[thecrow]

I have never changed a fuse in my gear so I have no opinion from my personal experience on this topic
I have read of some members loving this fuse below in their wa2.

If anyone wants to try it it appears to have a 30 day return guarantee - so no risk

https://highend-electronics.com/pro...h-purple-quantum-fuses?variant=39439459942518

 

[ColSaulTigh]

I have never changed a fuse in my gear so I have no opinion from my personal experience on this topic
I have read of some members loving this fuse below in their wa2.

If anyone wants to try it it appears to have a 30 day return guarantee - so no risk

https://highend-electronics.com/pro...h-purple-quantum-fuses?variant=39439459942518

I have them in all of my equipment, including my WA5-LE. I think they have a little effect. Not mind blowing, but an improvement.

 

[AudioDuck]

Incredibly grateful that I was able to get my WA2. With Tung-Sol 7236 power tubes, RFT EZ-81 (foil getter) rectifiers, and Brimar CV 4003/12AU7s driving ZMF Eikons, it is amazing with jazz, pop, and rock.

Good recordings have air, wide soundstaging, deep-deep/textured bass, and liquid, organic midrange. The above is a great combination, highly recommended.

The move from 7308s to 12AU7s (with adapters) was very significant- the amount of air added and the expansion of the soundstage is remarkable.

I could see using 7308s for EDM and any music that benefits from SERIOUS punch and über-tight bass, but for the other genres I listen to, the adapters + the move to 12AX7-type tubes was a big step up.

If you have a WA2 and are curious about the combos above, hit me up via DM.

 

[bluenight]

Hi about synergy with HD800S. Now two people have recommended me WA2 with HD800S. One called it fantastic pairing and one preferred it over Niimbus.

Do you agree? Its a safe choice?

Or is there better pairings in your opinion?

And how would you describe the sound.

How does it handle the treble peaks?
Is the Vocals and bass fullbodied?

Ferrum Oor+Hypsos have been too bright and sibilant for me also might lack some bass.

 

[bluenight]

I just read. con: gets extremely hot is that still the case? maybe it was referring to the tubes?

Anyway i wouldn't want it the heat the room to a sauna in summer time.

 

[exchez]

I just read. con: gets extremely hot is that still the case? maybe it was referring to the tubes?

Anyway i wouldn't want it the heat the room to a sauna in summer time.

It generates some heat but I wouldn't say it runs hot compared to other tube amps like the Valhalla 2.

 

[bluenight]

WA2 with HD800S is a fullbodied amp?
And no thin vocals?
Good detail level?

 

[jonathan c]

It generates some heat but I wouldn't say it runs hot compared to other tube amps like the Valhalla 2.

The power transformers get warm, as they should, in use. With a large surface area, they cool down reasonably quickly after the WA2 is turned off. The tubes cool off quickly.

 

[ucmgr]

I had a WA-6SE paired with the HD800's and it was excellent. I only sold it because I wanted to run all balanced so I moved up to a WA-22. I'm not familiar with the WA-2 other than it's an OTL. Tube rolling for the WA-6SE is not very expensive unless you go crazy and buy some ultra-expensive rectifier. The driver/power tubes are fairly common and you can find them at reasonable prices almost anywhere.

 

[jonathan c]

I have a 2nd Generation WA6SE with the 13DE7 driver tube sockets. Initially, I had my doubts about not being able to roll 12AT7 tubes etc; but, there are some very nice sounding 13DE7s out there. My favourite is the ‘yellow print’ Sylvania. Those with the Brimar CV1863 rectifier tube = .

 

[bluenight]

I had a WA-6SE paired with the HD800's and it was excellent.

Its also a interesting amp for me. Same price as WA2. I wonder what pairs best with HD800S of those two?

WA-6SE is a little more powerfull.
https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...1059475471/wooaudio_amplifier_comparisons.pdf

 

[ColSaulTigh]

I love all of my Woo Audio amps!

The WA6-SE Gen 2 is where I started, and currently have a WA5-LE as my main amp. Still use the WA6-SE's, mainly for comparison of rectifiers.

Until I'm introduced to something better, I see no reason to change.

 

[AudioDuck]

I'm not familiar with the WA-2 other than it's an OTL. Tube rolling for the WA-6SE is not very expensive unless you go crazy and buy some ultra-expensive rectifier. The driver/power tubes are fairly common and you can find them at reasonable prices almost anywhere.

While I don’t know how “full-bodied” the midrange of the HD-800/S might be with the WA2, it definitely works well with the midrange of ZMF 300 Ohm headphones. Very organic, strong midrange presence- “you are there” feeling.

Tube rolling for the WA2 is generally reasonable, with a set of NOS power tubes costing $75-100. That’s what I’ve paid for 7236s, which are quite good- I love mine- 6080s (decent backups), and other alternatives. The “holy grail” power tubes can cost $250-500 a pair, but honestly the amp sounds incredible with 7236s.

Great rectifier tubes cost $50-60 a pair, and driver (or are they “input tubes”? I’m always confused) can cost $50-200 for 6922/7308s or similar, BUT thanks to @jonathan c and @billerb1 I’ve learned how amazing 12AX7-family tubes are… much better performance for the cost ($75-100 for incredible NOS tubes). But you will need adapters, which usually cost $50-60.

So ultimately tube rolling to ONE excellent set of NOS tubes for a WA2 will cost about $300, if you are selective and patient (including adapters for the input tubes). But then you also have the WA2 running at near-top quality.

And usually pre-owned WA2s sell with some decent tubes included, so you can wait to invest that extra money. And given pre-owned WA2s sell for about $800-900, you would have an end-game tube amp for about $1200, which is pretty impressive.

(I would also recommend a fuse upgrade, but that is a contentious topic as some folks don’t believe you can hear the difference, but whatever- I know what I’m hearing. )

 

[Nicolas Yance]

Has anyone tried the Western Electric JW 2C51 with a 6922 adapter on the WA2?

 

[bluenight]

I love all of my Woo Audio amps!

The WA6-SE Gen 2 is where I started, and currently have a WA5-LE as my main amp. Still use the WA6-SE's, mainly for comparison of rectifiers.

Until I'm introduced to something better, I see no reason to change.

They are very good looking