davidio
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2007
- Posts
- 56
- Likes
- 11
It looks like the Woo Audio 6 sections have all been abandoned for some time now. I recently aquired this model, and was disappointed in the sound. Mind you, I was comparing to an imod with an ALO V-cap dock and Stepdance portable amp. So, the stock WA6 was missing some impact for me and some guts. Tuberolling didn't satisfy: Either the sound was far-away and non-impactful, or close and thin sounding. (Note: I mostly listen to classic pop/rock/country and my headphones are Senn HD650s). Since Jack no longer upgrades the WA6, I found a local audio company. I thought, it's great to keep my business in the community, after all. Jeff at Audio Solutions here in Indianapolis upgraded it for me, using Mundorf Silver oils. I asked for V caps and blackgates, but soon realized my timing was off: Blackgate caps are so expensive now, and hard to find. Jeff assured me that, at a fraction of the cost, Mundorf silvers come very close to the neutrality of V's for coupling, and that he could find other ways of enhancing the quality.
Now, I know good sound but I don't know all the physics of amp building. I'm an audiophile listener, not a scientist or mathematician. So, this information is coming from a mechanical novice. Jeff showed me what he'd done to my Woo 6. There were four bypass caps (I think he said they were .5's) and larger coupling caps (I think he said .22's). Asked Jeff about the heat issue, as I understand that mundorf oils don't handle it well. I think 130 degree F is as hot as they can stand. Jack assured me that this amp doesn't run hot enough for this to be an issue. Since the work is guaranteed, I suppose...we shall see if the heat becomes a problem. I got the unit back Monday and have been letting the new caps burn-in. Right away, the sound of the amp had more detail and weight, although the sound tilted toward the upper frequencies. But I could tell I was in for a treat. After 60 hours, the caps are sounding warmer with better bass impact, while still retaining the detail. I had no idea anything could sound so good, and it is only getting better!
I recommend keeping business in the community and upgrading locally.
I have acquired a few tubes, but my favorite combination so far is the GZ34 Mullard/Holland metal base '57 rectifier with 6FD7 drivers...This combo brings the sound closer and makes it lush. If you are just getting into tuberolling and you like full, warm, lush sound that is close-up, save money and just get 6FD7 driver tubes. And, my favorite part, it gives weight to each instrument and voice...I hate thin sound! Also have Brimar CV1988 6SN7's (is that the right code number?) and they sound very refined and exact, beautifully so...but the sound signature puts the performers way out in front of the listener to accomplish this. With the GZ34, a balance it struck, but still the sound seems a bit thin. I'm hoping that the this combo will improve when the caps have reached potential. Because the GZ34 seems to bring everything in a closer, while the Brimars push back for more detail and spaciousness. Hmmm. Time will tell. Since the upgrade, the 6EW7s, which seemed warm enough but with no impact, seem to have some slam. So I will give them another try. The GZ34 should work well with them. When the sound source is my imod/v-cap dock, the sound in general has more presence. Haven't tried it yet, as I'm burning-in using my computer itunes library. More to report later after 200 hours of burn in time!
Now, I know good sound but I don't know all the physics of amp building. I'm an audiophile listener, not a scientist or mathematician. So, this information is coming from a mechanical novice. Jeff showed me what he'd done to my Woo 6. There were four bypass caps (I think he said they were .5's) and larger coupling caps (I think he said .22's). Asked Jeff about the heat issue, as I understand that mundorf oils don't handle it well. I think 130 degree F is as hot as they can stand. Jack assured me that this amp doesn't run hot enough for this to be an issue. Since the work is guaranteed, I suppose...we shall see if the heat becomes a problem. I got the unit back Monday and have been letting the new caps burn-in. Right away, the sound of the amp had more detail and weight, although the sound tilted toward the upper frequencies. But I could tell I was in for a treat. After 60 hours, the caps are sounding warmer with better bass impact, while still retaining the detail. I had no idea anything could sound so good, and it is only getting better!
I recommend keeping business in the community and upgrading locally.
I have acquired a few tubes, but my favorite combination so far is the GZ34 Mullard/Holland metal base '57 rectifier with 6FD7 drivers...This combo brings the sound closer and makes it lush. If you are just getting into tuberolling and you like full, warm, lush sound that is close-up, save money and just get 6FD7 driver tubes. And, my favorite part, it gives weight to each instrument and voice...I hate thin sound! Also have Brimar CV1988 6SN7's (is that the right code number?) and they sound very refined and exact, beautifully so...but the sound signature puts the performers way out in front of the listener to accomplish this. With the GZ34, a balance it struck, but still the sound seems a bit thin. I'm hoping that the this combo will improve when the caps have reached potential. Because the GZ34 seems to bring everything in a closer, while the Brimars push back for more detail and spaciousness. Hmmm. Time will tell. Since the upgrade, the 6EW7s, which seemed warm enough but with no impact, seem to have some slam. So I will give them another try. The GZ34 should work well with them. When the sound source is my imod/v-cap dock, the sound in general has more presence. Haven't tried it yet, as I'm burning-in using my computer itunes library. More to report later after 200 hours of burn in time!
Something about having a shiny new black modern WA22 and 1955 vintage tubes glowing just seems like a cool combination.
