Hi All,
I have been somewhat static with my rig for a number of years: Woo WA6-SE, Senn HD600, Grado GH-1 & ZMF Vibro ii. I have been thinking of throwing a few bucks into it (less then 500) to try something new. One thought I had was to try a sold state amp, maybe a Schiit Asgard or a Drop THX AAA One. Also thought about maybe getting a Sundara or a pair of AKG phones. Sources are either a vinyl rig, the first Bifrost or a Hiby R3 Pro Saber. Any ideas to help me switch it up a little? Also have a few IEM’s which I use with the Hiby and also the Woo (with varying success).
I’d really try some new headphones tbh, your source is solid and I wouldn’t change them that much unless you wanted to try some headphones that have pretty different amp needs, I’d just look into new cans. The sundara would be pretty interesting to try (not ideal for the woo but shouldn’t be bad or anything), trying to find a used audeze lcd 2 would be pretty enjoyable on that setup, trying a beyerdynamic like a used t1 gen 2 or 880 600 ohm would be worthwhile, while it’s personally not my favorite on an amp like the woo (but some people like it) a focal elex might be an interesting pickup. A fostex biodynamic like a x00 ebony, emu teak, denon d7200 (preferably 7000) would be good, etc
It really just depends on what sort of sound you are after and what you think is currently missing in your setup that you want, so knowing that would be pretty helpful
Well, hard for me to say. I don’t really feel like I’m missing anything with that rig, but not having tried a bunch of different headphones, it’s hard to say. Really just wanted something different to check out. I did have a Bayer T1 (Gen 1) and ended up selling it. It really did not do much for me.
Gotcha
Good to know
In that case I think finding a used lcd 2 (pre fazor if you can), would be a pretty large change of pace, something pretty different from what you have now. A warmer smoother a bit more relaxed headphone that’s fairly wide, reasonably technical, and has great extension, impact, and control, fairly large sounding in presentation. Should pair pretty well with the woo
The foster biodyna variants have great low end and are very impactful, pretty natural timbre, typically a smaller but deep stage, fairly resolving, more forward and fun. Might get a bit more soft and less controlled on the woo but shouldn’t be that big of a problem
The elex has a more unique presentation that feels more spherical than normal, and puts a large focus on overall dynamics which can be pretty fun, it’s signature is more w shaped, pretty resolving and technical without overdoing it, great speed and separation. It might be hit or miss pairing wise with the woo, so you’d have to see there
The sundara is a nice headphone, I only hesitate due to the pairing with the woo but I don’t think it would hamper much, it’s going to be a more clean and linear signature that’s fairly quick and detailed, good separation, nice micro focus overall.
For the akg it depends on what one you would be wanting to try, I’d consider something like a k712 over the other akg to try since I think that’s a good example of what they offer
If you did want to try out another amp instead, I would consider the asgard 3 if you were looking for something a bit warmer smoother and wider, or something like a geschelli erish for something cleaner more forward and more deep. The lake people g103 fits well inbetween that. I just feel like you might find it to be more a significant step down from the amp you have at least based off my experience with stuff like that (perhaps a solid state more in the 500 ish range would be less of one)
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Focal Elex is a great suggestion
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Definitely. When they’re on sale too its an incredible value.
NOS tubes for the WA6SE??
With whatever you buy definitely the Asgard over the AAA one in regards to fun unless you really want that linearity.
Something like an ELEX is an upgrade to the HD600 but it’s a familiar sound… But with excellent dynamic slam and more excitement and bass extension
Maybe something like an LCD2C massive dynamic punch is fun and bass texture…its very relaxed up top though its not the most exciting treble certainly. Very impactful though most likely will resemble a similar energy to the ZMF Vibro more open though with a larger speaker like stage representation of the music.
Thanks for all of the well thought out suggestions! I got a little laugh at the suggestion of NOS tubes for the Woo (not that it’s a bad suggestion), but because I really went down that rabbit hole and own quite a few! I’m thinking at this point that the Focal Elex sounds like something I’d be interested in. Looking at using eoy bonus money/tax refund, so I’ll check drop in Jan to see what it’s selling for. Just out of curiosity, any love for the Meze 99 clasics?
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I was Very fond of my 99 Classic’s! They were the ultimate mobile headphone. Light on the head, very comfortable, great sound (with a pronounced bass), beautiful to look at and super easy to drive. Perfect partner with my LG V30 phone and great with any DAP.
To me, the only downside was that I didn’t feel that they scaled up with my table system. And since I have not been working for a long time, and no need for mobile 'phones, I sold them off.