[redmagic]

I am looking for a new tube amp to go with my HE-500s and my DT-880s (600 ohms). I have owned a tube amp before, so I know and quite like what "tube sound" is. I currently have a budget of around $1200, though I can go a bit higher if need be. I will be using this with a Schiit Bifrost DAC, if that matters.

Thanks

 

[NA Blur]

I think the WA3 and WA6 amps are pretty good.

 

[redmagic]

I think the WA3 and WA6 amps are pretty good.

How does the WA6-SE compare to the normal WA6? Would it be worth spending the extra $400?

 

[NA Blur]

To many of us the addition of a separate power supply is key to getting the best performance out of any amp.  I think the cost is worth it especially if you do not want to have to upgrade later.

 

[redmagic]

To many of us the addition of a separate power supply is key to getting the best performance out of any amp.  I think the cost is worth it especially if you do not want to have to upgrade later.

Alright, the WA6-SE it is then if I decide to go with Woo Audio.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

get the WA6-SE, i currently use it for the He-500 and loved it for beyerdynamic headphones in the past. (770/990/T1). works great and you have plenty of options for tube rolling as well (sophia 274b and 6DR7 from woo audio seems like a good choice). stock tubes are ok as well though.
 
i dont think the WA6 would be able to power the HE-500 well, its a good amp but not as powerful as the WA6-SE. might struggle a bit with HE-500.  as for the WA3, very bad choice for He-500, good choice for dt 880.

 

[redmagic]

Any other recommendations for tube amp brands/models?

 

[Dubstep Girl]

lafigaro 339 is supposed to be really good with HE-500, and should pair great with dt 880s as well. don't know too much about it though.

 

[redmagic]

I think I may just go with the WA6-SE. It seems to be the best in my price range after doing some research.

 

[redmagic]

After doing some research I read that the WA2 would also be a good match for the headphones mentioned. How does that compare to the WA6-SE?

 

[Dubstep Girl]

WA2 not a good match with HE-500. WA2 would be great for the dt 880 though. and the WA6-SE is good with both. 

 

[d34dh0r53]

Currently listening to them on my starving student (alternate BOM) and loving life.  I have also done the jergpad mod on the cans and highly recommend it.  I also highly recommend listening to Trampled by Turtles

 

[CJG888]

Opera Consonance Cyber 20?
 
I'm very happy with it (driving HE-500s and HD600s). You should upgrade the stock tubes, though (Mullard on the input and Psvane on the EL84s works well).
 
If you want a tube amp to drive both high and low impedance cans, you'll have to focus on transformer coupled designs or hybrids.....

 

[atomicbob]

The Woo WA7 drives the HE-500 very well but doesn't offer the tube rolling opportunities of the WA6-SE.

 

[giantry]

How do you guys feel about the schitt lyr vs the la figaro 339?