BIG POPPA
Headphoneus Supremus
What tubes and toys have you bought for this amp? I spent a few hundred dollars in a few weeks just waiting for my amp. If you haven't it is a good time!
Woo Audio Amp Owner Unite
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tosehee
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HDA.
Is your impression/review of WES coming any time soon?
I know it's a great sounding amp for stax, but I really respect your honest and subjective review of gears. It would be great to read your take on WES compared to your previous stax gear.
| Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey, you wore out the Stax jack on my WES prototype. 
It's not bad enough to send it back, but it's apparently gotten a lot of use since Canjam. I'd say 10 years worth in just 6 months. Everything else is exactly as I expected, and it hardly looks used. I just wish this had been picked up before it shipped to me. 
|
HDA.
Is your impression/review of WES coming any time soon?
I know it's a great sounding amp for stax, but I really respect your honest and subjective review of gears. It would be great to read your take on WES compared to your previous stax gear.
Clayton SF
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Do tell, BIG POPPA, what were your tubes and toys of choice during your few weeks of waiting?
| Originally Posted by BIG POPPA /img/forum/go_quote.gif What tubes and toys have you bought for this amp? I spent a few hundred dollars in a few weeks just waiting for my amp. If you haven't it is a good time! |
Do tell, BIG POPPA, what were your tubes and toys of choice during your few weeks of waiting?
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Right now the Woo WES is THE BEST amp for Stax, HE60 and Jade that I have ever heard or owned. (the A-10 was great with HE90 and Jade, pretty good with O2 Mk1, but not so good with O2 Mk2 and HE60 - could be tubes)
I really liked my previous GES over all the Stax brand amps or the new eXStatA, for it's wonderful timbre and tone and euphonic sound, but it was lacking in power with O2 Mk1 and had a more forward narrower soundstage than the balanced SRM-717 or eXStatA. It's soundstage was on par with the SRM-T1, and tone/power was similar to the SRM-T1 except for better micro-detail and bass definition.
With the WES my O2 finally can keep up with my HD800 on the ZDT. In some ways the combo sounds better now, except for the smaller soundstage which is still very precise in it's imaging. The WES has all the rich vibrant mids of the GES with better bass and treble extension, a much bigger wider deeper and separated soundstage than the GES, and a good bit more power. The music is very vibrant and alive now, with good dynamic range.
If you don't have the Stax O2, the Jade and HE60 still sound better on the WES, even thought the GES had enough power.
| Originally Posted by tosehee /img/forum/go_quote.gif HDA. Is your impression/review of WES coming any time soon? I know it's a great sounding amp for stax, but I really respect your honest and subjective review of gears. It would be great to read your take on WES compared to your previous stax gear. |
Right now the Woo WES is THE BEST amp for Stax, HE60 and Jade that I have ever heard or owned. (the A-10 was great with HE90 and Jade, pretty good with O2 Mk1, but not so good with O2 Mk2 and HE60 - could be tubes)
I really liked my previous GES over all the Stax brand amps or the new eXStatA, for it's wonderful timbre and tone and euphonic sound, but it was lacking in power with O2 Mk1 and had a more forward narrower soundstage than the balanced SRM-717 or eXStatA. It's soundstage was on par with the SRM-T1, and tone/power was similar to the SRM-T1 except for better micro-detail and bass definition.
With the WES my O2 finally can keep up with my HD800 on the ZDT. In some ways the combo sounds better now, except for the smaller soundstage which is still very precise in it's imaging. The WES has all the rich vibrant mids of the GES with better bass and treble extension, a much bigger wider deeper and separated soundstage than the GES, and a good bit more power. The music is very vibrant and alive now, with good dynamic range.
If you don't have the Stax O2, the Jade and HE60 still sound better on the WES, even thought the GES had enough power.
BIG POPPA
Headphoneus Supremus
Let see, A set of Herbies, Sylvania 7236, Matched set of RCA E88CC, Matched Tesla (not jj)E88CC Rhodium. A pair of Jan Phillips 6922, Pair Amperex Bugle boy 6dj8's, Several CD's Black Sabbath, Avett Brothers, Rolling Stones, and a few more. And I have a pair of Mullard CV 2984 coming, Just recently ordered those. It will pass the time having a bunch of stuff come to your mail box.
Clayton SF
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Great choices!!! Those particular tubes and toys you've mentioned would certainly put a smile on my face while waiting for the BIG TOY. Actually, just mentioning the brand Mullard would put a smile on my face.
| Originally Posted by BIG POPPA /img/forum/go_quote.gif Let see, A set of Herbies, Sylvania 7236, Matched set of RCA E88CC, Matched Tesla (not jj)E88CC Rhodium. A pair of Jan Phillips 6922, Pair Amperex Bugle boy 6dj8's, Several CD's Black Sabbath, Avett Brothers, Rolling Stones, and a few more. And I have a pair of Mullard CV 2984 coming, Just recently ordered those. It will pass the time having a bunch of stuff come to your mail box. |
Great choices!!! Those particular tubes and toys you've mentioned would certainly put a smile on my face while waiting for the BIG TOY. Actually, just mentioning the brand Mullard would put a smile on my face.
