Elemental Watson - Class A Hybrid

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by TheIceman93, Apr 11, 2017.

  1. TheIceman93

    TheIceman93 El pato-zorro

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    So I've been reading up on this little guy on Head Fi. Obviously, they are falling head over heels for it so I'll have to reserve judgement till I get a listen but it certainly looks interesting for a very low price of $250. Some specs:

    This is what the manufacturer says about it:

    "Dual mono construction in a compact chassis
    By trimming down unnecessary luxury and focusing on core competence, we are able to build Elemental Watson in a dual mono configuration, a highly touted feature in high-end gear. Two military grade 6AK5 tubes are the center piece of each channel’s gain stage. They deliver rich harmonics, which are the charm of single-ended topology drawing countless audiophiles’ addiction. Followed by class-A power MOSFET output stage, it provides almost limitless driving current while preserving tube’s charming signature. The configuration also guarantees best channel separation (stereo image), easy maintenance and adjustment on individual channel."

    Anyways, I'm going to order one and I'll post some impressions. If the experience is positive, I might try tube rolling it as well. It apparently comes with some decent stock GE tubes and there are two dials that are adjustable to tune the sound in some way. The manual says nothing about it but I guess you can make it brighter or darker by adjusting the dials left or right. Oh, and apparently, the thing has way too much power. Most users are reaching their ideal listening volume at 9-10 o'clock so no IEM's for this thing. Yes, the inputs on the front is stupid but for the price, I guess we can't complain too much. I'm curious how this stacks up to the Garage 1217 Ember II.

    Link: http://musictomyear.com/index.php/p...dphone-Amplifier/p/77402071/category=22023004

    A published review (more for detailed pictures than content): http://inearspace.com/2017/02/20/elemental-watson-no-thrills-performance/

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2017
  2. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    Yup, saw this too from the Canjam thread and immediately thought of the Ember 2. Inputs on front is a dealbreaker for me, plus what's the point of ridiculous power when you can barely get past channel imbalance on the pot?
     
  3. TheIceman93

    TheIceman93 El pato-zorro

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    So far, I haven't heard of anyone having channel imbalance issues with it but I agree, there is no need for this much power if only 40% of the pot is useable. Still, for only $250, I'm tempted. I'm looking for a decent placeholder amp until the Cavalli "mini crimson" comes to market and I'd like to have another hybrid amp to compare it to.
     
  4. Rikk009

    Rikk009 New

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    You made me singup finally. I have been reading about this amp for a couple of weeks myself and getting impatient. Would like to hear your impression. Btw, it's available in Taiwan for $160 but can't find an online site to buy it below $200.
     
  5. Decebalus

    Decebalus New

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    i own the one, look forward for you're reviews and thoughts guys..
     
  6. Scubadude

    Scubadude Almost "Made"

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    How about some listening notes of your own?
     
  7. Forza AudioWorks

    Forza AudioWorks MOT: Forza AudioWorks

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    My thoughts exactly.
     
  8. Rikk009

    Rikk009 New

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    And this thread is still inconclusive....
     
  9. Rikk009

    Rikk009 New

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    Meanwhile the sellers have increased the price cashing in on the hype.
     
  10. Forza AudioWorks

    Forza AudioWorks MOT: Forza AudioWorks

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    Did they really?
     
  11. Jerry

    Jerry Friend

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    Would love to get impressions/comparisons on this one. It's cheap enough. If it turns out to be good, could be steal.
     
  12. liquidrats

    liquidrats New

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    This was on a combo sale with HR650 at a local store for a pretty good price..
     
  13. Forza AudioWorks

    Forza AudioWorks MOT: Forza AudioWorks

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    HD650/HD600 are one products I constantly get back to via my customers. LOTS of people still use 'em.
     
  14. Galm

    Galm Still looking for Little Red Riding Hood

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    I heard this today using Utopia (my own headphone so I'm familiar with it). I honestly was pretty impressed. Was not a long demo but it had good power for Utopia and was pretty fun sounding. Nice tubey sound. The buddy at the audio store was also quite fond of it (I hadn't heard of it so expected almost nothing).

    I'll let more experienced users post more impressions but I did like the unit, for the price it seems solid.

    Edit: I'll have more impressions of one soon.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2017

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