WooAudio 6 vs Meier Opera,,,???

[HardHeadCase]

I am considering the WA6 with all the options and the Opera with the Dac. I am really having a hard time deciding, I use the K701s with my Harman Kardon AVR 240 now. I like a smooth top end and a TIGHT bass.

Lossless > X-Fi Gamer or Ipod w/Bridge > AVR 240 > K701

I am such a Grean Pea to all this, but one thing is for sure, Im hooked on Head-Fi and my new cans!

 

[ounkchicago]

I have neither but...

...the WA6 is a tube amp and the Opera is solid state.

 

[HardHeadCase]

I know about the fundemental differences between the two. I have an HK AVR 240 on my desk and because of this I can integrate either amp with ease. This will be my first HP amp and I was hoping to get some input from people who have experience with either or both. The Meier is more practical and the Woo is amazing looking especially in Black.

Lossless > X-Fi Gamer or Ipod w/Bridge > AVR 240 > K701

 

[LeChuck]

Quote:

I like a smooth top end and a TIGHT bass.

I think the Gilmore Lite is all of these things, especially punchy and tight. That being said, it's quite revealing of your source.

 

[GAD]

Quote:

The Meier is more practical and the Woo is amazing looking especially in Black.

Buying an amp based on looks doesn't make sense.

They're both great amps from what I've read. I have a Woo6 (no mods), but have not heard the Meier. I like the Woo a lot. It looks great too. My GS-1 sounded better, but didn't look as cool.

I shouldn't post when I'm this tired...

GAD

 

[MrLA]

GAD, if you recall GS-1 runs a little warm, how hot is the woo6 in comparision to GS-1?

 

[HardHeadCase]

I was just hoping for some comments on the sound of each. A tight bass is most important for me. I see lots of people like both but if the Woo doesnt eclispe the Meier then I guess I would have to opt for the functionality of the Meier.

 

[HardHeadCase]

How about an RSA Raptor,??? Would that be better than both?

 

[ounkchicago]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardHeadCase /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was just hoping for some comments on the sound of each. A tight bass is most important for me. I see lots of people like both but if the Woo doesnt eclispe the Meier then I guess I would have to opt for the functionality of the Meier.

A lot of people like both but these are two amps that aren't typically compared head to head. Of course, now that you've started this thread, hopefully someone can chime in with a direct comparison.

 

[GAD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrLA /img/forum/go_quote.gif GAD, if you recall GS-1 runs a little warm, how hot is the woo6 in comparision to GS-1?

The Woo6 amp itself doesn't get even warm, but the tubes get hot.

GAD

 

[GAD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardHeadCase /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about an RSA Raptor,??? Would that be better than both?

What is it that you want? Tubey-ness? Detail? Features?

The Raptor has been reported to be a very solid-state sounding tube amp.

Do you need a DAC? If you do the Meier is the only one you listed that has one.

There are a lot of amps in the price range you're mentioning - ~$1000.

The GS-1 w/DACT is a great amp too.

You have to narrow down what kind of sound you like. One is not necessarily "better" than the other - they all sound slightly different.

GAD

 

[PuffyElvis]

It might help you to think of this as your first of many amps, instead of your first and only. You may even wish to split your money between two amps, one very solid state sounding and one very tube sounding.

I find that depending on my mood and what kind of music I want to listen to I reach for different headphones. Right now I really like my Grados and I'm shopping for a tube amp. Other days I reach for my Senns.

One of the most fun parts of being an audiophile for me is being able to tune my musical experience. Having two more moderately priced, but still great sounding amps may be an enjoyable alternative for you!

 

[HardHeadCase]

Ok I will try to describe what I am looking for. DAC would be nice but not necessary as I have an HK AVR 240 sitting on my desk. I want a sound that is very tight in the bass, with plenty of extension. I want a sweet airy top end that is not shrill or analytical. Im new to this so I may not know how to describe that sound im looking for as well as others.

Tight Bass
Clear, Airy Upper End
Lots of Detail and Clairity
Sweet, Not Harsh

In that order. Dont really care if its Tube or Solid Sate, Woos stuff is very nice to look at but That is a minor consideration compared to the sound. If anyone has ever listend to the difference between a Sony receiver and a Harman Kardon receiver than you know what im looking for. Thanks for all the responses.

 

[MrLA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardHeadCase /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ok I will try to describe what I am looking for. DAC would be nice but not necessary as I have an HK AVR 240 sitting on my desk. I want a sound that is very tight in the bass, with plenty of extension. I want a sweet airy top end that is not shrill or analytical. Im new to this so I may not know how to describe that sound im looking for as well as others. Tight Bass Clear, Airy Upper End Lots of Detail and Clairity Sweet, Not Harsh In that order. Dont really care if its Tube or Solid Sate, Woos stuff is very nice to look at but That is a minor consideration compared to the sound. If anyone has ever listend to the difference between a Sony receiver and a Harman Kardon receiver than you know what im looking for. Thanks for all the responses.

u will find all that with headamp gs-1 with or without DACT.

 

[Asr]

You're planning to amp from an X-Fi or an iPod? Er...upgrade source first!