[UniqueMelody]

Hi guys, we have generated some quite good feedback and some very valuable suggestions regarding the MEST during CanJam NYC. We want more head-fi members to try or retry the MEST, so we are going to start a tour for the MEST!
For details please visit: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/uni...impression-thread.924844/page-3#post-15474353

 

[headsman]

I know I could trawl through the thread but were Aurorus Audio there?

 

[pbui44]

Thanks for your insight. For the $1500 - $2500 price point what tube amps would you recommend? I'm currently saving up and the Cayin was high on the list. I'd still like to hear it for myself but curious what else is out there.

Woo Audio WA22 2nd gen:

https://wooaudio.com/amplifiers/wa22

@Relaxasaurus if you have any questions about the WA22, e-mail Mike@wooaudio.com about it.

 

[Relaxasaurus]

Woo Audio WA22 2nd gen:

https://wooaudio.com/amplifiers/wa22

I was interested in the WA22 but from reading around here it all but requires expensive tube upgrades to get the "tube" sound. At $2.5k I'd like it to sound great stock.

The Cayin seems like a good bet since both the cheaper HA-1A and more expensive HA-300 have stellar reviews.

 

[joseph69]

I was interested in the WA22 but from reading around here it all but requires expensive tube upgrades

No matter which amp you chose you're going to upgrade the tubes.

 

[Relaxasaurus]

No matter which amp you chose you're going to upgrade the tubes.

Fair point. My previous tube amp was a hybrid and I personally hated the whole process of tube rolling (like Jude does ) so I guess I'm either lazy or naive, or both!

If any WA22 owner is in the NYC area and wants to do a shootout with the HA-6A message me. I'll have the only one in North America coming in next week and want to do a proper YT video review.

 

[Frankie D]

Fair point. My previous tube amp was a hybrid and I personally hated the whole process of tube rolling (like Jude does ) so I guess I'm either lazy or naive, or both!

If any WA22 owner is in the NYC area and wants to do a shootout with the HA-6A message me. I'll have the only one in North America coming in next week and want to do a proper YT video review.

You are not alone. I have tubes for my stereo system and one if the reasons I chose them was tube rolling was not needed with this particular brand. But some folks do love it. Tks.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I was interested in the WA22 but from reading around here it all but requires expensive tube upgrades to get the "tube" sound. At $2.5k I'd like it to sound great stock.

The Cayin seems like a good bet since both the cheaper HA-1A and more expensive HA-300 have stellar reviews.

We would NOT supply bad sounding tubes with our amplifiers so the customer can have a bad listening experience right out of the box. In most cases, the stock tubes is what we use at trade shows. Amps sent to reviewers also rocks stock tubes. Sure you can spend money on premium tubes if you desire but it's not necessary to achieve great sound.

WA22 is an incredible performer for its size and price. It is my favorite Woo amp next to WA8 eclipse.

No matter which amp you chose you're going to upgrade the tubes.

The upgrade bug can bite.

 

[joseph69]

We would NOT supply bad sounding tubes with our amplifiers so the customer can have a bad listening experience right out of the box. In most cases, the stock tubes is what we use at trade shows. Amps sent to reviewers also rocks stock tubes. Sure you can spend money on premium tubes if you desire but it's not necessary to achieve great sound.

WA22 is an incredible performer for its size and price. It is my favorite Woo amp next to WA8 eclipse.
The upgrade bug can bite.

I have to say, that when I demoed the WA33 in home I bought it based on its sound with the stock tubes.
And yes, the upgrade bug always bites!

 

[attmci]

I was interested in the WA22 but from reading around here it all but requires expensive tube upgrades to get the "tube" sound. At $2.5k I'd like it to sound great stock.

The Cayin seems like a good bet since both the cheaper HA-1A and more expensive HA-300 have stellar reviews.

Buy a used one for ~1500. And spend the leftover (1000) for some good tubes which will last you for a couple of years.

 

[gandhisfist]

I know I could trawl through the thread but were Aurorus Audio there?

We were not able to attend the show this year. If all goes well, maybe next year.

 

[twister6]

Grab some popcorn and enjoy the read!!! It's a long one!!!

 

[Relaxasaurus]

Grab some popcorn and enjoy the read!!! It's a long one!!!

Excellent write up. Even though I'm not an IEM guy it was very thorough

 

[Darkestred]

Excellent write up. Even though I'm not an IEM guy it was very thorough

Man. I was there 2 days and i must have missed BGVP and Moondrop. Oh well.

Edit and i quoted the wrong person. Enjoy it.

 

[twister6]

Man. I was there 2 days and i must have missed BGVP and Moondrop. Oh well.

Edit and i quoted the wrong person. Enjoy it.

They were not in the main area. There were extra conference rooms on the left, that's where Moondrop and BGVP were "hiding", I think it was a Plymouth room.