While I've not heard the Forge, I couldn't be happier with the Pendant SE. I was concerned about that same issue that maybe it was too solid state like. There are many tube rolling options, discussed especially in the last few months on the Pendant thread. The ones I've settled on aren't necessarily warm, but they do have that euphonic tube flavor. Obviously different, but I also have the Arya as my only planar and it's spectacular on the low Z output.
i have a Pendant SE and Kenzie Ovation. the ovation has a more euphonic presentation vs the pendant, while retaining a high level of technical ability. i actually think it might be more detailed than the pendant, despite being warmer. but it's close overall. so if you are looking at Ampsandsound amps specifically, i'd include the Kenzie Ovation or Encore on your list. i love my ovation so much i'm likely going to sell the pendant. can't comment on the Forge, haven't heard it, sorry.
Thank you for the recommendation! While the Ovation does sound enticing, it is a little above the price range I'm looking at currently. I may be swayed to stretch to the Mogwai SE but even that would be pushing it. Thats why I was hoping the Forge was a direct upgrade to Kenzie OG, presenting with the euphonic quality but maintaining detail comparable to the Pendant.
Man, I could not be more excited to try and spend $3000! Really hoping I can get a set that I really like this time. Take my money, please!
The MicroZOTL 2 sounds fantastic with the VC and the HE1000, both of which I own. I was thrilled with its sound using the original, less expensive power supply (PS). I didn’t upgrade to the linear power supply (LPS) for 5+ years. When I did it was only because I was already upgrading power supplies for the DAC and CD player.
Pretty sure Forge is based on the Mogwai OG, which is no longer in production. So, probably a totally different sound/feel than Kenzie.
I have the Mogwai OG (which the Forge is based on), VC, and the LCD-X. For me the pairing is fantastic. Tube rolling on it has limitless combinations (my favorite is a Tong Sol 6sl7 along with a couple of Tong Sol 6L6 STRs). The Forge is even better due to the fact that it has the upgraded caps on it already.
Does the Mogwai OG have the classic warm, euphonic tube sound? Or moreso with the Tong Sol? I know the Kenzie is listed as the "warm" ampsandsound offering.
i can speak for the tube rolling i did on my Mogwai OG.
Thanks! Here in the EU this is almost 1600 Euros unfortunately, so above my budget. Any other suggestions?
You should ask @jtnt this. I'm sure he'd give you a no-BS answer.
Have you looked into a La Figaro 339? I had one prior to getting my Glenn, which was before the VC dropped, but it sounded very nice with my other ZMF headphones. It also was very good driving the old HE500, so perhaps it will work well with your planar , but I would research that first.Thanks! Here in the EU this is almost 1600 Euros unfortunately, so above my budget. Any other suggestions?
