Woo Audio WA22 Amp Owner Unite

[AbyssNorm]

Thanks for your response.

I'm moving out of state to live in town with, hopefully, better power.

I'll look into the Furman, but am worried that if the CMX2+ didn't work, maybe that wouldn't help either?

Is it possible that transformers go bad?

Looks like CMX2+ corrects DC offset, but not all DC blockers are created equally so I can't be sure just from the web page. I'm not an expert in this to a specific of a level though. Just have a possibly related experience to what you're seeing. Luckily for me I resolved it prior to getting my WA22, as it happened to so many of my devices prior, that it probably would have happened too.

ALSO make sure just your amps are connected to the CMX2+. Computers, computer adjacent devices, or other devices that don't care about audio, can bring issues into a conditioner behind whatever they are doing to filter. Sometimes those types of devices even dump energy back into the line upon shutdown. Usually fine for a wall outlet. But a lot of power strips and conditioners do nothing to protect the other devices plugged into it from that.

ALSO, I would not plug the CMX2+ into a UPS. Most consumer UPS's are very noisy. Best to not make the power conditioner work harder than it has too.

I would recommend continuing to work with Woo though. They know their stuff. Much better than I do of course.

 

[hillbilly559]

Looks like CMX2+ corrects DC offset, but not all DC blockers are created equally so I can't be sure just from the web page. I'm not an expert in this to a specific of a level though. Just have a possibly related experience to what you're seeing. Luckily for me I resolved it prior to getting my WA22, as it happened to so many of my devices prior, that it probably would have happened too.

ALSO make sure just your amps are connected to the CMX2+. Computers, computer adjacent devices, or other devices that don't care about audio, can bring issues into a conditioner behind whatever they are doing to filter. Sometimes those types of devices even dump energy back into the line upon shutdown. Usually fine for a wall outlet. But a lot of power strips and conditioners do nothing to protect the other devices plugged into it from that.

ALSO, I would not plug the CMX2+ into a UPS. Most consumer UPS's are very noisy. Best to not make the power conditioner work harder than it has too.

I would recommend continuing to work with Woo though. They know their stuff. Much better than I do of course.

Currently I have the Woo plugged into the CMX2+ which is plugged into a separate outlet.
I tried the amp plugged into a separate dedicated 30 amp outlet I had installed for my stereo rig, but without the CMX2+, and it still hummed.
I think I'll contact Woo again after I investigate further.

 

[nephilim32]

Need help with hum!
Actually need help to get rid of hum.

I bought my WA22 used about 5 years ago and had only heard a slight hum with my ears next to the transformers.
The only hum I heard coming from the headphones was rectified by switching tubes.

However, during the last several months, the transformer hum has increased enough to be heard a couple of feet away, especially with open headphones.
The amp is next to the bed where I listen at night. Now I have to put a pillow between the amp and my head to lower the hum.

I contacted Woo and they suggested the AC coming in house was bad. This made some sense as I live in the hills with a dubious power supply.
So, I bought an Emotiva CMX2+, but it doesn't remove much hum.

Now I'm wondering if maybe the transformers need to be replaced?

I have a Jotunheim 2 which sounds good, but I'm pretty much hooked on the tubes.

Any help is much appreciated!

That sounds like a DC offset situation needed.
If you want something more streamlined and specific to your problem I’d suggest or try this.



It really should help. Keep in touch and let us know how you solve your problem.

 

[hillbilly559]

That sounds like a DC offset situation needed.
If you want something more streamlined and specific to your problem I’d suggest or try this.



It really should help. Keep in touch and let us know how you solve your problem.

Thank you, I'm going to check this out.

 

[rw61485]

Hi all - Just saying hello as I have owned a WA22 since November, having bought it on Head-Fi from @dguitarnut with some additional tubes. I have settled on the tubes that subjectively sound best to me but I have a few questions on what I actually am using and where I might go from here on tube rolling. Original listing from Larry here for reference: https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/woo-wa22-2nd-generation-balanced-headphone-amp….77074/

I am pretty sure this preferred setup of mine is 2 RCA 6AS7G's for power, 2 Sylvania 6SN7 GT's for drivers, and Russian (OTK) 5U3C rectifier. So a couple questions if I could be a bother:

1) I have a USAF-596 Rectifier on the way so will have some fun rolling that. But generally what change makes the most difference in terms of sound (rectifier, driver, power) with the WA22? Specific tube recommendations are very much welcome!
2) Is this current setup decent? Subjectively it sounds great to me which is of course what matter most. But if there are improvements to be made I would love to make them.
3) Will there always be a low level hum? It is not noticeable when listening to music but I do wonder if I like this current setup because it produces the least hum. Running the Tungsol 7236's produces a noticeable increase in hum.

