One of the things that piques my curiosity with the WA2 is the use of rectifier tubes (2). How does this affect sound quality? Is the WA2 "two WA3s on one chassis" or something more?
I happen to also have a WA6, which is a transformer-coupled amp that uses a rectifier tube, and I can confirm that the rectifier tube does indeed make a difference to the sound. I don't really understand why this happens since a rectifier should basically convert AC current to DC, but different rectifier tubes do sound different, so there is something going on that affects the sound.
As side note, does anyone know how to leave feedback in the new Classifieds? Usually just go to members feedback and click on Leave Feedback. But I no longer see it.
I copied this from the feedback and bug reports forum
with the new Head-Fi Classifieds system, feedback is accessible via the drop down menu located at the top of the listing. Simply click the "..." button and choose leave feedback on the closed listing to leave feedback and it will be added to the other party's total. Here's a link to our Classifieds FAQ for that specific question: https://www.head-fi.org/articles/head-fi-classifieds-faq-and-walkthrough.19757/#q8
I happen to also have a WA6, which is a transformer-coupled amp that uses a rectifier tube, and I can confirm that the rectifier tube does indeed make a difference to the sound. I don't really understand why this happens since a rectifier should basically convert AC current to DC, but different rectifier tubes do sound different, so there is something going on that affects the sound.
Got some new PSVANE 300 ACMEs (easily available on eBay) . At the time I bought the similarly-priced PSVANE 300 PLUS in 2019, there were very few opinions on this and PSVANE was mostly derided as a second-rate brand. However, the tubes sounded fantastic and transparent and have been rock-solid reliable, and since then I've seen a lot of positive reviews of the top PSVANE tubes pop up. I still have the PLUSes but wanted to see what the ACMEs could deliver, since they are built very differently -- a globe design instead of the classic Western Electric coke bottle. Well, I'm happy to say they also sound great. Can't really tell the difference, but the PSVANE house sound to me is solid, dynamic and uncolored. Still hope to get my hands on Takatsuki 300B eventually but at the typical asking price it's a hell no.
I've had my WA3 for a long time (8 years?), collected a Schitt-ton of tubes for it, decided to upgrade to a WA2 this summer and re-use my tube collection (it's in my profile).
I am a Sennheiser fanboy, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt: With the HD-650, the WA2 really sounds incredible. Honestly, it's all I listen with anymore. I took my WA3 to my office w/ an HD-660S fed by a Sony Walkman WM1. At home, I listen to cassette tapes and vinyl
Do it... buy one... you survived the pandemic, you deserve it.
I've had my WA3 for a long time (8 years?), collected a Schitt-ton of tubes for it, decided to upgrade to a WA2 this summer and re-use my tube collection (it's in my profile).
I am a Sennheiser fanboy, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt: With the HD-650, the WA2 really sounds incredible. Honestly, it's all I listen with anymore. I took my WA3 to my office w/ an HD-660S fed by a Sony Walkman WM1. At home, I listen to cassette tapes and vinyl
Do it... buy one... you survived the pandemic, you deserve it.
Picked up KR Audio 2A3 for my Elite. I'm waiting for my order of 300b 2.5 mesh. The KR sound really good but small compared to an EML tube. Here's pic of the Elite.
I like the acme more then the KR tubes. Lucky me I'm attracted to cheaper tubes. All I can realize KR needs lots of burn in so hopefully they will get good. Right now they sound boring over all. I'm going to switch back and see if they improve.
I have been listening to the KR HP combo 4 x 2A3 1 x 274B with the electro harmonix 6c45pi gold-pin sounds very tight and controlled. But I took out and put in my TAK 274B and everything a little bigger but not as controlled and boring. But with the stock tubes with the Susvara’s seemed to have a lot of power and authority but with the new KR HP combo not so much I need to turn them up to 12-1 o’clock but from stock tubes position @ 11-12 o’clock very loud. I am hoping the KR tubes get more power and authority as of now my Utopia’s never sounded so good. When you think Utopia small in your face intimate sound well with the KR combo it’s not in your face anymore with a HUGE SOUNDSTAGE and CLEAN DETAILED BASS SLAM.
I have been listening to the KR HP combo 4 x 2A3 1 x 274B with the electro harmonix 6c45pi gold-pin sounds very tight and controlled. But I took out and put in my TAK 274B and everything a little bigger but not as controlled and boring. But with the stock tubes with the Susvara’s seemed to have a lot of power and authority but with the new KR HP combo not so much I need to turn them up to 12-1 o’clock but from stock tubes position @ 11-12 o’clock very loud. I am hoping the KR tubes get more power and authority as of now my Utopia’s never sounded so good. When you think Utopia small in your face intimate sound well with the KR combo it’s not in your face anymore with a HUGE SOUNDSTAGE and CLEAN DETAILED BASS SLAM.
So I switched to my ACME 2A3 and it became exciting. So I'll take the less expensive route for my music tastes. Bass did not decrease. I guess from what you said you need the whole KR HP line.
So if anyone would like to upgrade to KR 2A3 HP I put mine up for sale in the classifieds.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
