Just some clarification, the WA33 and Z40+ are used separately, right? Not attached at all? Also, do you have speakers? or just HPs?
First thing is first. If you dont plan to have two entirely separate chains, you will need cables between the two regardless. IMO, its not worth going for multiple systems if you plan to use those cans tbh, as even if you could down grade on amp if you hyper focus on one can for work, you realy wont want to skimp on the dac for any of them.
If you want ideas on how to help hide/disguise them I am happy to back seat drive and shoot suggestions if you have a pic of your room somewhere.
Do you not use it because of inconvenience? or because its not your flavor? If any of the reason is the latter, I would just ditch it, but if its purely convenience we can try and help some.
This due to dissatisfaction with the component sound? Just asking so I dont req similar componants if so. Also, side note, but sad to hear Z40+ isnt enough for sus even off the taps.
Good to know. Sounds like the easy answer is streamer for dedicated listening and then a secondary USB input for when you need computer sounds.
So HP out is there and its fine, but it wont run sus and was kind of sharp with old utopia (not sure how it works with new utopia). TBH I think a better move would just be to get a nicer amp for your desk. though.
Over all, in your situation, I think the obvious move (space permitting) is to have the main bulk of your chain at your desk and just use longer cables for your main listening area. What the actual componant layout would look like for that can obviously be all over the place.
@orrman, is the BF2 the newer 2/64 version, or the older Analog Devices BF2?
I haven’t heard the new 2/64, but in my experience the AD was a bit ‘soft’. As in somewhat lacking dynamics. I’d try the RNHP off of the Rockna just to verify that it’s (RNHP) not an amp you like, as the Rockna is much more dynamic from what I’ve heard.
Separately. Wasn’t a great match with the WA33 as a pre but I didn’t try for long tbh
Z40+ is plugged to speakers and a subwoofer.
I tens to agree, especially after the attempt with the BF2/RNHP. I’m ok with a cables between locations if I can’t find a better solution.
These days I don’t use it mainly because I either listen to my speakers, or to the Utopia on the Z40. If the LTA is turned on that means the WA33 is turned off (because of the powerplant) so it requires planning to use it. It’s also far from my desk so if I use it I start using the volume control on the Wavedream and that’s cumbersome.
I like its sound profile with the Wavedream and the Susvara. If I replace it it’s not because of that necessarily. But it’s a very expensive piece of equipment to keep around and I might be better with the money for other things in my system.
Not really. I think they all sound good and synergy is great between all the combinations.
Haven’t got to that final conclusion yet but the synergy between the Utopia and LTA is much better than the Sus for sure. Still evaluating though.
If the streamer supports airplay like the G1 then I don’t even need USB from the macbook.
Yep I think so as well with potentially changing the WA33 to a good solid state. It won’t look as clean in the room but it’ll save $$$
It’s the OG BF2 with unison USB, not the 2/64. I don’t think it’s not good. The RNHP is also good for what it is. I used it with the G1 and Wavedream for a couple of days. It’s just underwhelming driving TOTL headphones and moving from my main system. I still listen enough on headphones that what I’m willing to give up on compared to say focusing on 2ch is probably not enough that I’m ok with that chain.
Does the WA33 fit on your desk? TBH if you like that crazy realism that wa33 has I think it will be very difficult to find you something else that satisfies that need in a smaller space/lower price. Now, I’m personaly not realy a fan of that so I think there are some other cool options to use for sus, but IMO WA33 is kinda like chord. If you like that sound you wont realy find it elsewhere.
IMO, it may be worth it to simply move wa33 off the power plant and/or maybe upgrade to a p5 or similar that has enough juice to run both. I know thats more money, but it kinda seems like the obvious answer here if you like what you have already tbh.
makes sense. Pretty much every impressions ive read of LTA gear has utopia being a biblically good synergy match with it.
From what I have seen, air play isnt realy a feature common in higher end streamers tbh, but good to know.
Yah, this really is still the way I would lean if I were you. Either get another P3 (or cheaper option tbh) or upgrade your power plant and keep wa33 on your desk.
true but when you think of it for a sec, for the cost of my wa33 I can get a Spring 3 to AHB2 and Prion4 chain dedicated on my desk. That’s kinda crazy and it’s just one example.
As for the desk - my hifi rack barely holds it lol this IKEA desk will break in half.
This combo has made me wonder if I even need anything else in headphones tbh
Just put the rest of the money into better speakers/subs/cables etc
IMO, that chain very simply still wont satisy if what you are use to WD → WA33. I think thats the real holdup from my perspective. If you want to swap wa33 for a sus chain you have some great options, but you have to realize that you will be stepping down quality wise.
rofl. Fair enough. So its more of weight than footprint?
then fucking go for it. dont feel like you need to hunt if you found something that makes you happy imo.
