Just my Alesis RA150; it is actually very nice with the HE6, and keeps the balanced connection intact (if you subscribe to Jack Wu's explanation of how the WA22 is balanced). It's been a popular pro audio speaker amp (low powered, made for driving near-field monitors) for decades.

So if you combine the two components the LL2 is only 7x as much $

I just want to add that I didn't mean to imply earlier that the LL2 is bass-deficient by any means; the presentation is different than what I was used to as there is less of an emphasis in the mid-bass area. But the sub-bass may extend further, there seems to be more of an impact in that area and it will be interesting to see if the WA22 "filters" any of that; it may be because of the lesser mid-bass impact that I hear more sub-bass. I suppose I'll find out tomorrow.

I am very impressive with Electra + 009 a few days ago, using 861SE and PAD 20th cables. Compared to 007tii and 727, the Electra gave me a feeling that I am really hearing a electrostatic headphone. It's so detail and so smooth, so pure and the bass is just fine. I haven't chance to hear LL2. But I am very curious what will that be if make A/B comparison with LL2 and Electra? Could some of you talk about this?
thanks.

I feel the LL2 is stronger in precision and articulation, especially from the mids on up. With the LL2, one can purchase it and not have to worry about stuff. Right off the bat delivered from the factory, I prefer the LL2. There seems to be a bit of lingering decay from the Electra. The Electra's background does not sound as black as the LL2's. LL2's stage in more narrow and less deep, but this is expected for SS.

The current Electra's main downside is the two 6SN7 tubes which are adjusted to work with the amp from the factory. Those tubes are current production Tung-Sols which I don't think are that good (they will seriously limit the sound quality of the amp.) They in theory cannot be changed without affecting bass response (unless you want to open the thing up, measurement a few spots with a DMM, and turn a few screws). I've heard unconfirmed reports that the second run of the Electra will incorporate servos which will automagically adjust these tubes, so the end-user can plop in any 6SN7 tubes they wish. This is definitely the way to go.

The Electra with the upgraded caps tends to be on the more neutral or perhaps even bright sounding side. I think the stock caps work better. This of course depends upon tonal characteristics of your DAC or headphones. The stock EL34s of the Electra are junk. They need to be replaced.

The Electra's background does not sound as black as the LL2's.

fwiw, I found rolling in better output tubes helps with this.

A more objective observation: The EL34PH's I use have no microphnics whatsoever, whereas the stock tubes would make all sorts of noise whilst plugging cans in.

So we meet again.



Tari can have his bride, I'm absconding with this sexy beast.