutest. Having said that, it would be best to prioritize the TP over an external DAC if budget is tight.

3. Depends on if your USB source is terrible. A lot of PC and laptops are. Ifi makes several USB conditioners at several price points. If you go with a Schiit or Chord, then you don't need anything as both feature galvanically isolated USB input.