Thaddy

In the event that the transport does decide to go on me, does anyone know where I can purchase a replacement or another transport that will work? It doesn't seem too difficult to swap, according to these directions: EastSound CD

The original owner said he's never had a single transport problem, but I did find a write-up on how to replace it if/when it dies. I'm not sure where to get the mechanism, but hopefully I'll never have to cross that bridge.

I'm interested to see how it compares to my DL III DAC, which has been a pretty good combination with my WA2.

I just snagged up an Eastsound CD-E5 for pretty cheap and I'm crossing my fingers I won't have to replace the transport the day it arrives. Anyone still using this CDP?

The HF-2 do look quite appealing, I think I'll keep my eyes open on the For Sale forums for a pair.

I also changed my power and preamp tubes and haven't listened to anything in a week, so yeah...you're probably right.

Well, I replaced the foam in front of the drivers with nylon and also removed the foam behind the drivers. I forgot about doing that and things are improving. Once I finish this glass of Jameson things will be much better.

I actually used to own those a while ago and remember not being a huge fan. They didn't fit me very well either (I have a small head). Could be worth trying again though, however they didn't strike me as the best headphones for rock.

It sounds like, although not an ideal match on paper, the WA2 will be a pretty solid match with the HE-5LE. I think I'll take the plunge in the next week or so

Here is what Jack thinks: Since the HE-5LE's are low efficiency headphones they will require a higher output from the amp, and he recommended I use the 7236 power tubes instead of the 5998's. He didn't think the impedance would be a major issue.

Well, my email was pretty specific in asking how they would pair with the WA2, so he doesn't have any wiggle room to mention the WA6 or WA6 SE I know he'll remember me since he just built it for me two weeks ago.

Well, I guess there's only one way to find out... I also emailed Jack Woo to get this thoughts, since both the HE-5LE and LCD-2 are low impedance. The WA2 is listed to handle 25-600 Ohms but I'm not sure if that changes depending on what power tubes I'm using.

I generally don't listen at high volume levels. ex. I can still hear someone talking while wearing the 650's. I'm not sure how a low dampening factor would translate when actually listening though.

This certainly is a tough decision, but I'm pretty sure in the end I'll end up with a pair of headphones that sound incredible. Can someone explain why the LCD-2's and HE-5LE's wouldn't be the ideal choice for an OTL amp? I'm more curious than anything, it's not really going to prevent me from purchasing either as I understand that while not ideal, it doesn't mean they can't sound great out of the WA2. As much as Stax intrigue me (A LOT), right now they're out of the question. I just want something I can plug into my WA2 and enjoy.

Did you have a specific model in mind? (Please don't say the 007's...)