ADDITIONAL NOTES
The Six is not the most resolving in terms of source quality compared to some of the other big amps like the RSA Dark Star, the EC Zana Deux, the Apex Peak, and Bakoon’s HDA-5210MK3. There is just something about the fact that OT-equipped amps (like the Woo WA5 as well) tend to be not as transparent as non OT-equipped amps (whether that’s a hybrid tube mosfet design, solid state, or OTL).
I tried the Six with an extremely wide array of DACs including the Ayon Skylla II, Audio-Gd Ref 7.1, Asus Xonar Essence One Muses, Violectric V800, Fostex HP-A8, Lavry DA10, and last but not least the Neko Audio D100. With different DACs come different sound signatures and technicalities but I can tell that things are not as transparent as say if I was doing DAC comparisons through an OTL Eddie Current Zana Deux.
My favorite DAC of the bunch is the Neko Audio D100 Mk2. It’s always been a superb top-quality DAC though not so well known. Now I don’t know if it’s the signature of the Neko that happened to be the perfect DAC tonality for me (a dark tonality with an extremely dark background) or if the dark and laid back nature of the Neko that happens to complement the Six’s signature or a combination of both. The second DAC that I enjoyed with the Six was the Fostex HP-A8 that though not as liquid as the Neko, still makes for a reasonably enjoyable set up. Some DACs like the Violectric V800 for some reason made the sound more forward than what I’d like and the exquisite Ayon Skylla made the sound too mellow and too swingy for me (now that’s a word I just invented!).
Anyway if I can make a note for a DAC pairing with the Six is that it’ll be good to pair it with analog sounding DACs with a laid back and dark tonality.
END WORDS
Big tube amps are always exciting though not every big pricey amp can pull off a real wow factor. For headphone use, amps like the WooAudio WA5 and the Eddie Current Zana Deux are two that have left a permanent mark in me in that they are truly excellent amps that should be in a headphone amp “Hall of Fame” if there was one. Each amplifier, at least the good ones, usually comes with their own unique sound character that leaves a permanent mark on you. They’re like special moments in time that you experienced and even if you can’t go back to those moments, you remember exactly the feelings you had. These different personalities make each amplifier unique, hence there is no one best amplifier. The best solution then is to own every one of these unique amplifiers so you’re not missing out on the good stuff. Yeah, that’s right.
Anyway, the Studio Six, I don’t know if it will make it to my virtual Hall of Fame. It’s definitely my number one flagship amp right now (as you can tell from the title) but as always, I need to see how it performs over the long term before I can nominate it Hall of Fame material. I do feel that the Six truly has what it takes to stand the test of time. Everyone can develop an expensive $5K tube amp but without a clear sense of a character it’ll just be another new flagship amp with no real strength (I recently listened to one such amp from a big manufacturer). Even ignoring the obvious things like the four headphone outs and the world-class build quality, the Six truly shines in that it lets me hear dynamics and bass unlike anything else I’ve previously heard. And to me and the music I listen to, dynamics and bass are the two key ingredients. It also scores very strong in the vocal department (an amplifier aiming for the top spot definitely can’t miss this part!) and with the Westinghouse OB2 tubes the vocal performance is among the top-3 best I’ve heard.
ALO has really nailed it with the Six. The sound wasn’t what I expected, but they’ve made a convert out of me. Sure I think their smaller amps are great, but the Six really deserves that flagship title as it’s leagues ahead of the other ALO amps. Even now, I still feel giddy writing the last words of this review.
Mike
And here is a slightly different angle from veteran reviewer Nathan
http://ohm-image.net/opinion/audiophile/review-alo-audio-studio-six
Jook Yos
Thank for more information, and i like your new style in giddy writing way so much.
Mike
Glad you enjoyed the article. 🙂
ohm image
Thanks for the shout out, Mike.
Japanese Headfiers will be getting a go with the ALO Studio Six. I’m pretty stoked about it.
George Lai
Wow. I think they should rename it the Studio Sex.
L.
It does look so sexy doesn’t it.
L.
So bass is like this?
http://24.media.tumblr.com/e27982fddded73c579cc5948a03c0048/tumblr_mgzv6mg4hF1ryxmgwo2_500.gif
Just kidding, sounds like a very good amp!
Dave Ulrich
Whoa… rock n’ roll!
Mike
No that’s called an explosion, L. 😉
Gneiss
Although I do not think this is a well priced amp, best review I have read in months!
Dave Ulrich
Agree with you on both counts.
Mike
Thanks, Gneiss!
