Woo4 MPX3 Zana Deux

[milezone]

Hi,

I have been in the market for a tube amp and have narrowed it down to these three I have a few pairs of headphones my favorite being my K701, and my Pro750's, and ATHW5000 (in that order). I also have a pair of Edition 9's on the way. The Woo4 and MPX3 would be upgraded with blackgates and possibly a new transformer and wiring for the MPX3. I am also interested in the Woo6 (fully upgraded) but will buy the Woo4 if it is superior. If anyone can provide insight here please help with my decision.

 

[purk]

There are several MPX3 in the sale/trade forum. I will go for that first. The Zana Deux is also excellent and is probably the best you can get under 2k. What's your budget?

Purk

 

[Michael Avin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by purk /img/forum/go_quote.gif There are several MPX3 in the sale/trade forum. I will go for that first. The Zana Deux is also excellent and is probably the best you can get under 2k. What's your budget? Purk

In my experience, the plain MPX3 does not have the oomph to drive the K701's.
The Woo audio 6 drives them very well. I have not had experience with the ZD.

 

[tom hankins]

There are three very nice MPX3s in the for sale forum. One has the high voltage output, and another has the Slam adapters. Either of these will drive the 701s. There is also a toaster style Supra with upgrades and high voltage output. These amps are GREAT. Plus no wait time.

 

[Ricey20]

yah if your planning on buying used i'd get a singlepower. New ones aren't really great values but used ones are usually very great values. That and you don't have to wait for build time and such. If you go with new and direct from manufacturer I'd probably go with Woo since his service is a lot better usually.

 

[milezone]

I've done some research. Right now I am looking at the MPX3 with some of the caps upgraded to blackgates and an upgraded transformer, or the toaster Supra. Those of you who have heard them or know something about these products please provide help as I am very torn. Also is the WA5 worth the extra money? And should I still be considering the Zana Deux or settle with a Singlepower and upgrade when necessary? Thank you.

 

[tom hankins]

I have owned the Toaster style Supra with upgrades (SDS). Purk owns it now and Mulveling has one that is stock. They are not the prettiest amps around but they are absolutely great sounding amps. I have heard various MPX3s. They are nice also but not on the level of the Toaster Supra. I had a chance of listening to the Woo 5 when Purk had it for review. I preferred the SP toaster amp. The SP was more refined and smoother, the Woo had a more powerful sound. Also remember tube cost when considering the 300B tubes. Does the Toaster amp have the high voltage upgrade? IMO its the #1 upgrade.

 

[tom hankins]

Also Mulveling owns a Toaster SDS, Supra SE (new model) with high voltage and the Zana Duex. I am pretty sure he owns all three is because they are all very nice amps. He has also spent time in home with the Woo5.

 

[milezone]

Thanks for the help thus far.

 

[calaf]

the Woo4 is a headphone and speaker amp. If you don't need to drive (high efficiency) speakers, you may want to consider the Woo2. The Woo2 is more flexible and sounds better than a stock Woo 6 driving K701. I can't comment how a tricked-up Woo6 compares to it nor how a Woo 2 would fare with low-impedance cans.

 

[Ricey20]

WA5-LE so u wont get upgraditis after

oh the WA6 doesnt sound that great with the W5000. The WA6 causes the W5k's soundstage to really narrow and thats one of the main highlights of that can. I didnt enjoy it very much, WA6 is good with HD650 tho.

 

[milezone]

I'm quite torn. I'm steering away from Woo because I eventually want to go balanced and a SP amp would allow me to upgrade. While I want tubes I am also considering these two SS amps, RSA Apache (because of balanced jacks) and the Rudistor RPX33 (because I've heard it provides unparalleled synergy with the Edition 9's), also if I could find a balanced b22 for a decent price I would buy it.

 

[tom hankins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milezone /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm quite torn. I'm steering away from Woo because I eventually want to go balanced and a SP amp would allow me to upgrade. While I want tubes I am also considering these two SS amps, RSA Apache (because of balanced jacks) and the Rudistor RPX33 (because I've heard it provides unparalleled synergy with the Edition 9's), also if I could find a balanced b22 for a decent price I would buy it.

Go Tubes!

Check out the feedback on the balanced Supra at the recent NY meet.

 

[Ricey20]

I think the Apache would be a good match since it supposedly works well with many headphones. I hear the RPX33 is good with E9s but not sure about other cans. balanced beta would be good too.
And I agree, tubes rock. I originally thought the concept of tubes and stuff wouldnt match with me but after getting a WA6 that changed.