Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions

Dare I get a tube amp?

more_vert
So, I’m currently running a Sony HAP-S1 as my base station with a pair of HD6xx’s. It’s a good multipurpose box since it’s a combo DAC/amp/hard drive. However, I know it can be run out to a bigger amp since it’s not designed to power much more than bookshelf speakers (it maxes out quickly on my Cabasse reference set). In short, as I understand it, it would work as a preamp+DAC if I ran an RCA out. Anyone have a take on whether it’s worth me adding a tube amp and, if so, which one is worth it? I’m interested in something that can still work with my headphones as well as my speakers.
Vote
6
remove_red_eye
108

search
close
ohsigmachi
232
Jul 12, 2018
Get a Darkvoice 336SE and a NOS Silvertone 6SN7 tube. I'm listening to it through my 6XXs right now and it is GOLD!
Dubharmonic
90
Jul 5, 2018
Tubes do sound different, but we can't tell you if you'll like the difference :-)
mindhead1
599
Jul 2, 2018
I’m a big fan of the DarkVoice 336SE. The 6xx soumd great with it and you can have a lot fun tube rolling if your into that.
Heinsbeans
15
Jul 12, 2018
mindhead1I've tried everything but I could never get HD650 to sound just as good as my HD600 on DV336SE. I don't have much tubes to roll with besides Tung sol 7236, Sylvania 6SN7W & GE 6SN7GTB.
mindhead1
599
Jul 12, 2018
HeinsbeansSounds like you are in the HD600 camp I'm terms of preference. I've never heard those so maybe I'm missing out.
Rhamnetin
172
Jul 1, 2018
HD 6XX sounds best with tube amps to me. I am guessing a Bottlehead Crack 1.1 especially with the Speedball upgrade will be a nice improvement. Can't say for sure since I don't know anything about the Sony HAP-S1 really.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile