Headphone amps

Danlib1,
I compared it to the Antique Sound Labs MG Head DT OTL mk III (say that fast 3 times) and the Grado RA-1. I preferred it over these two with the stock tubes. The Woo sounds even better with the Mullard tubes as well. IMHO, I don't think you can beat it for under $500.

I also used it as a preamp for a month while I was between preamps. Although it didn't embarass itself, sounding quite sweet at times, I wouldn't recommend it as such. It was a bit noisy and limited operationally for my preamp tastes. I had just sold my BAT VK-31SE, so it is quite a step down from that, as one would expect.

As for customer service, I wouldn't say they are the best either. The unit comes with no manual or power cord. If you buy direct from Woo Audio, they e-mail you a 2 page manual, which tells you there is no power cord. I haven't had any service issues, so I cannot comment on their response. It did take 3 weeks after my order to receive my unit. So overall, I wouldn't say that customer service is their fortay. They do make a good sounding head amp though.

Cheers,
John

I am currently using the same source and phones in my office setup, and can readily endorse the microZOTL. I do agree that it is a touch more laid-back than some SS amps I have heard (Headroom). Nonetheless, I find this to be a good match with the Ring DAC of the Arcam, which I find to be very detailed, yet forward. Good luck - a great headphone setup can amaze and engoss you.

I third the Earmax. Relatively inexpensive OTL tube amp, small and portable, and a very impressive sound with the Sennheisers.

To all,

Thanks for the ideas. I look forward to further research; however, it appears that auditioning some of these units prior to purchase might not be possible since they are mail-order. It does appear that several of the little amps have been endorsed by several people and will likely sound better than my existing, but soon to be eliminated, amp.

John

At the risk of being a copycat, I agree Earmax is very fine with the 600's. I found that the choice of IC's into the Earmax inputs could make big differences in feeling of reality (as defined by the headphone experience), and ability to convey emotion of the music, and it can serve as a quick screener of the quality of IC's before they are inserted into loudspeaker systems which use tube amps.