Tube amp for HD660S

[bloodevil]

Hi all, I’m thinking about it for a while and I’d like to try a tube amp for my HD660S. Looking at Amirm reviews I stumbled upon the xDuoo TA-10 and at the moment it seems like the best choice. However I’d love to hear your opinions about it! The TA-10 is well within my budget (around 500€), I’m ok with spending more if it’s worth it!
what do you think?

 

[curiouspeter]

No harm trying. We are allowed to have some fun exploring from time to time.

Do you have a DAC already? Are you considering other tube amps?

 

[bunkbail]

I have tried using my HD660S with Woo Audio's WA6-SE once, it was pretty bad. Wooly bass and extremely dark sounding. I don't think HD660S is best suited with a tube amp, but you can always try your luck.

 

[bloodevil]

No harm trying. We are allowed to have some fun exploring from time to time.

Do you have a DAC already? Are you considering other tube amps?

I have a topping E30 that it’s probably better than the dac on the t-10 (I guess? Not sure)
As for other tube amps I don’t really have any idea, Amirm isn’t a fan and I like to use his reviews as standard..

 

[solderdude]

Amir measured it and the DAC performs well and even recommends it.
You need to look past SINAD chart in this case.
It is low output R so no muddy lows.

It is not a real tube amp though (@bunkbail talks about all tube amps) but a SS amplifier with a tube as a gain stage.

 

[curiouspeter]

I have a topping E30 that it’s probably better than the dac on the t-10 (I guess? Not sure)
As for other tube amps I don’t really have any idea, Amirm isn’t a fan and I like to use his reviews as standard..

In that case a Loxjie P20 is even cheaper ($99.99 at Amazon in the US, not sure about Europe).

I doubt you can find any budget tube amp that measures well. But you can at least use the excellent E30 as the DAC.

There is also the Schiit Valhalla ($349), which is NOT a hybrid.

Make sure you keep your existing solid-state amp around in case you want to do some serious listening.

 

[3125b]

At 90dbSPL with the HD660S you'd be at about 70dB SNR with the xDuoo - not great though there is no harm in trying if you can send it back I guess.
6 ohms output impedance is fine, you don't really want more than say 15 ohms with the HD660S.
If you don't need a DAC, I don't think it's worth spending 300€ on, but that's certainly up to you.

 

[AshTheHibernator]

Currently pairing Loxjie P20 (balanced input) with HD6XX, running from 6N3 tube (planning to upgrade to Russian 6N3P tubes). It widens the soundstage tiny bit and overall warmer sounding.