Apr 26, 2012 at 5:53 PM Post #20,641 of 42,370
 
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Are you serious?
There is no way the WA6SE will compete with the WA5. I Iistened to the WA6SE, WA22 and WA5 all together inthe same room. I went in with my sights in the WA22 and end up ordering the WA5 becuase it just blew away all the others. There is a reason why it was (now the new monoblocks) the top of the line amplifier for dynamic headphones in the Woo line.

 
This was my initial reaction too! And then I quickly realized the numerous examples all around in everyday life and the choices people make and the preferences driving them. Although I don't eat meat... ain't got a dog in the race, some of my friends do not like steak. Perfectly prepared, expertly cooked steak - prefer ground beef. Meat aside, I'm going with the '5!' Soooo much more capable.
 
Apr 26, 2012 at 6:40 PM Post #20,642 of 42,370
Update on my new 6GL7 tubes with the Woo adaptors...
 
I had reported a high static noise issue in a post few days ago.. 
 
The noise was coming from my dac. I got new usb a-sync dac and the noise is gone. (My new dac is a dacport lx by the way)
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I love my WA6SE.
 
Apr 26, 2012 at 6:46 PM Post #20,643 of 42,370
 
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So I'm guessing the load that's put on the rectifier depends on the volume and audio signal?  These seem to be the only two variables that come to mind.  If that's the case, wouldn't it be more the recording that breaks certain tube combos than the rectifier?
 

 
Actually neither has any effect at all.  The plate current requirements of the other tubes is what determines this.  The circuit as a whole requires a specific amount of rectified current for the other tubes and this generally does not change in a circuit that is self-biasing like the Woos are.  For example my own amp, as currently configured in its modified state, needs 178mA of current from the rectifier.  80 + 80 for the 5998s and 9+9 for each section of the 6SN7.  Some rectifiers can deliver more current than others.  A 5U4G maxes out at 225mA for example.  Most 274B tubes max out at 160mA or less so using one in my amp would result in either outright death of the tube from excessive inrush current or greatly reduced tube life from being run over its maximum limits.  Some tubes behave better when close to their limits than others too.  You also have to consider how the circuit starts up the tubes.  The 5U4G looks safe on paper for my amp, but it can't handle the initial inrush current during the first few seconds and the plates arc over.  A tube being used like that would probably not last a month.  The Woos are pretty easy on rectifiers in general, but due to some design choices it has been theorized that this may be the reason some of the EML rectifiers were failing early in them, amongst other things.
 
The reason Woo tells you almost any 5V rectifier is okay is because they bias their tubes very conservatively and thus don't require very much current from the rectifier.  Otherwise you normally could never put a 5Y3 in the same amp that is spec'd for a 5U4G as one has half the current ability of the other.  It is the differences in how each of those tubes behave under the load the circuit presents that produces their variations in sound. 
 
Keep in mind I'm no expert.  This is my understanding based on what I've learned from others.
 
Apr 26, 2012 at 7:01 PM Post #20,644 of 42,370
 
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even a WA5-LE with stock tubes is better than a WA6-SE with upgrades?

 
I don't know that for sure because I have never bothered to listen to the WA5-LE with stocks tubes. 
 
 
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Apr 26, 2012 at 7:32 PM Post #20,645 of 42,370
 
 
A little while back I remember you guys talking about isolation. I just got this in the mail today from mapleshade (along with a Samson v2 with 4" shelves for my speaker setup). I love the ridiculousness of having such thick maple (and brass footers) so my next step is to get a rack for the WA22. I haven't had a chance to listen yet.
 

 
Apr 26, 2012 at 8:43 PM Post #20,646 of 42,370
 
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A little while back I remember you guys talking about isolation. I just got this in the mail today from mapleshade (along with a Samson v2 with 4" shelves for my speaker setup). I love the ridiculousness of having such thick maple (and brass footers) so my next step is to get a rack for the WA22. I haven't had a chance to listen yet.
 
 

 
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 @ 4" thick, lookin' good, PanamaRed! Coincidentally, my second 15x12x4" Maple platform from Mapleshade was dropped by UPS two hours ago. Currently in-session with Anne Akiko Meyers "Autumn In New York." Just a quick preview, as I'd rather listen at night. 
 
Additionally, today feels like some sort of audio holiday - I received two Italian FIVRE 6SN7 tubes from overseas this morning:
 
FIVRE 6SN7GT Brown Base
FIVRE 6SN7GT Black Base (Italian Navy)
 
Apr 26, 2012 at 9:04 PM Post #20,650 of 42,370
Apr 26, 2012 at 9:08 PM Post #20,651 of 42,370
Apr 26, 2012 at 9:12 PM Post #20,654 of 42,370
Apr 26, 2012 at 9:40 PM Post #20,655 of 42,370
 
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Check out MH WA22 for 1450
http://www.head-fi.org/t/607495/woo-audio-wa22-balanced-headphone-amplifier
MH, did you pick up the LF that went up for sale this morning? If I did not put in my camera purchase, that would be mine.

 
 
I picked up one of the LFs on sale today yes (mwilson's). I felt it would be the better matched amp for my favourite headphones (LCD-3s).  Should be here next week. In case anyone wants a great amp at a great price let me know.
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 Now he's selling... where was everybody (WA22 owners) when I needed them last summer?!

 
Funny, looks like we both share the same kind of luck.
 

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