Rag is the safest blind purchase I can think of on it's own merits.  However, it's not safe if you have any weirdness or issues upstream from your sources.  It will spotlight whatever is wrong upstream assuming you have capable enough headphones or speakers.

Rag soundstage is wide but not very deep or layered.  To my ears, that flat SS is it's biggest weakness.

Cool. Sounds promising, the layering is definitely a concern, though I can't imagine that an upgraded WA7 is stellar in this aspect either (it was considerably better than the stock Val2). Still, a flat presentation would be a deal breaker. The ability to drive orthos appeals to me as well, in regards to the Rag.

Anyhow, I wish I would have had a bit more sense when I bought the WA7, but I guess everyone has to start somewhere. Life will move on. 

Anyhow, I wish I would have had a bit more sense when I bought the WA7, but I guess everyone has to start somewhere. Life will move on. 

I recommend buying something from the list, comparing, and then you can let go of the WA7 easily...it is purdy though!

Cool. Sounds promising, the layering is definitely a concern, though I can't imagine that an upgraded WA7 is stellar in this aspect either (it was considerably better than the stock Val2). Still, a flat presentation would be a deal breaker. The ability to drive orthos appeals to me as well, in regards to the Rag.
Anyhow, I wish I would have had a bit more sense when I bought the WA7, but I guess everyone has to start somewhere. Life will move on. 

I felt the Rag stage was upfront, but also very deep and layered. Anax is probably listening to some experimental mega-buck tube amp with this PWD2 from a vintage CDP, so that's where he's coming from. When Anax got a good listen, he heard it through the M7 DAC which isn't all that deep or layered compared to other DACs stronger in that dept. (The SFD-1 I "upgraded" to murders the M7 in terms of stage depth and layering complexity)

The great thing about tubes is that you can pick tubes to get a good result - say with HD800. I have not heard the power supply w/ WA7. WA7 was not impressive without it, but people I to trust say it's much better with it. With the Rag, it becomes DAC rolling, and thats more difficult to do than tube rolling. Generally if you have a smooth DAC, the Rag will yield great results with HD800.

Also the Rag doesn't have the mid-bass slam a lot of the big tube amps have here, but it does have the most heft in the sub / low bass I've heard. At least top two or three.

The great thing about tubes is that you can pick tubes to get a good result - say with HD800. I have not heard the power supply w/ WA7. WA7 was not impressive without it, but people I to trust say it's much better with it. With the Rag, it becomes DAC rolling, and thats more difficult to do than tube rolling. Generally if you have a smooth DAC, the Rag will yield great results with HD800.

Also the Rag doesn't have the mid-bass slam a lot of the big tube amps have here, but it does have the most heft in the sub / low bass I've heard. At least top two or three.

I was able to listen to the HD800 at a meet recently through a Glenn OTL, and the amount of low end slam was impressive and addictive. The impact was in a different league than the Val2 or the the Crack/Speedball. It wasn't mushy or gooey either, it sounded great for the price. The owner required listeners to adjust the volume through his DAC which struck me as a bit worrisome (channel imbalance low on the volume dial apparently). Still for the price, it might be worthy of consideration. I'm tempted to get one, but apparently there's a year long waiting list.

As to the Rag, I currently use the Gungnir/Wyrd as a source, and plan on not upgrading until next year at some point. When you say "smooth", I assume you are talking aren't talking about macro dynamics, but rather detail or tonal presentation (i.e. no DAC induced treble funk)? 

@Joel.

yes on the OTLs  - probably get more slam from those with HD800. high output impedance causes change in FR at 100Hz were Z curve happens to have a peak.

Gungnir/Wyrd is my second DAC with the Rag. Should be fine as long as the power in your house is OK or filtered. Smooth DAC setup with slam and bite when called for.