BIG POPPA
Headphoneus Supremus
Now the amp is burning in. Man the sound changes almost everyday. Some days are better than others. Can't wait to slap the Mullard when it gets here. Now if I can find a GEC 6AS7 and a Genalex I would be very happy.
tosehee
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Thanks a bunch for WES impression, HDA.
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It's a cold cruel world out there.
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You can ask the other attendees at the mini meet at my house, but there was nothing loose on any of the headphones that we used with your amp. I'm not sure if Jack checked over the amp before he sent it to you. We really appreciate that you allowed us to listen to it, I know waiting for it for and extra week must have been a painstaking experience.
The only headphone that fit in a little tight, was the Jade, along with the pins being a little longer.
If it's really a serious problem, please have Jack send you another Stax jack, or send it back to him, and I will be happy to pay for shipping and the cost of installing a new Stax jack. Unfortunately, this is a problem inherent to buying an amp that has been around the block a bit, but if we would have noticed any looseness or static, I would have had Jack take care of the problem and footed the bill, b4 forwarding to you.
Sorry that this is the case. I will make amends. It is my responsibility as the borrower. Your words are a bit accusatory though, and leave no other possibilities open. It could have happened at RMAF or the NYC meet and the 4 of us just didn't hear it.
| Originally Posted by Seamaster /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's funny. Good looking out budy 
|
It's a cold cruel world out there.
Quote:
| Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey, you wore out the Stax jack on my WES prototype.
|
You can ask the other attendees at the mini meet at my house, but there was nothing loose on any of the headphones that we used with your amp. I'm not sure if Jack checked over the amp before he sent it to you. We really appreciate that you allowed us to listen to it, I know waiting for it for and extra week must have been a painstaking experience.
The only headphone that fit in a little tight, was the Jade, along with the pins being a little longer.
If it's really a serious problem, please have Jack send you another Stax jack, or send it back to him, and I will be happy to pay for shipping and the cost of installing a new Stax jack. Unfortunately, this is a problem inherent to buying an amp that has been around the block a bit, but if we would have noticed any looseness or static, I would have had Jack take care of the problem and footed the bill, b4 forwarding to you.
Sorry that this is the case. I will make amends. It is my responsibility as the borrower. Your words are a bit accusatory though, and leave no other possibilities open. It could have happened at RMAF or the NYC meet and the 4 of us just didn't hear it.
Seamaster
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Pop open my WA22 today. I see whole bunch Rubuycon and Nichicon caps. The amp is capable sound a lot of better with better caps. But it is not esay to swap them.
http://gvamlq.bay.livefilestore.com/...q/P1010292.JPG
I will ask Dan at Modwright to redo the center section of the amp where is the PC board at. But cost is a big question.
Any help or input?
http://gvamlq.bay.livefilestore.com/...q/P1010292.JPG
I will ask Dan at Modwright to redo the center section of the amp where is the PC board at. But cost is a big question.
Any help or input?
Clayton SF
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Have you asked Jack if perhaps there will be a future upgrade that he'll perform on the WA22 with specs that you'd outline for him. Or maybe Jack has a schematics of his own? And if Dan at Modwright does the mods are they your specs or Dan's or a collaboration? A curious project none the less with great outcome to say the least. Looking forward to the results.
Seamaster
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I spent 10+ hours to study different caps. End up black gate is just big name rated 2.5~3 star out of 5. And the caps in the WA22 are..... you know.
" Saying anything about Blackgate caps is entering into a religious war. Some people swear by them, others find them to be all hype. To me, in a signal path, they sound slightly more grainy and less detailed than good film caps. However, they also seem to have a warm fuzzy sort of sound that can be really pleasing (though I have heard this is unique to the N series.) One particularly useful thing about them is that they are small and come in large values and thus can be used where film caps do not fit, or do not exist (which is particularly the case if you need a large cap such as at the output of a headphone amp where 470uF is a common size, and 1000uF is not unreasonable), and this may be where they are best.. However, I'll note that people like Audiosector who are neither space nor value limited use them as output caps in their TDA1543 based NOS DAC. So, all of that is to say that there are times that they might be the right choice, and times that they are not. Fortunately, in the 4.7uF size, it is not particularly expensive to figure this out. "
Jack is so busy to fill the orders, upgrade is out of picture for a loooooong time. Beside blackgates are not the best option anyway. They sound too thick.