Some of the headphones that I have run on it and my initial impressions. All of these I think are likely to change as the total number of hours for each has not been massive. I do have preferences though:

1) ZMF Auteur Classic -> Probably my favorite to run with this amp so far. The headphone I find pretty neutral and suited for long listening but the tubes just give it a lushness and the bass seems to hit harder
2) HD800S -> Whenever I listen to the 800S on the WA22 I think to myself "I get it." I find the headphone pretty bland and treble too forward on SS but on tubes...I get it.
3) Susvara -> On the WA22 alone it's very good but it is not as resolving as it could be. I also have a Benchmark AHB2 and my #1 pick is probably WA22 as preamp with AHB2 driving the Susvara. Hearing that setup and spending some time with it I think spoils the WA22 -> Susvara for me as I keep thinking it could be better.
4) Focal Clear / Focal Utopia -> Meh. I am a lot more excited about listening to the Bokeh Open on the WA22 than spending more time with the Utopia.
5) Sony MDR-Z1R -> I find myself gravitating to this the least with the WA22. I thought it would be awesome and I like it on solid state but just don't seem to gravitate to it for tubes. Too warm maybe?

 

[nephilim32]

Hi all - Just saying hello as I have owned a WA22 since November, having bought it on Head-Fi from @dguitarnut with some additional tubes. I have settled on the tubes that subjectively sound best to me but I have a few questions on what I actually am using and where I might go from here on tube rolling. Original listing from Larry here for reference: https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/woo-wa22-2nd-generation-balanced-headphone-amp….77074/

I am pretty sure this preferred setup of mine is 2 RCA 6AS7G's for power, 2 Sylvania 6SN7 GT's for drivers, and Russian (OTK) 5U3C rectifier. So a couple questions if I could be a bother:

1) I have a USAF-596 Rectifier on the way so will have some fun rolling that. But generally what change makes the most difference in terms of sound (rectifier, driver, power) with the WA22? Specific tube recommendations are very much welcome!
2) Is this current setup decent? Subjectively it sounds great to me which is of course what matter most. But if there are improvements to be made I would love to make them.
3) Will there always be a low level hum? It is not noticeable when listening to music but I do wonder if I like this current setup because it produces the least hum. Running the Tungsol 7236's produces a noticeable increase in hum.

Some of the headphones that I have run on it and my initial impressions. All of these I think are likely to change as the total number of hours for each has not been massive. I do have preferences though:

1) ZMF Auteur Classic -> Probably my favorite to run with this amp so far. The headphone I find pretty neutral and suited for long listening but the tubes just give it a lushness and the bass seems to hit harder
2) HD800S -> Whenever I listen to the 800S on the WA22 I think to myself "I get it." I find the headphone pretty bland and treble too forward on SS but on tubes...I get it.
3) Susvara -> On the WA22 alone it's very good but it is not as resolving as it could be. I also have a Benchmark AHB2 and my #1 pick is probably WA22 as preamp with AHB2 driving the Susvara. Hearing that setup and spending some time with it I think spoils the WA22 -> Susvara for me as I keep thinking it could be better.
4) Focal Clear / Focal Utopia -> Meh. I am a lot more excited about listening to the Bokeh Open on the WA22 than spending more time with the Utopia.
5) Sony MDR-Z1R -> I find myself gravitating to this the least with the WA22. I thought it would be awesome and I like it on solid state but just don't seem to gravitate to it for tubes. Too warm maybe?

Well I’m just gonna say that I think your current setup is better than decent. Now how you wanna explore tubes more is up to you. Given what you have I’d start with the rectifier.
Also, the 7236 have more gain so that may be the cause of the noise you may be hearing.
Anyhow. Great setup. Thanks for sharing.