I can’t think of anything that won’t cost me serious money. What do you have in mind?
I’m not there yet, I still really love the susvara and listening with headphones. Eventually that might be the path I go down but I have a lot to learn in the 2ch world first. I’m still waiting for my new speakers to arrive this week that’s going to be a lot of fun setting up and getting the room treated
The Susvara is killing you, it’s a great HP but requires the appropriate amplifier. The problem with SOME of these Uber TOTL HP’s is that the front end and associated equipment required to get the most out of them is an expensive pain in the ass. Then you throw in the fact that even a half-assed 2 channel provides a better overall listening experience hands down. HP’s cover a need and fill a really cool equipment niche, 2 channel provides a more sensory filled experience.
First pick a good single HP you can live with and experiment with it on all you have to make sure you know exactly what you want out of it. Next set-up your 2 channel and revisit your HP desires and needs.
I spent the morning paying bills on my computer at my desk. Out of pure laziness to plug the cables into my nearest HP, i grabbed a pair of Koss KPH30i, threw them over my ears and proceeded to go about my work never missing a beat or enjoyment out of some early morning music while being quite. I just desired some background music while i worked, i didn’t need the best of the best over my ears. Sometimes good-enough gets the job done.
You got some nice stuff but at this level you aren’t going to get past the requirements some of these pieces have
As you know I usually follow your advice almost blindly but not sure what you’re saying here this time lol
I have a perfect chain for the Susvara with the Wavedream to WA33.
The Wavedream with the LTA and WA33 provide perfect high end chains for both the Sus and Utopia with good synergy between the three pieces (dac amp headphone). The Utopia can actually enjoy both amps depending on what one is looking for.
This entire discussion actually made things pretty clear to me (so thanks everyone who participated!) - I just need to get my system back close to my desk and longer cables from it to the speakers. I can then continue using the WA33 with the Sus and Utopia, the LTA with the speakers and Utopia and Mysphere. Only thing I won’t have is solid state always on amp but yeah ok lol
I know you have a Perfect chain, it’s awesome, and I particularly like the Susvara. Get a bigger desk and keep it or downgrade the HP game a bit. But don’t rush to let go of things till you have had a chance to settle into the 2 channel a bit first and THEN re-evaluate which direction you want to go w/ the HP’s. Did i say it better this time?
I mean, I think you need to basicaly just swap the cost of the wa33 for a decent sus chain tbh. I think spring 3 KTE + Pre → ahb2 is about as good as you can get for sub 5k given what youve already heard, but I dont think that will be enough tbh. For cheaper gold-note DS10 → GSX-mini was shockingly competent with sus and may be worth a shot. For something to just be easier to use at the desk and focus on work you could also just change it up entierly and go something like Z10e → X9000 for about the same price as wa33 → sus (and then you dont need to worry about a cable), or hell, even grab an iesl and still use the Z40+. TBH, in terms of relaxed sound and work sound, I actualy like x9k a little more than sus (and its more technical to boot)
That’s the only idea I liked from your list (no offense) but those two are almost impossible to find used. New prices would much higher than woo+sus
I moved my whole system next to the desk for now and will continue using the WA33. Just need a couple cables for the 2ch for this to work for everything.
None taken. Trying to get a dac and an amp for the price of an amp alonr is a tough sell.
Just fwiw, there is a ex-deml z10e for sale on audiogon for 5500 (bet you could get them lower) and a new x9k should be around the same price from a dealer. Iirc thete may even be a bundle deal straight from lta for 10k flat bundle is closer to 12k
General question: what even would be my next upgrade from where I’m at? Do I need a USB reclocker? Upgrade power conditioner? Or just save up to upgrade to the direct (which will take a while to get to)? Tbh at this point I think all I would realy be wanting is a bit more clarity and detail. I don’t expect to make any changes for a while tbh, but it’s wierd to kinda not be sure where the bottleneck is since my chain has always been so lopsided
I talked to @M0N briefly about this a while ago about my system and maybe you can relate even though it’s obviously different.
In my case, unless I’m looking for a signature change, it can be WA33 standard to Elite, Wavedream Edition to Signature and the Aries G1 to G2.1
So all natural evolutions in my gear to higher end versions with arguably the DAC and amp a little more substantial improvement compared to the streamer.
It’s that and obviously better speakers. I’m kind of capped in the headphones unless I go estats etc
So yeah I’m mostly just trying other stuff for the fun of it but big $$ upgrades probably take some time or for a good used deal to show up
