Just conducted an experiment

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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I have been curious about how the amazing Woo WA22 headphone amp would perform as a pre-amp. Although it only has two inputs (I need three) and one set of XLR outputs I certainly could improvise with it if it were worthy.

By using the outputs off the NAD amplifier to the subwoofers a single set of XLR outputs from the WA22 would work.

The Woo is a fantastically built all tube piece, and as I thought it would, it worked wonderfully. However, the Hattor top of the line three box solution definitely sounds noticeably better. The Woo sounds more "tubey", kind of warm, a bit bottom heavy, but still smooth and inviting. The Hattor has much more definition, more air around instruments, better separation, and much more dynamic.

Quite noticeable and confirms to me that the Hattor with the matching tube stage is a quite excellent pre-amp. The Woo is certainly a fantastic backup and could step in as a daily driver if ever needed.
 
nothing like the euphoric distortion of tubes, that being said in a good sense !
 
Randy Myers said:
I have been curious about how the amazing Woo WA22 headphone amp would perform as a pre-amp. Although it only has two inputs (I need three) and one set of XLR outputs I certainly could improvise with it if it were worthy.

By using the outputs off the NAD amplifier to the subwoofers a single set of XLR outputs from the WA22 would work.

The Woo is a fantastically built all tube piece, and as I thought it would, it worked wonderfully. However, the Hattor top of the line three box solution definitely sounds noticeably better. The Woo sounds more "tubey", kind of warm, a bit bottom heavy, but still smooth and inviting. The Hattor has much more definition, more air around instruments, better separation, and much more dynamic.

Quite noticeable and confirms to me that the Hattor with the matching tube stage is a quite excellent pre-amp. The Woo is certainly a fantastic backup and could step in as a daily driver if ever needed.
Click to expand...

Interesting you posted this, Randy, because some years ago, I hooked up my Schiit Valhalla 2 tube headphone amp as a preamp, going to my CJ LP70S instead of my CT-5 as preamp. And frankly, I was rather amazed at just how good it was. Only one input, but, Man! It was really impressive. It was so good I've thought about using it as a preamp for my little Nelson Pass-designed Amp Camp amps. If you only require one input a time, that combo would make for a killer combination and one that would perform way, way above the cost of the components.
 
Well I got rid of the Woo in favor of a highly rated solid state amp. The HeadAmp GS-X Mini which has the exact same pre-amp functions except controllable on the front instead of rear switches (will make a nice backup pre if ever needed). More compact will fit my use and environment much better.
 
I have a HeadAmp GS-X Mini on its way to me. After it gets broken in I plan on conducting the same experience mainly out of curiosity. I was a bit shocked at how the Woo, as a pre-amp, got owned by the Hattor setup.

By the way, the HeadAmp actually has both XLR and RCA pre-amp outputs that are designed to be used simultaneously. Great for use with a power amplifier and powered subwoofers. Obviously being used as a pre-amp was considered as part of its design. I only wish it had three inputs instead of just two :). Their step-up model (the GS_X MKII) does have three inputs, however the GS-X Mini is newer and rated by some (Abyss) as better over all sounding.
 
Definitely will... it appears to be very highly rated and I know for sure that the guys at Abyss absolutely love it, although they actually recommend to get the standard volume control versus the updated (more expensive) one.
 
Hey Randy,
My friend just emailed me and he's not happy with his new ZMF-VC headphones. I'm thinking it might be his headphone amp. He wants to try the Susvara next and I mentioned the Abyss Diana Phi as I see it is one of your favorites and I also mentioned the Meze.
 
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Hey Jack,

I do love the Abyss Diana Phi. They have a new version out call the Diana TC. I also recently got a pair of less expensive phones for work because I didn't feel it was a good idea to continue taking such an expensive headphone to work like I have been doing for a while.

The HifiMan Ananda are actually rather amazing. Very good sounding and comfortable although they are larger then the Abyss. They work great with my Astell&Kern portable! And for the price they are pretty wow (well for the deal I got them for)... They retail for $999 but can usually be found for $699. HeadAmp gave me a great deal plus let me use a coupon they gave me with my new amp!

The HifiMan Susvara should be amazing... one of the best on the market, right up there with the Abyss AB1266 Phi TC :).... But, I hear they are not the easiest to drive. I would think a good amplifier is a requirement. There certainly are more expensive amplifiers then the HeadAmp GS-X Mini, shoot I have had one that was close to three times the price, but I would choose the HeadAmp over all of them. I know that some of the guys at Abyss use it as one of their reference amplifiers!
 
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