Woo Audio Amp Owner Unite

[dannie01]

Quote:

Danny, I may be wrong but here is what my impression on GZ34/7

GZ37>metal base GZ34>fat black base GZ34>black base GZ34>brown base GZ34.

I just won a pair of GZ37 from fleabay, I will let you know if my impression changes between metal base GZ34 and GZ37.

 
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On the subject of Mullard tubes, I've been pondering whether to grab a GZ33 as a quality backup tube myself.  One person on diyaudio described them as "impossible to destroy through normal means" which I take to mean it is a very hearty tube and a good choice for an EML backup.  The GZ37 seems to be much more popular, but the few posts I've found on the GZ33 universally state it is the better of the two tubes which seems odd to me.  Perhaps it is just a question of availability, since the GZ33 seems more rare. 
 
There is also the High Wycombe GZ37 Fat Bottle which is supposed to be one of the finest NOS rectifiers there is.  They actually cost more than an EML tube does.  The tube bears a strong resemblance to my Brimar 5R4GY.

 
Quote:

I have also been following the ongoing rectifier posts.
I just ordered a GZ33 from Upscale Audio and a Sophia Princess 274b from Jack.
I have one EML 5u4g in my amp right now, and one spare. I also have two GZ37s which sound good also.
I'm looking forward to auditioning the GZ 33 & 274b.
High Wycombe.....forgot about that one.

 
Look forward for your impression and thanks for the input, John. I'm lost on all these Mullard, GZ34 fat/ black base, GZ33, GZ37....................................

  But for price wise, the selling price of Mullard GZ34 fat/ black base are normally higher than GZ33/37, that is interesting.
 
You guys are rich on tubes rolling and on the other hand we're being insane on tubes with our Woo.

 
 
 
PS. I should have keep the WA22 instead of getting the WA5LE, at least I need only 1 rectifier and could some $ for other power or driver tubes. Ordering 2 rectifier each time is a nightmare.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

question to all you woo owners.
 
how good is the WA3 compared to the other more expensive amps like the WA6/WA22/WA5?? (upgrades vs stock taken into account). i know theres a comparison chart on the main website, but it still doesnt tell me much
 
i am planning on buying a woo amp, but don't know which one is best. i would be using a single ended output (i heard from a few people wa22 sucks on single ended and only good on balanced). i currently have hd 650s and grado 325s and am planning to buy some LCD-2 and hd800s or t1s but worry the WA3 is too low end or too weak for the more expensive cans.
 
i will connect the amp to a rega DAC i plan on purchasing as well. i prefer warm sounds but enjoy the detail from bright and revealing amps/dacs
 
 
thanks
 
 
-the dubstep girl

 

[Xcalibur255]

Quote:

I too, am in search for a back Rec... or straight up replacement if it sounds great! Based on Xcalibur25's post and your own, the GZ33 seems promising. What kind of $$$'s do I need to throw out? Looking forward to your impressions, especially since you can compare/contrast the 33 against the 37.
 

I forget whether or not you've tried the Brimar 5R4 yet?  If not I would give it a spin first since it's cheaper.  I have major respect for this tube.  Prefer it over the Tung Sol 5U4G by a good margin personally.
 
 

 

[Xcalibur255]

Quote:

question to all you woo owners.
 
how good is the WA3 compared to the other more expensive amps like the WA6/WA22/WA5?? (upgrades vs stock taken into account). i know theres a comparison chart on the main website, but it still doesnt tell me much
 
i am planning on buying a woo amp, but don't know which one is best. i would be using a single ended output (i heard from a few people wa22 sucks on single ended and only good on balanced). i currently have hd 650s and grado 325s and am planning to buy some LCD-2 and hd800s or t1s but worry the WA3 is too low end or too weak for the more expensive cans.
 
i will connect the amp to a rega DAC i plan on purchasing as well. i prefer warm sounds but enjoy the detail from bright and revealing amps/dacs
 
 
thanks
 
 
-the dubstep girl

I'm not the best person to answer WA22 questions, so I'm sure others will chime in....... but I'd hardly say it 'sucks' when used single ended.  You are just not tapping the whole potential of the amp with that output.  Even single ended it is generally agreed that it performs above the WA6 and WA6SE as it should given its price.
 
Skylab has a good review of the WA3 which you can find in his reviews, or attached to one of his other posts like his amp raking chart or comparison of 6AS7 based amps. 
 

 

[xinque]

Care to elaborate on the different flavors of driver tubes?  Looks like the Tung-Sol is the choice tube here, just need to find a vendor now (hopefully won't have to ebay for it).  Thanks !
 
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Not considering the WE due to availability and price I would say the EML 300B Mesh or the EAT 300B for power tubes. The driver will depend on your taste of sound. I have been able to collect to some of what I consider good ones and with different flavors.
Here is my collection: Mullard ECC32, Brimar CV1988 BG/BB, RCA 6922 RB, Sylvania 6SN7WGT BB/TC, Fivre 6SN7GT, TS 6SN7GT BG/RP, RCA 6SN7GT GG, KenRad 6SN7GT BG, TS 6F8G BG/RP & Reythreon 6F8G BG.
 

