[bpcans]

TS5998/WE421a power tubes will leave the stock 6080 in the drawer forever.
ECC35 are the best driver tubes I've heard with the wa22 hands down. I'm upgrading to a WA33 which is on the way, but will most likely keep the WA22 for a second rig.

Roasty, I’ll see how much dough I’ve got left over for the TS5998’s after I get back from my thanksgiving vacation. Lol. I’ve really grown to love the sound of my Sophia 6SN7 driver’s because they compliment my Grado’s pretty well. What made you decide that the WA33 was what you needed?

 

[Roasty]

Roasty, I’ll see how much dough I’ve got left over for the TS5998’s after I get back from my thanksgiving vacation. Lol. I’ve really grown to love the sound of my Sophia 6SN7 driver’s because they compliment my Grado’s pretty well. What made you decide that the WA33 was what you needed?

I have the Susvara and TC Phi, so needed something that could drive both (to their full potential?). The concensus on the relevant threads is that the WA33 can do the job.

 

[bpcans]

I have the Susvara and TC Phi, so needed something that could drive both (to their full potential?). The concensus on the relevant threads is that the WA33 can do the job.

Roasty, those are two very nice hp’s indeed, and well deserving of a power source like the 33. Might your hp journey someday end with the HiFiMan Shangri-La headphone & amplifier system?

 

[Roasty]

Roasty, those are two very nice hp’s indeed, and well deserving of a power source like the 33. Might your hp journey someday end with the HiFiMan Shangri-La headphone & amplifier system?

Lol I'll let u know after I strike the lottery. Regardless, that amp aesthetic is an acquired taste...

 

[bpcans]

Lol I'll let u know after I strike the lottery. Regardless, that amp aesthetic is an acquired taste...

Roasty, have you heard the Focal Utopia hp's? I brought a pair home for a demo with my Chord Hugo TT2 dac/amp, and they sounded marvelous.

 

[Roasty]

Roasty, have you heard the Focal Utopia hp's? I brought a pair home for a demo with my Chord Hugo TT2 dac/amp, and they sounded marvelous.

Yep I have the Utopia. Glorious with the WA22.

 

[bpcans]

Yep I have the Utopia. Glorious with the WA22.

Do you think that they are the best $4K hp's on the market today?

 

[Roasty]

Do you think that they are the best $4K hp's on the market today?

Well, that's very subjective! I have not heard all the headphones out there, but I certainly do enjoy the utopia. I have also been told that the Utopia is even better performing with the Dna Stellaris; this was in my radar a while ago, but I dropped the thought after finding out it may not drive the TC or Susvara adequately.

Also, 4k retail or paid price? Because I've also seen a few TC Phi and Susvara in that price range, albeit second hand market.

 

[vonBaron]

So if i want buy WA22 for my 1266 Phi it's a waste of money?

 

[bpcans]

So if i want buy WA22 for my 1266 Phi it's a waste of money?

https://wooaudio.com/headphones/abyss Woo Audio lists three of their amplifiers for recommended use with the Abyss 1266 Phi TC hp’s.

 

[grokit]

I decided to take advantage of the sale, as I can't trade in my og version WA22 for a new model. Evidently they don't consider this enough of an upgrade to qualify. I can still keep/use it, sell it, or trade up for a more expensive model. So it looks like I will have both WA22s for a while. I'm getting a black one this time.

My current WA22 works great, but it does have some quirks; both inputs are balanced/XLR, it needs a resistor plugged into the 1/4" jack in preamp mode, etc.

 

[bpcans]

I can still keep/use it, sell it, or trade up for a more expensive model. So it looks like I will have both WA22s for a while. I'm getting a black one this time.

My current WA22 works great, but it does have some quirks; both inputs are balanced/XLR, it needs a resistor plugged into the 1/4" jack in preamp mode, etc.

grokit, there was no trade in available for my old WA6 when I bought the WA22 2nd gen. I thought about a WA5, but I just don’t have the room in our townhouse for one. I do really love the 22 though. It has a fantastic sound!

 

[grokit]

grokit, there was no trade in available for my old WA6 when I bought the WA22 2nd gen. I thought about a WA5, but I just don’t have the room in our townhouse for one. I do really love the 22 though. It has a fantastic sound!

I agree, obviously if I bought another one lol. I would have liked one more input. But I already have a small collection of bottles for this thing, and I don't want to go through that again. I bought my v.1 second hand, but I also think the WA22 is a relative bargain in Woo's overall line up. I'm sure it was back in the v.1 days too.

I could leave the fold if my Liquid Lightning ever fails (knocks on head). I could replace both in one go with Woo's new 3ES Electrostatic Amp/Preamp. It actually uses some of the same glass as WA22. I could trade in my old WA22 on it. I would lose the dynamic headamp. It would still be sweet. But I'm in no hurry to do that if ever.

 

[silversurfer616]

So if i want buy WA22 for my 1266 Phi it's a waste of money?

No, it’s not...have a WA22 and use the 2XLR stock cable with the 1266 PhiCC and it’s pretty good.

 

[davehg]

I think a used WA5 is the sweet spot. I’ve got a WA22 with upgraded Jupiter copper caps, and a Gen I WA5. The WA5 makes everything sound great with unbalanced sources and even stock tubes (though it benefits from better tubes). The WA22 only sounds great with balanced source and balanced headphone cables and it all but demands better tubes. I’ve kept toying with the idea of letting the WA22 go but now that I’ve got it sounding great I really struggle with the idea, and it is absolutely the best match with the HD650s.