Following some discussion here on a different thread, thought I’d just ask this and see what others think.
For context - I’m evaluating a Ferrum Oor/Hypsos stack versus the Enleum Amp-23r. My current DAC is a Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE and headphones are Susvara, ZMF Atrium and Verite Closed (also own a LCD-5 but selling it).
I was thinking if I keep the Oor instead of the Enleum, I might use the delta money (around $2.5K) to get a good tube amp to complement the Ferrum stack.
I used to own the Woo Audio WA22 gen2 but didn’t like it too much and sold it. Looking for something more tubey if that makes sense?
ZMF Pendant is one example that comes to mind for obvious reasons.
What other good tube amps in that price range are worth considering? Ideally without adding another few grand for other tubes as I don’t think I’ll tube roll much.
Reason I kept the 5K in the title is in case I end up selling both the Oor and Enleum for one TOTL tube amp, what will be your answers then?
I haven’t heard it myself, but in addition to the Pendant, ZMF also just recently started carrying the Cayin HA-300, probably should be on your list of “tube-y” amps to research:
I also know m0n says really good things about the MZ2 and MZ3, but I’m not sure that they fit your preferences here from what I’ve read about them? Still might be worth looking into!
Also, for future reference, this forum has a thread specifically for asking questions about source gear, such as asking for amp and DAC recommendations!
Obvious ones
DNA Stratus - 12 month wait
Eddie Current Studio B - less months wait
You might get lucky and get a used WA33 for 5K, but it will likely be over with shipping
A lot depends what headphones you are trying to drive, I like the Stratus a lot, it’s on the softer side, the EC is dryer and more dynamic, and the WA33 is dryer still and all about the technicalities. None of them are “old woo” ooey gooey.
But you won’t drive a 1266 or Susvara well with the first 2.
Yes if your goal is the susvara, unfortunately many amps in this price range really won’t get it done well imo. There are options still in the price range, but I don’t really think they would be my preference with the susvara as you could have better for the money
You can absolutely get something killer for the zmf in this range, but looking for a susvara is going to come with a lot of compromises
Honestly in this price point, looking for some used tube power amps could be more rewarding if you have to have tube gear
But then your stuck with resistor boxes, and often ridiculous packaging.
I haven’t tried any of the A&S KT88/EL34/6L6 amps, I’m a bit anti A&S because I feel Justin basically lied to my face, but some of those will have plenty of power, didn’t @Draaly use a Mogwai with a Susvara for a while.
Thanks a lot of good recommendations here. I did already assume that with this budget the Ferrum would drive the Susvara and the tubes would be more for the ZMFs. Glad to hear everyone seems to think it’s a reasonable attempt with the proposed budget.
I did manage to find a WA33 for $6K shipped but not sure it answers my needs much, seems like more of the same (with the SS) just with more hassle?
Zach from ZMF did mention they’re working on a collab with decware but that’ll probably cost way over the budget.
This whole thread kind of convinces me that my current path is probably better answered with solid states and then maybe the Enleum with its tubey qualities might be the right choice for now.
Just FWIW, I quite like forge with both VC and susvara. 2.5k should be enough budget to allow you to step up to the mogwai SE as well if you are hunting used. You can also get a modwright tryst in that range IIRC
Feliks Envy (when paired with the Susvaras)has been getting rave initial impressions from Munich.
It’s a transformer coupled design.
But it’s north of 6k euros, so it’s beyond the 5k budget.
Honestly most high end tube amps you will see are transformer coupled, almost all of the aforementioned amps are in this thread as an example (except the LTA). Generally OTL are more common with cheap entry level tube amps, but a lot of higher end ones are transformer coupled. There’s only one true OTL headphone amp that I think plays the susvara to anything decent, that bring the allnic hpa5000xl
It doesn’t sound like a SS amp, it is very dry, and if you are looking for “tubiness” it’s not it.
A lot higher end tube amps don’t sound “Tubie”, but they still sound like tubes, it’s about a more natural presentation (not to say there aren’t great SS amps out there). People talk about Holographic (which is a terrible word for it IMO), but tube amps just present differently.
Basically what you get with the WA33, is a very clean sounding amp, with a a little bit of midrange warmth, and the presentation/presence that I think you only get from DHT’s.
Again that isn’t every ones ideal.
The DNA isn’t very Tubie either, but it has a very unique relaxed presentation (too much of it with the stock regulator).
Decs been on my shortlist as it’s been indicated to me as the evolution of the BHC (and by every other indication they are tremendous amps). But can something this good be true?
Ah sorry. My bad. I meant using interstage transformers without any capacitors.
When people say transformer coupled I thought they mean interstage transformers.
Hello,
I’ve read good reviews of the Felks Envy for the Suvara, but it’s going to be over budget.
The Euforia is too weak and rather less suitable but good on Zmf headphones.
The Cayin makes a good impression. spontaneously I would have said wait and see what ZMF comes out with Decware.
On the other hand you have to say Suvara on tube amps there is only one handful where you can drive.
As a tip, I would have said to ask Eddie Current if he could conjure up something for this budget that covers everything, power, common tubes, good circuitry.
The Denis Had is not bad either, but I don’t know exactly how it performs.
I think it’s a nice amp too.
I didnt notice you were considering a 5k budget. If so, you can get wa33 around there and it will absolutely wreck both enleum and ferrum stack. I am personaly not the biggest fan of it but I can also see a holo dac fixing the issues I have with it (havent heard that pairing specificaly) and seem to be in the vast minority anyways. TBH I think selling both and going for a 5k tube amp is a pretty solid option.