Why.is the standard output 7 / 15 vrms? Thought the standard was 2 / 4
The Woo Audio 2
- Thread starter JayG
- Start date
Jd007
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2010
- Posts
- 480
- Likes
- 25
There is no such standard at 2/4Vrms as far as I know (at least not defined/governed by any standard organization). A lot of DACs especially ones targeting professional or studio use will have higher output levels (especially on XLR our) because pro equipment traditionally expects higher output levels. A lot of DACs do follow the 2/4Vrms levels as consumer equipment (such as self-powered speakers) cannot handle hotter signals without distorting/clipping. But for stand alone desktop sized amps, almost all of them should be able to handle the hotter outputs, at least up to 7-8Vrms for XLR (15 is a bit high).
DACs with relatively high output levels (6Vs+) on XLR include the Mytek, Calyx 24/192, Matrix X-Sabre, most MSB DACs, to name a few. Most Audio-GD DACs also output at 5Vrms. Haven't heard any issues with any of these amps (except the Mytek which before setting the jumpers to lower the RCA level it did cause clipping with my powered speakers).
webegrubbin
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2011
- Posts
- 22
- Likes
- 0
I have a yamaha rx-a3030 AVR which I plan to connect to my Woo Audio2 via interconnects. The AVR will stream flac files from my network hard drive and send the signal to the WA2 for headphone listening. In this case, i believe the AVR is acting as a preamp, and the WA2 is the power amp for my headphones. I know that the WA2 also functions as a preamp. My question is: can I then connect a power amp (used for loudspeakers) to the preamp outputs of the WA2 and use the WA2 as a preamp when I listen to my loudspeakers? So my connection would be AVR-> WA2-> power amp-> loudspeakers. I guess this means that both the AVR and WA2 are acting as preamps? Is this ok?
drewTT
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2012
- Posts
- 183
- Likes
- 92
I just ordered this amp. How good are the stock tubes? I am already thinking about upgrading and I noticed that Woo Audio has upgraded tubes available? Are those the best choice? Which set of tubes makes the biggest difference? Power, driver, or rectifier or do all three at the same time?
Thx.
Thx.
drewTT
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2012
- Posts
- 183
- Likes
- 92
Technically, in this case, you would want your AVR to just act as a source. Since most likely the volume control in the AVR cannot be disabled, I would set the volume control on your AVR at "reference" or "0" and just use the WA2's volume control.
webegrubbin
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2011
- Posts
- 22
- Likes
- 0
Stock tubes aren't too good in my opinion. From my experience, power tubes and preamp tubes make the biggest impact. Rectifier tubes not so much
The biggest tubes has the biggest impact 
Stock tubes vary. If you are on a budget, listen to them and come back for advice, if not - have some fun at ebay
Woo tubes are probably good upgrades, and my impression is that their tubeprices are decent.
Stock tubes vary. If you are on a budget, listen to them and come back for advice, if not - have some fun at ebay
Woo tubes are probably good upgrades, and my impression is that their tubeprices are decent.
drewTT
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2012
- Posts
- 183
- Likes
- 92
Thanks guys. This amp will also be used everyday as a preamp for my amp/speakers.
Therefore, I believe I would want the best driver tubes.
What is the consensus on the Amperax 7308 Woo offers as an upgrade?
I might just add it to my order if it makes a huge difference. Since I understand that tubes need about 150+ hours to break in, it would make sense to start with good tubes.
Or am I doing it wrong?
Therefore, I believe I would want the best driver tubes.
What is the consensus on the Amperax 7308 Woo offers as an upgrade?
I might just add it to my order if it makes a huge difference. Since I understand that tubes need about 150+ hours to break in, it would make sense to start with good tubes.
Or am I doing it wrong?
1) It will make a world of difference!
2) Of course you are!
(just kidding. Just get the tubes, start rolling. Swapping tubes is like drinking different coffees, wines or teas. Just start rolling the tubes. Woo upgrades are generally good and the tubes are not overpriced, but you can check out ebay for reference)
drewTT
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2012
- Posts
- 183
- Likes
- 92
Yup. But look at it this way: With SS amps you have to swap the whole amp to get a new sound, with tubes you just swap the tubes
- Joined
- May 26, 2009
- Posts
- 7,175
- Likes
- 692
The best thing I have found is that you can always fine tune the amp to whatever mood and sound you would like to hear. if you needs more treble extension or bass extension many tubes will give you that I enjoy tinkering with tubes to get the best out of my amps.
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2012
- Posts
- 4,574
- Likes
- 223
- Joined
- May 26, 2009
- Posts
- 7,175
- Likes
- 692
Hi Drew. The stock tubes are decent but the beauty of the WA2 it can really be tailored to your individual taste by upgrading the tubes.
Dubstep Girl
Headphoneus Supremus
+1 heh heh.
theres also a guy selling bugle boys, orange globes, and CCa on another thread.
Users who are viewing this thread
