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WA6 maxxed out, WA6 stock, WA6 SE or Zana Deux for my system?

post #1 of 32
6/16/08 at 2:00am
Thread Starter 
hi there,

has there been anyone who listened to the above,

namely WA6 and the Zana deux

or the WA6 and WA6 SE with the GS1000?

Could you please describe your impression of them?

Which of the above gives that 3D Round Tone, if any?
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post #2 of 32
6/16/08 at 2:07am
Thread Starter 
I got a Grado GS1000 and a LAvry DA10.

my thoughts are

1. the WA6 SE and the Zana Deux are very close in price.
Which would be superior, rather what are the distinct sound signature between them?

2. Is WA6SE a Big Step up from the WA6 / WA6 maxxed out?

3. I just got a review from someone who has alot of hi-end headamp toys, whom I would not name, who told me that the WA6 is just alright with the GS1000... not particularly exciting...

4. what is the price point of the amp that I should spend on a tube amp that would allow my GS1000 to perform to her potential? I would rather save for a better system than to settle for one that can barely allow it to 'sing'. that said, I do not see myself getting the flagship of say Singlepower, etc.

5. Do you think I am able to get an amp which pairs well with the GS1000 with US$1500 giving me the hi-end 3D round tone sound?

thanks for reading !!!
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post #3 of 32
6/16/08 at 2:30am
I cannot comment much on these but think that your thought #1 may, unfortunately, be incorrect. The WA6 SE's price is $950; the Zana Deux's current price is $1900....that's exactly double the cost.
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post #4 of 32
6/16/08 at 2:39am
Maybe a totally maxed 6SE with a nice Sophia Princess 274B mesh plate.
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post #5 of 32
6/16/08 at 2:43am
Thread Starter 
Hi Jamato8,

thanks for your reply.

Could you describe the sound you are getting from your WA6 mod?

my consideration is the same as one previously posted,

i.e. the maxxed out WA6 SE is very close in price to Zana deux, which makes me wonder if i should save and purchase?

at the same time, the cheap charlie in me, asks me to settle for a wa6 or a maxxed out wa6,

are the wa6 , maxxed out wa6 distinctly different from the wa6se, from those who heard it?
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post #6 of 32
6/16/08 at 3:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by twoears&oneheart View Post
Hi Jamato8,

thanks for your reply.

Could you describe the sound you are getting from your WA6 mod?

my consideration is the same as one previously posted,

i.e. the maxxed out WA6 SE is very close in price to Zana deux, which makes me wonder if i should save and purchase?

at the same time, the cheap charlie in me, asks me to settle for a wa6 or a maxxed out wa6,

are the wa6 , maxxed out wa6 distinctly different from the wa6se, from those who heard it?
Well with my 6 using my pseudo dual power supply, Black Gate capacitors in Super E configuration, Black Gate nonpolar caps for the cathode bias and an added RC (resistor and cap in the power supply), Mundorf gold and silver in oil, Goldpoint attenuator and a few other things, the change in sound is dramatic. I can only assume that it is fairly close to the SE but it may be very different. What I do know, from experience, is that the SE with direct coupling, inductor input for the power supply and a few other changes, the sound would be very enjoyable and expansive. I know that what I get with my modified 6 is a large soundscape with excellent bass, dynamics and excitement. The notes of guitars just seem to float and are so melodic that it is truly a beautiful experience.
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post #7 of 32
6/16/08 at 3:09am
Point taken about the maxxed WA6 SE price versus the Zana. However, at that price level, what about the other amps in the Woo lineup, such as a maxxed WA2 or WA4?
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post #8 of 32
6/16/08 at 3:55am
Thread Starter 
hi Xeni,

yes... that is a fantastic question ... it really adds to the complication...

the price point for the maxxed out WA6SE makes me consider the WA2 too.

I saw Jack's reply where he summed up that the WA2 is more smooth ... larger soundstage while the WA6 SE has more dynamics and ... something else... it's in the thread in headfi somewhere...

I hope I would not purchase the WA6 stock and wished i had spend it on a WA6 SE instead...

likewise... i also wonder if i should just settle for the zana deux... since it's pricepoint is so close to the woo audio... and many people have alot of fun with gs1000 and zana.

purchasing decisions...
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post #9 of 32
6/16/08 at 3:57am
Thread Starter 
thanks jamato8 for your description,

your sound experience seems close to what jack has written too.
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post #10 of 32
6/16/08 at 4:02am
Thread Starter 
could u guys share with me the effective lifespan and maintainance needed for the tube amp?

would the mundorf silver and gold oil dry up?

would humming set into a tube amp after sometime, as i read occurs to alot of tube amps...

is buying a tube amp a 1-3 years expenditure whereby after that... it's to the bin, due to wear and tear?

which if so, it seems more rational to settle for a cheap chinese tube amp (as in made in china, woo audio not counted) or a Solid solid-state amp (sorry, pun intended), as such maybe i should look for a hi-end (at most US$1500) solid state amp instead to pair with my gs1000.

any solid state to recommend if any gels well with the gs1000?

i read that Grace M902 gels well with GS1000, but it would be crazy for me to buy it right? I Already got a DAC...

PC > Lavry DA10 (as DAC)> Grace m902 (as headamp) > GS1000 ... that's madness , right?
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post #11 of 32
6/16/08 at 11:01am
I don't think the Zana Duex can be purchased for $1900 anymore. It's $2500 now, but it comes with all the required tubes.
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post #12 of 32
6/16/08 at 11:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ragonix View Post
I don't think the Zana Duex can be purchased for $1900 anymore. It's $2500 now, but it comes with all the required tubes.
Yup, and Craig told me that he will be stocking them in July. So there shouldn't be a wait for them anymore come soon.
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post #13 of 32
6/16/08 at 11:29am
For me, it would be the Zana Duex because it can be used as a pre amp and has 3 inputs.
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post #14 of 32
6/16/08 at 12:47pm
Thread Starter 
ok...$2500 is over my budget...

that's one less choice for me.
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post #15 of 32
6/16/08 at 12:47pm
What tubes does the ZD use as a preamp and how good a preamp is it?

I don't think anyone has heard a maxed 6 SE so the changes here might be worth noting. The other amps in the Woo lineup, as stated in this thread, at the price point being discussed are also worth consideration. Go for broke and get the 300B.
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