Woo WES & Stax SR-009

[Sphinxvc]

He said "to save money."

Personally, I wouldn't get any Woo Audio product to drive 007 or 009. The last time I heard those pairings I was quite disappointed. The Liquid Lightning, BHSE, a KGSSHV, even regular KGSS or upcoming Eddie Current Electra would be my personal picks.

Of course, I don't mean to rustle feathers, there are those who enjoy the Woo products, and more power to them.

[MyPal]

I've added a poll to this thread. Welcome any input from those that have experience with any of the above polled headphone amps as well as the Woo WES.

Dr Kevin's DIY designs are not for me.

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by Sphinxvc

He said "to save money."

Personally, I wouldn't get any Woo Audio product to drive 007 or 009. The last time I heard those pairings I was quite disappointed. The Liquid Lightning, BHSE, a KGSSHV, even regular KGSS or upcoming Eddie Current Electra would be my personal picks.

Of course, I don't mean to rustle feathers, there are those who enjoy the Woo products, and more power to them.

Actually the "save money" part related to the my suggestion that the 007 could be an alternative to the 009. As I mentioned I have four of the Stax energizers and when I decided to get a pair of the 009s I also wanted to consider whether there was a better headamp so I looked into upgrading. I investigated the options and read a lot of comments and then put a few on the short list. The Cavalli Liquid Lightning/ Gilmore SS(HV) are Solid state units and the DIY of the KG models was a non starter, also i found the 009s did not sound best with them. The Blue Hawaii SE was and option.. sold by Headamp and a pretty long wait list for the next batch at the time. I listened to both and preferred the Woo WES SQ...and there were many who were frustrated with communication as they waited for their BHSE product which is built in batches. Made my decision after the head-Fi NYC meet in white plains. Spent time discussing what I wanted with Jack Wu...all the options plus the upgraded alps pot..and have been happy since.

One caveat which I have mentioned in other posts...I use the balanced inputs which I feel are much better than the RCAs...luckily it has two balanced inputs


sphinxvc...everyone's opinion is valid and I appreciate you expressing yours...there is no right answer. I am surprised by the mix you suggested as some of these are very different sounding...and with the 009s some of your suggestions sounded bright and fatiguing IMHO...can't speak to Eddie current as I have never heard it.

I am curious which one you decided to buy...I honestly don't believe there is one clear winner...but after over one year with the WES...I am very happy and can recommend it without hesitation. I will say that while I have not participated in them...the opinions over some of these options get pretty heated on some of the headphone forums. In the end...since these options are pretty big investments...I suggest anyone buying...go to a "meet" and listen...it was the only way I could get access to some of these models

[enatai252]

I also believe AVGuide's Playback has online reviews of the 009 headphones with both the Woo WES and BHSE...both are very well reviewed(issues 54 and 56) I think...both of these reviews came out after I had bought my combo...but again both should be on a short list

[Portugal]

Just ordered the SR009

Now I really must decide between WES, BHSE or Cavalli...

[Freestone]

Which amp recommended with 007 then?

[enatai252]

The stax amp I like best is SRM007t v2 with the Omegas. That is a tube amp and I prefer it over the SS SRM727 v2. I have both.

I also have the Woo WES but I prefer that with 009s although it sounds good with the 007s

Some say that the BHSE pairs best with the 007s while the WES and 009 pair best together

Best bang for the buck is 007/SRM007t... I am very happy every time I listen and you will only miss the last but of detail and nuance that 009/WES offers