 

[phthora]

Hi all - Just saying hello as I have owned a WA22 since November, having bought it on Head-Fi from @dguitarnut with some additional tubes. I have settled on the tubes that subjectively sound best to me but I have a few questions on what I actually am using and where I might go from here on tube rolling. Original listing from Larry here for reference: https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/woo-wa22-2nd-generation-balanced-headphone-amp….77074/

I am pretty sure this preferred setup of mine is 2 RCA 6AS7G's for power, 2 Sylvania 6SN7 GT's for drivers, and Russian (OTK) 5U3C rectifier. So a couple questions if I could be a bother:

1) I have a USAF-596 Rectifier on the way so will have some fun rolling that. But generally what change makes the most difference in terms of sound (rectifier, driver, power) with the WA22? Specific tube recommendations are very much welcome!
2) Is this current setup decent? Subjectively it sounds great to me which is of course what matter most. But if there are improvements to be made I would love to make them.
3) Will there always be a low level hum? It is not noticeable when listening to music but I do wonder if I like this current setup because it produces the least hum. Running the Tungsol 7236's produces a noticeable increase in hum.

Some of the headphones that I have run on it and my initial impressions. All of these I think are likely to change as the total number of hours for each has not been massive. I do have preferences though:

1) ZMF Auteur Classic -> Probably my favorite to run with this amp so far. The headphone I find pretty neutral and suited for long listening but the tubes just give it a lushness and the bass seems to hit harder
2) HD800S -> Whenever I listen to the 800S on the WA22 I think to myself "I get it." I find the headphone pretty bland and treble too forward on SS but on tubes...I get it.
3) Susvara -> On the WA22 alone it's very good but it is not as resolving as it could be. I also have a Benchmark AHB2 and my #1 pick is probably WA22 as preamp with AHB2 driving the Susvara. Hearing that setup and spending some time with it I think spoils the WA22 -> Susvara for me as I keep thinking it could be better.
4) Focal Clear / Focal Utopia -> Meh. I am a lot more excited about listening to the Bokeh Open on the WA22 than spending more time with the Utopia.
5) Sony MDR-Z1R -> I find myself gravitating to this the least with the WA22. I thought it would be awesome and I like it on solid state but just don't seem to gravitate to it for tubes. Too warm maybe?

I took a pretty similar upgrade path, passing through the RCA 6AS7s on my way to my current set-up of 5998s, Sylvania Bad Boy 6SN7s, and the 596. The array you're running is very decent, but I bet you'll love having that 596 front and center even more.

With tube-rolling, the biggest impact I found was switching to the 5998s. Those tubes are incredible and really took the amp up a level, even over the RCAs. Switching to the 596 from stock was also big, but more prone to having that impact influenced by synergy with the rest of the glass. The 6SN7s were a fairly minor change in the sound, still better than stock, but I could live without them. They'd also be the first tubes I'd swap to get a different sound.

I'd be interested to hear your impressions of the 596 once you're running that. I thought the Utopia sounded phenomenal of my WA22, and I wonder if that's down to tubes or taste. My tubes have a warm, hefty, hard-hitting sound, which maybe just suits the Utopia well--or maybe it just suits my ears. I could see it sounding harsh with 7236s though.

 

[Adnan Firoze]

With tube-rolling, the biggest impact I found was switching to the 5998s. Those tubes are incredible and really took the amp up a level, even over the RCAs. Switching to the 596 from stock was also big, but more prone to having that impact influenced by synergy with the rest of the glass. The 6SN7s were a fairly minor change in the sound, still better than stock, but I could live without them. They'd also be the first tubes I'd swap to get a different sound.

This! For me, while I had it, the biggest difference was moving to Tungsol 5998 power tubes.

 

[LegionofDoom]

I own the Tungsol 5998 tubes and can attest to their virtues, but they are powerful---and perhaps too powerful in some applications. My best alternatives are the GEC 6080 tubes. Slightly less resolving, but modestly more liquid in the mids for a bit more tubey warmth.

My best "no hum" power tube experience is with Toshiba 6080.

Ultimately the 5998s get most of my listening time, as seen below.

**non sequitur--I have been listening to my A&K SE300 dap in line out mode set at 2.5V (it'll do 4V, but 2.5V into the WA22 seems ideal) direct to the xlr inputs of my WA22. This is an R2R dac design. My other dac is a Chord Qutest. This A&K sound signature is really amazing. Less incisive than the Qutest, but a wonderful, liquid synergy with the WA22. Great to have both dacs depending on mood and music!

