I have a fully optioned WA2 which I purchased from Jack about 6 months ago and I enjoy very much. It is used to drive some GS1000s, W5000s and MS2is mainly and is still yet to be used as a preamp.
Please note that this was purchased without auditioning. Like a lot of hardware in Head-Fi world it is almost impossible to audition anything in Australia. So you research, research and then research. When you think you have done enough, you do a bit more.
Before I purchased from Jack there were plenty of emails back and forwards. Jack is great for this. He will answer all your emails within 24 hours. Probably sooner for those of you in the States. Most of the discussion was about the options. I took all the options as getting them done later from Australia is a logistical pain.
Jack said the tube option of the 5998s was the most important. By the way Jack's price of $80 for the matched 5998 tube option is pretty right. I just got a matched of 5998s, for spares, for about that price. As for the Blackgate caps and power tanks, I took Jacks word, which I didn't have a problem with doing, that the upgrades were worthwhile. As I have never heard a stock WA2 and probably never will, well the obvious thing was to get the BG options.
Plenty of burn in required. I doubt if mine are fully settled yet.
As for tube options, there are plenty of 6X4 and 6DJ8 options out there. I have started getting a few myself, but haven't played with them yet. The matched 5998s are a bit harder to get, well I found them a bit harder to get anyway.
Prior to the WOO all I had was a HeadRoom Microstack, RSA Tomahawk and Hornet. So I suppose the HR MicroStack was my benchmark. The WA2 was
definitely worth the extra cash. It has lots of power to drive the GS1000s and it gets my feet tapping. It is fantastic with the W5000s as well.
How does the amp sound? Excellent. (Well I am not about to bag it am I?) Very clear and all around a very involving listen which are both very important to me. I don't analyse hardware very much. I just like to get maximum enjoyment, which I am definitely getting.
If you have specific questions please put them on the thread or PM me.
cheers
Simon