 

 

[Spareribs]

Holy crap this is a long thread! Yes we love tube amps!

 

[shipsupt]

I'm only getting my first taste of the Tung Sol 5U4G tonight, but from initial impressions I'd agree with this impression, the Brimar 5R4 stands out as better to my ears than the Tung Sol.  So far the TS seems to lack overall presence when compared.  That said, I found a couple at great prices, so it is a good bargain performer.
 
I should note that  as I'm trying some Raytheon 6EW7's for the first time as well... so that's certainly going to have an effect.
 
Quote:

I forget whether or not you've tried the Brimar 5R4 yet?  If not I would give it a spin first since it's cheaper.  I have major respect for this tube.  Prefer it over the Tung Sol 5U4G by a good margin personally.
 
 

 
 

 

[Silent One]

Quote:

I forget whether or not you've tried the Brimar 5R4 yet?  If not I would give it a spin first since it's cheaper.  I have major respect for this tube.  Prefer it over the Tung Sol 5U4G by a good margin personally.
 
 

 
Thanks Xcalibur255. I nearly forgot about the recent discussions among y'all regarding the rectifier. As Spareribs just mentioned, this really IS a long thread, but "Search" makes it manageable. I never have trouble finding posts; discussions. 
 

 

[Silent One]

Quote:

question to all you woo owners.
 
how good is the WA3 compared to the other more expensive amps like the WA6/WA22/WA5?? (upgrades vs stock taken into account). i know theres a comparison chart on the main website, but it still doesnt tell me much
 
i am planning on buying a woo amp, but don't know which one is best. i would be using a single ended output (i heard from a few people wa22 sucks on single ended and only good on balanced). i currently have hd 650s and grado 325s and am planning to buy some LCD-2 and hd800s or t1s but worry the WA3 is too low end or too weak for the more expensive cans.
 
i will connect the amp to a rega DAC i plan on purchasing as well. i prefer warm sounds but enjoy the detail from bright and revealing amps/dacs
 
 
thanks
 
 
-the dubstep girl

First and foremost, pending your Woo Audio amp purchase, welcome to the 'Unite' thread. Your comment about not knowing which one is best, in my view should be treated as which Woo is best for you. The Rega I hear is certainly a fine DAC; the respective cans you mention as well. Once you decide which Woo, you could then tailor the tubes to your warmth and desire.

 

[Xcalibur255]

Quote:

I'm only getting my first taste of the Tung Sol 5U4G tonight, but from initial impressions I'd agree with this impression, the Brimar 5R4 stands out as better to my ears than the Tung Sol.  So far the TS seems to lack overall presence when compared.  That said, I found a couple at great prices, so it is a good bargain performer.
 
I should note that  as I'm trying some Raytheon 6EW7's for the first time as well... so that's certainly going to have an effect.
 


 
 

I found the Brimar 5R4 and the Raytheon 6EW7 to have amazingly good synergy together.  Those two tubes sound like they were made for each other, and represent the only non-6SN7 tube combo I really enjoy using in the amp these days.  My Raytheons are Japanese made though...... no idea how common that was.
 

 

[Silent One]

Now that the Brimar 5R4 has re-emerged as a solid back up; replacement for the EML Glass, I'm feelin' better. Thursday is the last day of summer - think I'll push the 5U4G Mesh with hours of vintage Sly & The Family Stone well into the night!  

 

[Silent One]

 
 
IEC Grip ~
 
Do any of you find the Male IEC connector in the rear of your Woo Audio amps to be loose fitting with most power cables used/tried? (I know this will come down to brand/type/style of cable used - female end). If yes, how did you go about securing the grip (safely, mind you)?

 

[dannie01]

Quote:

IEC Grip ~
 
Do any of you find the Male IEC connector in the rear of your Woo Audio amps to be loose fitting with most power cables used/tried? (I know this will come down to brand/type/style of cable used - female end). If yes, how did you go about securing the grip (safely, mind you)?

I don't have this problem but I would recommend to swap with this one.

 
Furutech IEC connector.
 

 

 

[Silent One]

Quote:

I don't have this problem but I would recommend to swap with this one.

 
Furutech IEC connector.
 

 

I currently have Furutech 24k gold female connector on the end of my Wireworld Electra 5 (squared) power cable. Are you suggesting maybe I should swap in a proper mate from Furutech as well for the Woo? Any soldering involved or is it plug & play? Have not peered into my amp under the cover...

 

[nututubes]

Quote:

What kind of $$$'s do I need to throw out? 
 

I just paid $95 + shipping for the Mullard GZ33 / CV5745 with Upscale Audio.