WA22 let's roll some tubes (Done Mod, Burnning-in)

[tosehee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seamaster /img/forum/go_quote.gif Nice, I have EML 5U4G soild plate comming. Those EML tubes need very long time to bring out the bass. Still little shy for me. Because I listen to hard rock too. Other than that they sound very good out of box.

That's nice. You also got mesh right? I wonder how they compare..

 

[Seamaster]

I have EML mesh and solid is on its way, I also have Sophia 274B Princess mesh. I just got too lazy to review tubes and busy to mod my amp.

 

[ygm]

Continuing to roll tubes.

* GE 6SN7GTA are head and shoulders above the GE 6SN7GTB which came with the amp. Much tighter bass and smoother highs. A downright bargain at $6 a pop. Interestingly enough construction looks very similar if not identical.

* Chatham 5998 - very punchy sound. Love the bass, however, the rest of the spectrum sounds a little forced|congested|thick. There is also less air than with the RCA 6AS7G grey plates. The RCAs sound almost elegant in comparison. Jury is still out - I may go back to the RCAs.

Seamaster - you may want to try the 5998s - they probably have the impact you're looking for.

 

[tosehee]

My EML 5u4g arrived and on the WA22 for burn-in.

On the sneak peek, the bass is tighter and stronger. Slightly wider on the soundstage as well.

More to report later.

 

[ygm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tosehee /img/forum/go_quote.gif My EML 5u4g arrived and on the WA22 for burn-in. On the sneak peek, the bass is tighter and stronger. Slightly wider on the soundstage as well. More to report later.

Are you comparing the EML to the stock rectifier (Sovtek)?

 

[tosehee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ygm /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are you comparing the EML to the stock rectifier (Sovtek)?

Yes.

 

[Seamaster]

I never had any of those stock tubes. My amp came as bare bone as I knew stock tubes are heading to the trash can anyway.

 

[tosehee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seamaster /img/forum/go_quote.gif I never had any of those stock tubes. My amp came as bare bone as I knew stock tubes are heading to the trash can anyway.

I use those tubes for amp burn-in.

 

[ygm]

A Shuguang/VA 274B vs EML would also be an interesting comparison. I've read somewhere that the Shuguang is as good as the Sophia.

 

[tosehee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ygm /img/forum/go_quote.gif A Shuguang/VA 274B vs EML would also be an interesting comparison. I've read somewhere that the Shuguang is as good as the Sophia.

It was here, and it was direct impression from one of the gentleman who also happens to own WA22. I am interested as well in finding that, but that would be my future agenda.

 

[Seamaster]

Here is a ture story that really funny.

I emailed EML:

"Please tell me how different in sound and signature between your 5U4G mesh plate, 5U4G solid plate, and 274B mesh plate......? Because they look drfferent in your website picture......Thank for the help......"

EML replied

"We are very sorry are not able to help you...... We only make tubes...... don't know what the difference in sound between those tubes......"

(What......really......?? in my head)

"We have began to reduce the size of the glass, inside are all the same. 274B is one of the earlist to start with"

 

[tosehee]

Let me tell you.. I thought WA22 wasn't too great at first listen. I hold my impression until at least 50+ hours.

Now, the sound seems to stabilize whole lot, and it mimics the sound that I remembered. I can truly say that I am enjoying the music like never before.. (at least with headphone). HD800 seems to match up well with WA22..

For those who know, i was going to sell WA22 + HD800 if it didn't match up well, and spend more on analog gears. Thanks to Jack that dilemma is now gone..

To MY ear, WA22 > Phoenix for pure musicality. Phoenix is more transparent, but edgy and harsh to listen to. It's a great amp to observe the music, but not to enjoy.

WA22 is more forgiving of the poor records also. Oh, did I mention that with WA22, the HD800 really disappears and it's all you and the musics?

EML 5u4g is great tube.. Very solid bass, good extension, very nice resolution and soundstage. Sylvania 7236 is on order. So, i will update with more info.

Currently have Mazda + EML with RCA 6080.

 

[h.rav]

^ You might want to try Tung-Sol 5998. IMHO, it is the best power tube, better than 7236 by a large margin. Sylvania 7236 sounds thin and dull if compared with the 5998. Any 5998 is made by Tung-Sol.

 

[tosehee]

h.rav.

Are you the one who shared the impression about Shuguang 274B bettering the Sophia?

BTW, is this T-S?

http://thetubestore.com/nos-5998.html

 

[h.rav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tosehee /img/forum/go_quote.gif h.rav. Are you the one who shared the impression about Shuguang 274B bettering the Sophia?

No


Quote:

Originally Posted by tosehee /img/forum/go_quote.gif BTW, is this T-S? 5998A

No, i believe 5998A is made by GE.

5998 is getting rare to find and expensive.