[Uri Cohen]

I'm back to post in this thread, since I have a similar issue.

I use Grados for my main headphones, so I thought the WA6-SE will be perfect for my needs. When I emailed Woo today, they stated they actually recommend the WA2 for the best amp for Grados. I did say in my email that I was looking for a warm but not too warm sound that can help to deal with the worst that digital can do to my ears (really bright highs at times).

So I'm curious, who else use the Grados on the WA2? I heard nothing but good things about the WA6-SE, so I was taken back on their recommendation on the WA2. I use the GH1 and GH2 for my headphones, and thinking about getting the GS2000e in the future.

 

[Alexcao87]

Best review, thank u so much

 

[vlach]

In my brief listen, I easily preferred the Woo WA6SE.

Spareribs,
My question is a stretch given the post is 9 years old...but if you're still around, do you remember which headphone you used in your brief listen?

 

[Spareribs]

Spareribs,
My question is a stretch given the post is 9 years old...but if you're still around, do you remember which headphone you used in your brief listen?

AKG K701. That amp is fantasy IMO. The power supply on that unit is quality which makes a difference

 

[Spareribs]

Spareribs,
My question is a stretch given the post is 9 years old...but if you're still around, do you remember which headphone you used in your brief listen?

Fantastic I meant to say. (From my writing error)

 

[Dubstep Girl]

AKG K701. That amp is fantasy IMO. The power supply on that unit is quality which makes a difference

K701 + WA6SE is a very enjoyable combo. Always liked that headphone with Woo’s, they pair very well together

 

[baka1969]

Interesting thread revival!

This was one of my all-time favorite tube amps. The versatility is impressive. If I were to go back to a full system I'd have this in it.

I still have the AKG Q702 and enjoy them.

I hope this review is still somewhat valid even with the newer versions.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

yes!

 

[MrHeadphone86]

Thread Revival!
Would people still say that today, in 2024, the Woo Audio WA6-SE is still one of the best performing transformer coupled headphone tube amplifiers in it's price range? Would there be any other recommendations superior to this today in powering Sennheiser HD 800S?
Look forward to hearing your responses

 

[baka1969]

Although I don't have any direct recent experience with the HE6 SE, and they have an upgraded 2nd Gen version, I would believe it would pair quite well with the HD800S. I was a tremendous fan and if I were to go back to a full-sized tube setup, I would go back to the Woo.

 

[vlach]

Thread Revival!
Would people still say that today, in 2024, the Woo Audio WA6-SE is still one of the best performing transformer coupled headphone tube amplifiers in it's price range? Would there be any other recommendations superior to this today in powering Sennheiser HD 800S?
Look forward to hearing your responses

Wouldn't the WA2 be a better match for the HD800S' 300 ohm impedance?
I own the WA2 and think it is heavenly with the HD800 however i haven't heard the WA-6 SE.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

Wouldn't the WA2 be a better match for the HD800S' 300 ohm impedance?
I own the WA2 and think it is heavenly with the HD800 however i haven't heard the WA-6 SE.

it is!

the wa6-se is good too but wa2 is better with hd 800/800s

 

[baka1969]

it is!

the wa6-se is good too but wa2 is better with hd 800/800s

I'm going to say this is a subjective call. I, myself, preferred the WA6-SE to the WA2 for the HD800. Both were excellent but I gave the edge to the 6-SE.

 

[MrHeadphone86]

I'm going to say this is a subjective call. I, myself, preferred the WA6-SE to the WA2 for the HD800. Both were excellent but I gave the edge to the 6-SE.

Indeed subjective... and it was never my intent to flair up the old OTL vs. TC debate lol "Sibling Rivalry" indeed
Where I'm coming from is using a Chord Mojo 1 for DAC and AMP, therefore I would think either tube amp will be an improvement. From all the reviews I've watched and read, my understanding is:
WA2 OTL = A very holographic (depth and width) soundstage, but with a more polite, slower, laid back presentation - warmer, with the quintessential "Tube" sound.
WA6-SE TC = Likewise, a very holographic (depth and width) soundstage (some have said even more so than the WA2), but with a faster, dynamic, more energetic presentation - closer to but just shy of "solid state" - a balance inbetween the WA2 and pure solid state, I'm told.

I mostly listen to Jazz and Classical, which led me to believe that the WA2 would be the better suit. However, I have been warned of possible 'capacitor vail' and sluggish performance. On the other hand I have been advised OTL and Sennheiser HD800S have a magical pairing. People have also stated that the TC WA6-SE might be better suited for the Sennheiser HD800S as it exemplifies the agility/ dynamics and accuracy of the headphone to it's fullest extent, while still smoothening off the harsh nighs, where as the OTL WA2 might thicken the sound too much, reducing the full ability of the headphone. I have been told the 600/650/6XX series is better suited to OTL's and 800 series is better suited to higher end TC amps as they have a better ability to scale with amplifier resolution - not bogged down...

Again this is all subjective to different peoples, different preferences. I guess I'll just need to find somewhere to test each side-by-side and see which I prefer.

 

[vlach]

Indeed subjective... and it was never my intent to flair up the old OTL vs. TC debate lol "Sibling Rivalry" indeed
Where I'm coming from is using a Chord Mojo 1 for DAC and AMP, therefore I would think either tube amp will be an improvement. From all the reviews I've watched and read, my understanding is:
WA2 OTL = A very holographic (depth and width) soundstage, but with a more polite, slower, laid back presentation - warmer, with the quintessential "Tube" sound.
WA6-SE TC = Likewise, a very holographic (depth and width) soundstage (some have said even more so than the WA2), but with a faster, dynamic, more energetic presentation - closer to but just shy of "solid state" - a balance inbetween the WA2 and pure solid state, I'm told.

I mostly listen to Jazz and Classical, which led me to believe that the WA2 would be the better suit. However, I have been warned of possible 'capacitor vail' and sluggish performance. On the other hand I have been advised OTL and Sennheiser HD800S have a magical pairing. People have also stated that the TC WA6-SE might be better suited for the Sennheiser HD800S as it exemplifies the agility/ dynamics and accuracy of the headphone to it's fullest extent, while still smoothening off the harsh nighs, where as the OTL WA2 might thicken the sound too much, reducing the full ability of the headphone. I have been told the 600/650/6XX series is better suited to OTL's and 800 series is better suited to higher end TC amps as they have a better ability to scale with amplifier resolution - not bogged down...

Again this is all subjective to different peoples, different preferences. I guess I'll just need to find somewhere to test each side-by-side and see which I prefer.

The results of your research are very similar to mine, we must've read the same reviews!
I had the Quicksilver HPA which is a competitor to the WA6-SE. Powerful, quick, dynamic and very SS sounding. Definitelty a dryer and cooler presentation than the WA2.
The conclusion for me was that the HD800 didn't sound full bodied through the QS compared to the WA2. This is due to the low output impedance of the QS (resulting in less mid-bass) and i would guess with non-OTLs in general with the HD800.
I enjoy the slight warmth the WA2 provides (a good thing/synergy for the somewhat dry HD800), especially for jazz. Most of all, i enjoy its tonality, midrange 'bloom' and it is also silky smooth compared to the QS. My reasoning was that since i wanted tube sound then the WA2 was the logical and preferred choice.
Not trying to influence you either way, just sharing my experience.

Edit: Another aspect to consider is listening fatigue which I've never experienced with the WA2 but would experience with the QS after roughly 20-30min.