WBA - White Bird Amplification - Thread

[ostewart]

I've seen WBA mentioned a few times, with a couple of product specific threads but no general WBA discussion in here. This is a thread for owners to come and share their experiences with the company and their amps.

WBA make a few different amps, pre-amps and headphone amps: https://www.wbamp.com/

WBA will also make custom amps tailored to your specific needs.

I have not heard any WBA amps yet, but I am hoping to review one some time in the spring.

 

[Deleeh]

Hello,

I had an amplifier built by Wba a hybrid amplifier about half a year ago.
The basic idea came from me and Wba improved and refined it.
The amplifier came about because I was looking for a powerful hybrid amplifier that could drive planar headphones smoothly.

After I looked at the market and the concepts were not so convincing, I had a hybrid amplifier made by Wba according to my request.
Originally I had planned something like a Schiit Lyr 3 but better.
In the end after Wba's ideas it became a very potent hybrid amplifier with 2x6SN7 socket, A/B pushpull from it with a small extra charge than usual planned but worthwhile.

Because it was a bit unique the build took a bit longer but it was worth it.
The communication has always been smooth.
The build quality is very good and far from Made in China products.
Responds very well to tube changes.
Soundwise it is also very good where I rate it strongly towards midfi.
It is definitely better than the Little dot 1+ and Pathos Aurium.
Drives the Aeon R/T and Lcd 2C with enough power, dynamics and punch.
Especially with the Lcd 2c, some say it can't reproduce bass so well, but with the right tube it's a must.
Even with the Aeon R/T headphones, the amp pushes the Aeon to a whole other level.

The Name of this little biest is Wba HPA Firebird.

 

[albertmuc]

…but no general WBA discussion in here…

In fact, there are hardly any opinions about WBA, strange, the relationship between workmanship and price seems excellent.

 

[CJG888]

I‘m still very happy with my WBA Tzar.

An OTL which will drive planars, including the original HE-500!

 

[albertmuc]

What sound character does WBA represent?
Which competitor is WBA most comparable to?

 

[CJG888]

I would say the Tzar is closest to something like a simplified Zana Deux.

Best matches so far are Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro and AT ATH-R70x.

 

[zarkow]

Hello, is there any member from forum or do you know anybody, who has experience with HPA Master model?
Thank you

 

[Rayon]

https://www.highfidelity.pl/@main-321&lang=en

 

[MDKrinkles]

Not to revive a dead thread but does anyone have any comments on the actual purchasing experience. The price relative to the build quality and design seems spot on but I’m always concerned about how a potential return would go if anything went wrong. I’m having a hard time parsing how the return policy works. Some of the phrasing seems to imply that if you want to claim that the item arrived damaged this must be corroborated by the delivery person?

These seem like really high quality amps I just wanna know if ordering and purchasing will be a smooth experience.

 

[Deleeh]

Not to revive a dead thread but does anyone have any comments on the actual purchasing experience. The price relative to the build quality and design seems spot on but I’m always concerned about how a potential return would go if anything went wrong. I’m having a hard time parsing how the return policy works. Some of the phrasing seems to imply that if you want to claim that the item arrived damaged this must be corroborated by the delivery person?

These seem like really high quality amps I just wanna know if ordering and purchasing will be a smooth experience.

Piotr is a good and serious seller and builder.
When I had my hybrid ram made by him, everything went really well, he also responded to my wishes and tried to get the best out of it.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with him about the shipping.
He works so cleanly and packs it really well.
Unfortunately, there really are logistics companies that don't care about anything.
Mine arrived with DPD and the box was damaged.
Fortunately, the amplifier hadn't suffered any damage, just a small corner at the back.
You didn't see that.
If I had really complained about it, it would have been rather pedantic.
I did ask Piotr and he sent me pictures showing that everything was in order and not damaged.
You can ask him not to ship with DPD, they have really given up in the meantime.
I get the parcels left on my doorstep or they take them with them and I don't get any notification that I can collect them.

In terms of quality, everything was great, and the amplifier was also great by the standards of the time.
I am sure that he has certainly made progress today.
And he does a lot of the circuit boards, design ect... himself.

 

[MDKrinkles]

My interest is certainly piqued. I’m trying to find a step up from the Lyr as a tube amp for planars without completely destroying my wallet. His amps seem very reasonably priced for the quality.

 

[Deleeh]

My interest is certainly piqued. I’m trying to find a step up from the Lyr as a tube amp for planars without completely destroying my wallet. His amps seem very reasonably priced for the quality.

That used to be mine:
https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/wba-firebird-6sn7-hybrid-amp.74084/
Had worked out together with Piotr, one channel per tube.
With approx. 3 watts that's more than enough.
I wanted this with 6sn7 because I had some 6sn7 in stock.
You can also ask him how it would work with 12AT7 tubes with the concept if it is to be a hybrid amp.
Otherwise, the one Magol offers is also very good.
It's a bit smoother in sound, also due to the lower Mu gain that 6SN7s generally have.
But it also plays powerfully with a pleasant character in the sound.
Maybe Piotr has another idea.
If you tell him what you want, the better he can suggest something that suits your taste.
Of course, in the end it's also a question of money.
I would always try to use a tube as a custom build so that you have a choice for your needs.

 

[MDKrinkles]

If I lived in Europe I’d seriously consider it. Definitely can’t be making any purchases right at this moment anyway. Does seem like a very nice amp.

 

[Pankiwi]

How about this apparatus:

Electron ORT, OTL 6 watts/channel. Suitable for low imp. planars. I’d like to know more about it.

 

[Yoram Diamand]

Hi,
I had a class a custom built Blazebird preamp made. Better capacitors and 2a3 and 6sn7 by Linlai elite. It replaced a Musical Paradise mp-701 mk 2 with Linlai elite 6sn7 and 274b. And all upgrades I could think of. But the Blazebird is not to be compared with the mp-701. The Blazebird is too good. I just love it. Addictive yes. Too good. Cheers, Yoram

PS my review: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/edvg...ey=vkccoio89vj33245h2r92kc7r&st=coflorly&dl=0