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Advice needed for upgrade path

I need some advice on how to proceed with a HP system upgrade.  It's for a second home, a condo, where a good 2-channel speaker system just isn't practical.  In 5 years or so my wife and I will downsize and the condo HP system will then be it for critical listening.  I currently have a set of HD650s.  For the interim I could simply buy a used Naim Uniti Atom HE and enjoy that with the Senn's until the dreaded downsizing.  Or I could start to put together a HP system for critical listening.  How to start, though?  Maybe get the Naim and a couple of mid-priced used cans from TMR.  Take my time listening to a few different brands like Audeze, ZMF and Meze.  I've visited the HP room at Axpona the last two years but just did not find that setting helpful.  And then there are amps, days and streamers.  My head hurts at the options.  Suggestions? Thanks.

treepmeyer
calieng
203 posts
 

With the HD650 you could match it with an OTL tube headphone amp. 

Woo Audio WA2. Feliks Elise.

With solid state you are listening to music. With tubes you are enjoying music.

 

 

treepmeyer OP
168 posts
 

OK, in my main system I have Stirling Ls3/6 speakers, SVS micro 3000 subs, the Bacch4Mac spacial system and ORC dsp.  Streamer is a Node with LPS and English Electric Ethernet switch.  Amp/dac is Peachtree Gan1 modded by Ric Schultz.  I really like the BBC sound, focusing on a rich mid-range.  I abhor too much detail (cannot listen to Borreson speakers).  and I don't appreciate bass slam.  I'd much rather have low volume subtlety and precision.  Music is eclectic: female vocals, Argentine Tango, Van Morrison, acoustic blues, some classic rock.  I expect that eventually I will port the Bacch system to the headphone setup, but not initially.  

treepmeyer OP
168 posts
 

@calieng You are right: I owe it to myself to try tube amps.  I have no experience with them.  There's a WA22 for $1200 on USAudiomart.  Now for DAC and streamer.

@larsman what tube amps do you recommend?

Thanks.

treepmeyer OP
168 posts
 

@calieng You are right: I owe it to myself to try tube amps.  I have no experience with them.  There's a WA22 for $1200 on USAudiomart.  Now for DAC and streamer.

@larsman what tube amps do you recommend?

Thanks.

brianmid
12 posts
 

If you want to try stuff out, you might check out headphones.com, they have 365 day return policy. 

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