Headphone Evaluation

Randy Myers said:
I also assume you are using stock tubes. There are so many amazing tubes that bring out even more in these amps.

Again, thank you for sharing your journey! I can't wait until you get the Abyss to listen to with the Woo :).
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Randy,

Yes. Stock tubes. Where would a Tube Newby find out what aftermarket tubes would enhance a WA33?

Thx
Eric
 
Yea, I found good suggestions in the Head-Fi forum. They also have a dedicated WA-22 thread. That is how well regarded Woo is. I have three sets of driver tubes, three rectifiers and two sets of power tubes. Not sure what the 33 needs but sure will get suggestion in that thread. Woo also sells New old stock (NOS) tubes, but they very much charge really premium prices.
 
The big MSB headphone amp shipped and will arrive on the 31st. I have two sets of headphones to evaluate with it: Stax SR 009S and a Dan Clark Audio Voce. Next post this time next week.

Eric
 
Nice... I am curious on how the Dan Clark Audio's hold up compared to the Stax :)....

Of course I am waiting to see how the Abyss with the Woo compares :)... but I know that is a little ways off :P.

I like how you have added the Woo to your signature... awesome.... all that JPS wiring used in the Woo is from Abyss (I actually should say that Abyss is from JPS)... I assume you already know that :).

I wonder if the elite is about the same thing as the JPS Labs Edition sold by Abyss?

"This JPS Labs Edition, sold exclusively by ABYSS, features internal Alumiloy® wiring by JPS Labs, noted for their unique ability to provide life-like clarity and full range coherent sound from the lowest lows to beyond audibility [JPS Labs, the parent company of ABYSS Headphones, designs and manufactures cables for everything ABYSS].

Also part of this JPS Edition are a full upgrade compliment of tubes including KR Audio power tubes, a quad set of 2A3HP and a 274BHP tube rectifier. These High Performance (HP) KR tubes were co-developed by JPS Labs and KR Audio specifically for ABYSS headphones, providing hard hitting powerful bass with excellent control while maintaining all the subtle details and life-like qualities to music that only tubes can provide.

Abyss Headphones considers the WA-33 JPS Labs Edition to be finest tube headphone amplifier money can buy to mate with their AB-1266 Phi TC headphone, or any other high performance headphones that appreciates high dynamic power and grace."
 
Randy,

The Elite upgrades were all internal components. I was conflicted between the Abyss version and the Woo Elite. Ultimately chose the Elite because I intend to use multiple brands of headphones and didn't want one fine tuned for a particular brand.

Elite Edition Adds:
Ultra high-bandwidth, low-loss output transformers custom-made with Single Crystal Copper wires and Ni Alloy metal
Single Crystal copper hook-up and signal wires are used throughout.
[JPS wiring] JPS Alumiloy® hook-up and signal wires are used throughout.
ALPS RK50 4-channel balanced potentiometer in brass enclosure
Mundorf MCap Supreme Silver/Gold capacitor for interstage coupling, one per channel (4pcs)
Mundorf MTube capacitors for voltage filter (3pcs)
Cardas Audio XLR and WBT RCA connectors
WA33 Elite Edition 24k gold-plated plaque
 
Yea, comparing between the two it appears as if they are both aiming in very similar directions... upgrading quality of parts and using higher end JPS wiring. Between the two I bet there is virtually no differences. I believe that either would show their benefits on virtually any high end headphones, especially the Abyss :).

Congratulations on such an amazing machine and I am not surprised that you have concluded that the Woo is a keeper :D.
 
Burning in the MSB Headphone amp starting tonight. I will evaluate it with Dan Clark Audio Voce's and the Stax SR-009S

Eric
 

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I spent an hour with the MSB Headphone amp and the Stax / DCA electrostatic headphones today. I have less than a day of burn-in on the MSB but I just couldn't wait any longer. Bottom line up front. Just freaking amazing. Blackest of black background, articulation to die for, meaty minds just like the M500 monos. I did not feel short changed on the bass at all. Very tight and with body (for a headphone admittedly). The most natural voices I've heard on any headphone amp combination. The soundstage is broad and spacious. Each voice / instrument is precisely placed. Lower volume level voices or instruments in the background stand out with delicate detail. I've heard nothing as intoxicating from audio save for the Magico / MSB two channel system my headphones are replacing. The shimmering metallic clash of cymbals that the Magico's gave me is not present with this setup. But it is darn close. The DAC and amp are creating it, but I don't think the headphones are up to the task yet. Technology marches on so maybe someday soon.