Rūdolfs Putniņš
Yep good tube amps sound dynamic and unlike the stereotypical “tube sound”. After I finish my current amp build and a PCM1794 DAC I might actually do a nice tube build. 300ies or something like that.
Michael Mercer
Try a vintage RCA 6SN7! That’s what I ended up with in my Studio Six!!
Mike
Thanks, Mike!
I will keep an eye for a vintage RCA 6SN7!
Michael Mercer
right on! and GREAT job as always Mike!!
Mike
Thank you, Mike!
I suppose you’re using the Six with the LCD3 as well?
Michael Mercer
I am indeed! As well as my Sennheiser HD800’s and Mr. Speakers Mad Dogs! Can’t WAIT to hear it w/ the upcoming Alpha Dogs!!
John123John
Dude…
Havent read the review yet but I am so excited too 😀
Mike
🙂
Fabio_Rocks
Alo audio makes wonderfully products, no doubt about it. Hope in the future they can sell them with better price, let’s say 10-20% less, It will be perfect!
Mike do you have tried this alo cable:
SXC 24-Custom IEM ? I just got the Westone Um3x, and you were right about their uninvolving sound. In my opinion that is because they have somewhat recessed highs. Do you think I will get a more present treble responce with this cable?
Is Alo-Audio so nice to send you this cable for a review?:)
Sorry for the question off-topic, I was thinking to post this question in the review about audio cable, but comments are closed there.
Cheers!
Mike
No problem, we have the SXC24 both for JH and for FitEar on the store. It widens the soundstage, push the midrange and low treble out and adds a nice bloom. Some people like it due to the the more forward midrange, some don’t due to the more forward midrange.
The UM3X IMO needs more treble, not necessarily more midrange. I’m not sure if it’ll work well with the SXC24. Maybe the Silver Dragon would be a better suggestion but assuming the Silver Dragon IEM cable has the same sound as the headphone cable (I’ve only listened to the SD for headphones).
The SXC24 however works wonderfully with the FitEar 334ToGo.
Fabio_Rocks
Thanks Mike!
rich
A visit to my millionaire friend in Japan and I tried the Six against the rest of the top amps. The sound is like “wow”. “Rob, steal or starve” to buy this expensive amp. It will become a legend in years to come. ALO don’t change their models frequently compared to other manufacturers . Also buy the ones with special adds on for US$200 extra.
The magic of tubes- warmth to the sound in spades. But this amp is neutral too. After spending almost the whole morning with this set, I am very impressed. But always remember, the audio play back is a chain. The weakest link will rear its ugly head. Make sure the sources are excellent too. Also the interconnects and power supplies are premium.
I come from an mainstream component system,i.e. real stereo speakers, preamp, power amp and cd/ sacd players etc. The use of the Six with the best headphones can approximate or out perform real component box speakers. View from a component audiophiles point of view, this amp is not super expensive. An SACD player alone from Esoteric can cost upwards of US$10K.
STARSTERN
rich ; are you talking out of experience ? alo-six and stax 009 would compete with esoteric k-o1 or MSB DAC IV
L.
I listened to the Six for a few hours last friday and I can mostly agree with what Mike wrote. The tubes in this Six were all NOS and weren’t the original tubes supplied by ALO.
I have to say this is the best amplifier I have listened to, everything was great on it. Sure it’s not the smoothest, warmest or most tube like sounding amp, but oh my does it sound wonderful. With the tubes the Six had, I can’t remember which one, the sound stage actually was very wide and that’s the part I might disagree on with Mike.
I gave Mike a rare and good ADZAM 6SN7 tube for the Six. I know he loved it but I’d love to know how it improved the soundstage.
conclusion: extremely good looking and sounding amplifier that does great with a whole lot of headphones. Did I mention I’m in love with the Alpha Dog now?
Mike
It’s a good amp that’s what matters. 🙂
STARSTERN
the alo six best amp for the lcd3 ;how about a dac ?
STARSTERN
Fostex HP-A8 is your best pick all rounder dac/amp but i guess its the dac part of it that shines ,is their any supplement amp’ suggestion’ just to fulfill where the amp on this lacks ?
STARSTERN
The Antelope Rubicon AD/DA Preamp, The Atomic Amplifier with a lcd-3 ? ha “?
meh
damn..
Blaine Vonhagen
leben
L.
Talk about constructive comments 😀
Ernie
What are those mystery phones in the picture second from the top?
Kantx
How does the ALO Studio Six compare with WA5 LE + Upgrade ?
Not the same price bracket tough.