I hope cap upgrade will cost some where around $600~$800, otherwise WA22 is not worthy.
| Originally Posted by Clayton SF /img/forum/go_quote.gif Have you asked Jack if perhaps there will be a future upgrade that he'll perform on the WA22 with specs that you'd outline for him. Or maybe Jack has a schematics of his own? And if Dan at Modwright does the mods are they your specs or Dan's or a collaboration? A curious project none the less with great outcome to say the least. Looking forward to the results. |
I spent 10+ hours to study different caps. End up black gate is just big name rated 2.5~3 star out of 5. And the caps in the WA22 are..... you know.
" Saying anything about Blackgate caps is entering into a religious war. Some people swear by them, others find them to be all hype. To me, in a signal path, they sound slightly more grainy and less detailed than good film caps. However, they also seem to have a warm fuzzy sort of sound that can be really pleasing (though I have heard this is unique to the N series.) One particularly useful thing about them is that they are small and come in large values and thus can be used where film caps do not fit, or do not exist (which is particularly the case if you need a large cap such as at the output of a headphone amp where 470uF is a common size, and 1000uF is not unreasonable), and this may be where they are best.. However, I'll note that people like Audiosector who are neither space nor value limited use them as output caps in their TDA1543 based NOS DAC. So, all of that is to say that there are times that they might be the right choice, and times that they are not. Fortunately, in the 4.7uF size, it is not particularly expensive to figure this out. "
Jack is so busy to fill the orders, upgrade is out of picture for a loooooong time. Beside blackgates are not the best option anyway. They sound too thick.
I hope cap upgrade will cost some where around $600~$800, otherwise WA22 is not worthy.
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I put in the smiley faces to indicate I was teasing you.
I also said "...it's apparently gotten a lot of use since Canjam. I'd say 10 years worth in just 6 months." - which means I was acknowledging the fact that it wasn't just from a weekend of your using it. Don't worry about it.
The jack is tighter with my Jade, but with my O2 Mk1 I can wiggle it a bit, which I couldn't do with my GES. I'm going to see if Jack will send me a Jack.
| Originally Posted by immtbiker /img/forum/go_quote.gif You can ask the other attendees at the mini meet at my house, but there was nothing loose on any of the headphones that we used with your amp. I'm not sure if Jack checked over the amp before he sent it to you. We really appreciate that you allowed us to listen to it, I know waiting for it for and extra week must have been a painstaking experience. The only headphone that fit in a little tight, was the Jade, along with the pins being a little longer. If it's really a serious problem, please have Jack send you another Stax jack, or send it back to him, and I will be happy to pay for shipping and the cost of installing a new Stax jack. Unfortunately, this is a problem inherent to buying an amp that has been around the block a bit, but if we would have noticed any looseness or static, I would have had Jack take care of the problem and footed the bill, b4 forwarding to you. Sorry that this is the case. I will make amends. It is my responsibility as the borrower. Your words are a bit accusatory though, and leave no other possibilities open. It could have happened at RMAF or the NYC meet and the 4 of us just didn't hear it. |
I put in the smiley faces to indicate I was teasing you.
I also said "...it's apparently gotten a lot of use since Canjam. I'd say 10 years worth in just 6 months." - which means I was acknowledging the fact that it wasn't just from a weekend of your using it. Don't worry about it.
The jack is tighter with my Jade, but with my O2 Mk1 I can wiggle it a bit, which I couldn't do with my GES. I'm going to see if Jack will send me a Jack.
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Quote:
I'm actually afraid that the Jade was the culprit in the first place. Longer pins that seem a little wider.
You might have to go the Jack Squared route. Jack's jack.
| Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif I put in the smiley faces to indicate I was teasing you. I also said "...it's apparently gotten a lot of use since Canjam. I'd say 10 years worth in just 6 months." - which means I was acknowledging the fact that it wasn't just from a weekend of your using it. Don't worry about it. The jack is tighter with my Jade, but with my O2 Mk1 I can wiggle it a bit, which I couldn't do with my GES. I'm going to see if Jack will send me a Jack. |
I'm actually afraid that the Jade was the culprit in the first place. Longer pins that seem a little wider.
You might have to go the Jack Squared route. Jack's jack.
Clayton SF
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Hey! Your insides are different from my insides. You are blue and I am green. I think blue looks really regal. Yes, blue is nice. I also see that you've done a lot of homework on caps. If Blackgates have 2.5~3 star out of 5, then what caps are rated higher and are they readily available? I guess I need to do some cap homework myself!
| Originally Posted by Seamaster /img/forum/go_quote.gif Pop open my WA22 today. I see whole bunch Rubuycon and Nichicon caps. The amp is capable sound a lot of better with better caps. But it is not esay to swap them. http://gvamlq.bay.livefilestore.com/...q/P1010292.JPG I will ask Dan at Modwright to redo the center section of the amp where is the PC board at. But cost is a big question.
Any help or input? |
Hey! Your insides are different from my insides. You are blue and I am green. I think blue looks really regal. Yes, blue is nice. I also see that you've done a lot of homework on caps. If Blackgates have 2.5~3 star out of 5, then what caps are rated higher and are they readily available? I guess I need to do some cap homework myself!
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