The Stax headphone amp is for sale. I didn't expect it to reach the levels of an amp costing almost 7 times as much as it did but the MSB made the difference much greater than that. The only limitation to the Stax / MSB set up is a limit of physics (for now). You just can't place that central image in front of you like on a well set up two channel system. Not an issue for me since I have every other characteristic of reproduced music that I cherish

I did most of the listening with the Stax SR 009s's. Sadly after switching back and forth several times between DCA Voce and 009 I stopped because I could not bear to take the Stax phones off. I NEEDED them. Not that the Voce's were bad, just not as much of all the characteristics I stated above. I'll keep them for my wife when we listen together. The 009's were a much more comfortable fit and the it's cable was longer making it the ergonomic choice also.

The build quality of the MSB amp is what you can expect from MSB. It's a tank. Beautiful modern design with blast proof construction.

My objective in switching to headphones was to simplify the set up and keep the majority of the audible pleasure. Mission accomplished. I want to hear the Abyss phones with the WA33. I expect an equally satisfying experience. Different but satisfying. That's what audio is all about.
 
That is awesome. I have been using headphones infrequently lately while settling my speaker setup and move to a smaller more confined room. I think I am there and have plans on using headphones a bit more moving forward. The clarity and fullness of the music is simply intoxicating. I am obviously at a step lower level but am thrilled. I can only imagine the MSB/Woo WA33 over my WA22... and the cans you are using versus my Abyss slightly lower model and Focal lower model. Congratz! It sounds like you are enjoying your journey.
 
Cincy,
This is a great thread. Thank you for all your efforts in testing and documenting the results.
 
Congratulations Eric! I’m glad you are discovering great personal audio gear as you transition from a world class 2 channel stereo system. I hope this change fulfills your musical desires.
 
Congrats Eric; you are describing my same experience with the MSB Headphone amp and 009S's. pretty awesome and an end game destination. with the Select II dac it transcends the reproduction chain and any sense of gear or media and becomes a semi 'zen' kinda thing. the whole adding up to greater than the parts.

something different than my 2-channel speaker listening. when i want to focus inward and close down. shuts the world out.

i expect the Abyss + Woo will add a bit of noise, physicality and space, but not be quite as transparent, pure or ethereal. different perspectives + tubes and heat to mess with and fret over.
 
Curious if you will try the blue hawaii or Wooaudio WES with the Stax sr009? Hopefully next week I am trying the new Meze Elite, Stax oo7mks and re -trying the Diana Phi. Sonics wise phi were lovely, but that headband is just creating scalp hot spots. Today I will try with a oem headpad Abyss recommended. Not sure why Abyss did not want a more cushioned headband at this price point??? I wholeheartedly agree Wooaudio's Mike Liang is a prince of a guy and great resource. So far the Wooaudio amps I have auditioned are stone quiet and what are heard were their basic stock tubes.
 
I have never had an issue with the Diana headband... For me it fits really well. I did buy this little headband pad that I think Sony originally made for their high end headphones for when someone desired a little more padding on top. It was only about $40 if I recall, and it did work. I do not have it on right now because for the most part the Abyss band is fine. I might put it back on to try again.

The Blue Hawaii amplifier is one I have always wanted (I think Mike might be carrying them now :dunno:). I would need electrostatic cans though... if Abyss ever make a pair :).... or maybe even Focal. I mean Dan Clark Audio and Audeze recently introduced them, so others might follow... The Dan Clark would be one I would not mind trying.
 
Quick update. I've got quite a few hours on the MSB and Woo amplifiers. I've been using the Stax 009's with the MSB amp and switching between DCA Stealth and Meze Empyrean phones with the Woo WA33. Between electrostatic and planar magnetics at this point, with my biases, the Stax / MSB combo is the clear winner. There is so much more delicate detail and air in the presentation than with the planars. Not that they are bad. Just not as revelatory. My Abyss 1266's ship next Friday. I have to hear them with the Woo. Stax just released another high end version of the 009. Have to hear that too. If I stopped today, the MSB/Stax set-up would be getting all the use in my music room. My only nit is one that all headphones have - No forward projecting soundstage. Someone will figure out how to fix that eventually with some type of processing, hopefully in the amplifier in the analogue domain so it doesn't screw up the digits. Hats off to MSB and Stax. They nailed it.

Eric
 
Awesome Eric, and following your discovery journey has been fun! To even be discussing the Woo a long side of the MSB shows the quality, of course of both products, but the Woo in the same breath with something multiple times more expensive is impressive. I very much enjoy my WA22.

I really am interested in your thoughts on the Abyss. I really like my Diana Phi and I am sure the 1266 are in another level. From your description of the MSB/Stax I would be surprised if they equaled them but I feel positive that they will close that gap :).
 
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