 

[rw61485]

The 596 has arrived and picking up a Cyan 2 tomorrow so will post impressions by tomorrow evening! And seems like the 5998s are next up given the above. Really appreciate the recommendations and I’ll give the Utopia a good run with the setup tomorrow and come back @phthora

EDIT: First impression overall is there is not a massive difference in sound when switching to the USAF-596 from the OTK 5U3C. I'd describe it as an incremental step-up in sound quality, although combined with it looking cool I'm pretty pleased with it!

I have been listening with the Utopia. A few things that are coming to mind for me are 1) slightly less hum 2) more resolving 3) more neutral sounding. That would be my quick summary. I have been listening to classical, electronic and EDM.

Maybe I am wrong about the Utopia as overall I am really enjoying this setup! I paid $200 for the 596 and don't regret it.

 

[skhan007]

I will confirm that 5998 power tubes made the difference for me on this amp, as well as another tube amp I have. I have picked up a few pairs of NOS 5998 and 6AS7G, so I'm all set in that department. A very, very close second to the 5998 is the GEC 6080. Phenomenal tube and very punchy.

The least difference is with the USAF 596 rectifier. I've heard and read that the rectifier makes a substantial difference and Woo Audio even recommends this to be the first upgrade to consider. But to my ears, I don't hear or notice anything. Nice tube and cool to look at, but I don't notice any difference.

 

[phoneslave86]

Rectifiers do make a difference for sure more and less resolution, punch and power and a number of things. I've enjoyed all of my WA6 SE gen 2 recti with the WA22 gen 2 about 10 of them. Best to me so far has been U52, sophia 274b but they are all good. Sophia less power and punch than the mighty U52, and less warm and good for more neutral type of thing. Both have nice forward depth vs other tubes and good resolution. The U52 can really make a dang good smooth melt to die for with custom sensitive JM dynamics and edition XS planar. Never have seen a pairing that was simply great for the edition xs until the WA22 gen 2. WA22 also makes a great preamp for cen.grand silver fox which fully engulf the WA22 sounds perfectly transparent with plenty of breathing room around every tube adding extra forward depth and extra body in bass where it does and is my very favorite sound on some songs is that combo. Hard to believe so good a preamp when it is, meant to be for sure I think. If there is any noise in the tubes it does not show up in the silver fox.

 

[rw61485]

I think I have figured out where my hum is coming from and wondering whether this is normal. The amp makes a low-level hum when it is turned on whether it has tubes or not. It is slightly louder when I have the amp on Lo-impedance but audible when I have it on the hi-impedance setting as well. The amp is dead silent when switched to the preamp setting. It also is quite notable when I switch between the hi and lo impedance settings. I hear the hum from both the XLR and 6.5mm outputs. Notably, I own two planars and I cannot hear the hum with them (Susvara, Edition XS). I can hear it with all my dynamic drivers.

The hum is actually audible if I put my head next to the amp without any cans on. And to my ears it is loudest at the front right right of the amp where the impedance switch is.

Is this to be expected with the amp? I thought that it being a push-pull design that the amp would be pretty silent. I bought this used and probably has had quite a bit of usage over the years. Thankfully it's not really noticeable when I actually listen to music, only during pauses/quiet periods and even then if there is any background noise whatsoever I won't notice it. But just want to know if I should get it serviced or not.

Have to get this one sorted out because I have these STC Brimar CV1988's and NEC 6080's on the way to pair with the USAF-596!

 

[Adnan Firoze]

Just send an email to Mike at Woo. He troubleshooted my amp several times on the phone. By the way, planars being more silent on OTC amps is the nature of the beast. My Cayin HA300 does this too with dynamics but it doesn't bother me. Tubes are fiddly, it's just part of the experience. But it never hurts to speak to the folks who actually built it and they are very nice.

 

[rw61485]

Just send an email to Mike at Woo. He troubleshooted my amp several times on the phone. By the way, planars being more silent on OTC amps is the nature of the beast. My Cayin HA300 does this too with dynamics but it doesn't bother me. Tubes are fiddly, it's just part of the experience. But it never hurts to speak to the folks who actually built it and they are very nice.

Yup fair enough I have emailed them.