[attmci]

Quick question: I've been running the WA3 with the Tung Sol 5998. I swapped it out for a much cheaper NOS - 6080 Telefunken GE, just to see the difference. Aside from the sound difference, I noticed that my amp got hot, meaning the metal part, the entire aluminium surface, whereas with the 5998, the tubes are hot but the amp stays metal cool to the touch. Is this because the 6080 Telefunken GE has a metal base (although it's not so wide that it touches the amp metal, from what I can tell)? Is it a malfunctioning tube or some tubes do this and the 5998 is just special?

You can try to use a tube socket saver.

 

[Ralf Hutter]

In general:


4. Unplug headphones

Why?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Why?

Good amps protect against transients with the use of relays. Plenty of amps that claim it is safe to turn off and on with headphones plugged in still don't do a very good job.

It's a good idea for headphones not to be connected during power on and off.

 

[CaptainFantastic]

You can try to use a tube socket saver.

Thanks. But is it normal, that one power tube gets the amp hot after say 1 hr of use and with the other power tube the amp is still cool, barely lukewarm after 2 hrs?

 

[attmci]

Thanks. But is it normal, that one power tube gets the amp hot after say 1 hr of use and with the other power tube the amp is still cool, barely lukewarm after 2 hrs?

That's true. For example, the Bendix 6080 always run hotter than other 6as7g.

 

[Krutsch]

Good amps protect against transients with the use of relays. Plenty of amps that claim it is safe to turn off and on with headphones plugged in still don't do a very good job.

It's a good idea for headphones not to be connected during power on and off.

I've read the opposite is true; that you should always connect your 'phones before turning on and disconnect after turning off tube amps. I've read that this is less of an issue with OTL amps, but in general is best practice.

In fact, this is what Woo Audio recommends in user manual:

Turning the amplifier on:
1. Turn the volume knob to the lowest position.
2. Insert a headphone into phone jack 1.
3. Press the power switch 4 to a locking position. The LED will light.
4. Observe that all tubes light gradually.
5. Let the tubes warm up for at least 1 minute before turning up the volume.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

That doesn't mean what I wrote isn't the correct approach in general. If you develop good habits you're less likely to burn up an expensive pair of headphones.

 

[Krutsch]

A-a-h-h-h-h-h... now it sounds just right! I've never heard my HD-650s sound this sweet.

Drivers: Telefunken E188CC

Power: GEC 6AS7G "Brown Base"

Rectifiers: Telefunken EZ80

 

[pippen99]

I too was advised to have a headphone hooked when powering up my WA33 EE. It had something to do with the transformer needing a load. I purchased a sacrificial $15 pair of headphones for this purchase. I always unplug my headphones before powering down. I do this for both my tube and SS amp.

 

[CaptainFantastic]

A-a-h-h-h-h-h... now it sounds just right! I've never heard my HD-650s sound this sweet.

Drivers: Telefunken E188CC

Power: GEC 6AS7G "Brown Base"

Rectifiers: Telefunken EZ80

Very nice!

Thoughts on the 650 powered by the WA2 vs. the WA3?

 

[Krutsch]

Very nice!

Thoughts on the 650 powered by the WA2 vs. the WA3?

See this post: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/woo-audio-amp-owner-unite.428570/post-15659421

 

[thecrow]

a tube question/scenario:

I turned on my wa2 tonight. I came back to it about 45 min later.
The driver tubes (old gec6as7g) were not on.
When swapping tubes around with others I have come to the conclusion that only one of the tubes that were plugged in no longer work.

curious why if one power tube goes down that the other does as well.
i didn't realise they were intertwined? are they? and if so curious how.

all other tubes (eg rectifier and pre amp) were all lit.

ps there was no bang or loud noise at all (i was in the room). The tube simply was not working when i looked at the amp

any views, experiences or info is appreciated

 

[joseph69]

@thecrow
Sounds like the driver tubes are in a series circuit, so if one goes out, none of them will work.

 

[wishbon3]

Just recently got a WA8 Eclipse, and I am definitely surprised at the capability of this little thing. Great product.

 

[Roasty]

I think I'm done with my tubes journey for this amp. Just received this beauty today! Did not have the will to pay for a WE274b, so this will have to do..

I do wish the print on the tube base would have faced directly forward when placed in the amp. Oh well.

Probably the best combo of tubes I have now. Occasionally I swap out the Mullard ECC35 for TS tall boys or Ken Rad VT231.