[Thaddy]

So a WA2 with a separate power supply?

 

[jonathan c]

Indeed! When I compare the WA6 and the WA6SE, using the same rectifier tubes and as similar as possible power/driver tubes, the WA6SE just has so much more “in reserve”. “Heft” in delivery, independent of volume level, is so much greater with the WA6SE than with the WA6 - which I love (roll 6SN7 and 12AT7 tubes therein) and fully intend to keep.

 

[jonathan c]

Vis-a-vis post #41,688: Mike at Woo Audio says that a ‘WA2SE’ is unlikely since the preponderance of h/p are low-impedance. …

 

[ThanatosVI]

Woo ES8, coming soon

 

[Odin412]

Woo ES8, coming soon

Very nice! I wonder what the price will be?

 

[jonathan c]

:

 

[George Chronis]

Question about ZMF and WA5-LE (gen 1): I guess I'm supposed to have these (VO, VC or Atrium) in the "high" output, but even with the volume all the way down I have some background noise from the tubes. I am using EML 300B mesh and EML 5U4G mesh with Ken-Rad VT231s. In the "low" output I hear nothing up to 11 o' clock and I listen around 9 o' clock. Am I missing something playing at the low output? I don't think I can tell much difference other than that. The background noise in the high setting is not audible while music is playing of course. I purchased the EMLs new and I probably have 50 hours on them. The Ken-Rads are used in good condition.

I guess nothing abnormal, but because the cans are 300Ω does it really matter if I just play them on low?

 

[jonathan c]

Question about ZMF and WA5-LE (gen 1): I guess I'm supposed to have these (VO, VC or Atrium) in the "high" output, but even with the volume all the way down I have some background noise from the tubes. I am using EML 300B mesh and EML 5U4G mesh with Ken-Rad VT231s. In the "low" output I hear nothing up to 11 o' clock and I listen around 9 o' clock. Am I missing something playing at the low output? I don't think I can tell much difference other than that. The background noise in the high setting is not audible while music is playing of course. I purchased the EMLs new and I probably have 50 hours on them. The Ken-Rads are used in good condition.

I guess nothing abnormal, but because the cans are 300Ω does it really matter if I just play them on low?

It certainly would not harm the high-impedance headphone. If the background is quieter, use the low impedance output socket. I think that a mismatch might arise were you to use a really low-impedance headphone via the high-impedance output socket.

 

[musicman59]

Question about ZMF and WA5-LE (gen 1): I guess I'm supposed to have these (VO, VC or Atrium) in the "high" output, but even with the volume all the way down I have some background noise from the tubes. I am using EML 300B mesh and EML 5U4G mesh with Ken-Rad VT231s. In the "low" output I hear nothing up to 11 o' clock and I listen around 9 o' clock. Am I missing something playing at the low output? I don't think I can tell much difference other than that. The background noise in the high setting is not audible while music is playing of course. I purchased the EMLs new and I probably have 50 hours on them. The Ken-Rads are used in good condition.

I guess nothing abnormal, but because the cans are 300Ω does it really matter if I just play them on low?

Under the amplifier handles there is a hole and inside there is a screw for a potentiometers. Have your try adjusting them to see if the noise reduced or goes away?

 

[George Chronis]

Under the amplifier handles there is a hole and inside there is a screw for a potentiometers. Have your try adjusting them to see if the noise reduced or goes away?

I have not. I had read about that, but never touched it. So, with nothing playing, but the headphones connected start adjusting that screw left or right to achieve the lowest noise floor possible?

To be clear: I'm not complaining; love the amp and works great with all my headphones. I was just curious if it's ok to run the 300Ω phones on low and if I'm missing anything. Of course, if there's a way to make noise disappear, I'm all for it Will give that a shot tonight.

 

[musicman59]

I have not. I had read about that, but never touched it. So, with nothing playing, but the headphones connected start adjusting that screw left or right to achieve the lowest noise floor possible?

To be clear: I'm not complaining; love the amp and works great with all my headphones. I was just curious if it's ok to run the 300Ω phones on low and if I'm missing anything. Of course, if there's a way to make noise disappear, I'm all for it Will give that a shot tonight.

Yes, that’s the way to do it.

 

[George Chronis]

Yes, that’s the way to do it.

Ok, I just tried that. I see what you mean. When I adjusting the screws I get more of a "hum" noise and somewhere in the middle there is no hum. They were set fine. The noise I am talking about is more like wind blowing through the earphone and much less prominent than the hum. At the low setting it's dead silent and even at high, it is not audible when music is playing, so I'm not worried

 

[musicman59]

Sounds good. At least you eliminated one variable.

 

[SteveHulk]

Ok, I just tried that. I see what you mean. When I adjusting the screws I get more of a "hum" noise and somewhere in the middle there is no hum. They were set fine. The noise I am talking about is more like wind blowing through the earphone and much less prominent than the hum. At the low setting it's dead silent and even at high, it is not audible when music is playing, so I'm not worried

If you can get some different 6SN7 tubes to swap in I think you should try.

Noise, even if apparently "not audible when music is playing" nevertheless has a very bad effect on sound quality. Your amp should be totally silent when no music is playing.

 

[George Chronis]

If you can get some different 6SN7 tubes to swap in I think you should try.

Noise, even if apparently "not audible when music is playing" nevertheless has a very bad effect on sound quality. Your amp should be totally silent when no music is playing.

I have plenty of 6SN7 pairs. I’ll try swapping another one in. Thank you!