Results 1 to 12 of 12
Thread: Just conducted an experiment
-
December 11, 2021, 02:22 PM #1Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 5,951
Just conducted an experiment
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.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
-
December 11, 2021, 05:47 PM #2Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- SE Pa
- Posts
- 2,036
Re: Just conducted an experiment
nothing like the euphoric distortion of tubes, that being said in a good sense !
Cheers ! …. Dave
-
December 11, 2021, 07:01 PM #3Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 5,951
Re: Just conducted an experiment
The Woo definitely has more of the "tubbiness" then the Hattor has
.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
-
December 11, 2021, 09:03 PM #4Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- SE Pa
- Posts
- 2,036
Re: Just conducted an experiment
gotcha, kinda like CJ / Cary vs ARC ........
Originally Posted by Randy Myers
The Woo definitely has more of the "tubbiness" then the Hattor has.Cheers ! …. Dave
-
December 12, 2021, 12:57 AM #5Senior Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2013
- Location
- East Bay, CA
- Posts
- 2,413
Re: Just conducted an experiment
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. Originally Posted by Randy Myers
-
December 20, 2021, 06:56 PM #6Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 5,951
Re: Just conducted an experiment
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.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
-
December 29, 2021, 12:25 PM #7Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 5,951
Re: Just conducted an experiment
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.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
-
December 29, 2021, 01:05 PM #8Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Wilmington, De.
- Posts
- 194
Re: Just conducted an experiment
I'll be very interested to see your findings. The GS-X Mini was on my short list when I was auditioning for a new headphone amp in the summer.
Speakers- Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II, Amp - Pass Labs X150.5, Preamp - McIntosh C2600, Turntable - Music Hall MMF-9.3, Cartridge - Goldring Eroica LX, Phono PreAmp - Sutherland Insight, Digital Playback - Rotel RCD-1072, DAC - Bryston BDA-3, Headphones - Sennheiser HD-660S, and Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Headphone Amp - Bryston BHA-1
-
December 29, 2021, 01:13 PM #9Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 5,951
Re: Just conducted an experiment
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.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
-
January 21, 2022, 01:58 PM #10Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 5,951
Re: Just conducted an experiment
Hey Jack, I've given my opinions on the HeadAmp GS-X Mini is this other thread... Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington
HeadAmp Headphone AmplifierMcIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
-
January 21, 2022, 03:37 PM #11Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Wilmington, De.
- Posts
- 194
Re: Just conducted an experiment
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.Last edited by Jack in Wilmington; January 21, 2022 at 03:40 PM. Reason: Misspelled
Speakers- Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II, Amp - Pass Labs X150.5, Preamp - McIntosh C2600, Turntable - Music Hall MMF-9.3, Cartridge - Goldring Eroica LX, Phono PreAmp - Sutherland Insight, Digital Playback - Rotel RCD-1072, DAC - Bryston BDA-3, Headphones - Sennheiser HD-660S, and Drop + Dan Clark Audio Ether CX. Headphone Amp - Bryston BHA-1
-
January 21, 2022, 03:56 PM #12Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Location
- Kansas
- Posts
- 5,951
Re: Just conducted an experiment
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!
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
Reply With Quote
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
After 1 year of tremendous enjoyment with my new gear, I have been so lucky to audition a Gryphon Antileon EVO. Being dazzled by the sheer control through unlimited power and resulting vividness and...
Upgrade on the way...