[ThanatosVI]

A bit late to the party… better late than never, these finally arrived after a long wait. I have only the stock tubes, but already enjoying. First tube amp.

Don't worry they won't be replaced by new models for a long time.

 

[arftech]

A bit late to the party… better late than never, these finally arrived after a long wait. I have only the stock tubes, but already enjoying. First tube amp.

Congratulations! I wish I would have gotten the silver instead of the black.

How are you liking your WA5?

 

[PortedUnicorn]

Congratulations! I wish I would have gotten the silver instead of the black.

How are you liking your WA5?

I’m enjoying already. This unit is an LE, with standard internal components and stock tubes. I’m coming off an entire year listening exclusively on Benchmark gear (DAC/AMP), which I love, but this is an entirely different experience, sonically.

 

[Bonddam]

I’m going to put up EML 300B, KR Audio 274B(regular) and maybe EML 274B mesh in the classifieds.

 

[duranxv]

Hey everyone, I was contemplating between the WA22 and the WA5-LE to pair with my ZMF Verite Closed. I might get a TOTL planar headphone in the future as well. Is the WA5-LE a significant improvement over the WA22? And any reason to keep the stock tubes on either one?

 

[moemoney]

Hey everyone, I was contemplating between the WA22 and the WA5-LE to pair with my ZMF Verite Closed. I might get a TOTL planar headphone in the future as well. Is the WA5-LE a significant improvement over the WA22? And any reason to keep the stock tubes on either one?

I had the 22 and upgraded to the 5LE to my ears it was a well worth upgrade in that you have more power for hard to drive headphones. And more Options for tube rolling.

 

[Bonddam]

I'd get WA5 Le remember never turn the power level knob with headphones plugged in. It's in manual but they should tag that switch for people who don't read manuals

The 22 isn't going to do much in it's price range. I personally don't like balanced tube amps. Loosing harmonics isn't worth better separation. Plus if you want more headphone options is another reason. It's built amazingly cast metal vs other brand using stamped metal. My WA5 Le powers all my headphones. Background noise seems good. Nothing noticable on TH900 and Elite. Maybe super low impedance with high sensitivity you would pick up hiss.

 

[PortedUnicorn]

Hey everyone, I was contemplating between the WA22 and the WA5-LE to pair with my ZMF Verite Closed. I might get a TOTL planar headphone in the future as well. Is the WA5-LE a significant improvement over the WA22? And any reason to keep the stock tubes on either one?

Really enjoying the WA5-LE with my ZMF VC and 1266 TC. I can’t speak to the comparison with WA22. The Sophia Mesh tubes and RCA 5692s were worthwhile upgrades. I don’t expect to return to the stock tubes.

 

[duranxv]

Thanks for the input Is it worth doing the "Premium Upgrade" for an extra $1250? Or would that money be better spent on upgrading the tubes?

 

[VandyMan]

Thanks for the input Is it worth doing the "Premium Upgrade" for an extra $1250? Or would that money be better spent on upgrading the tubes?

I'm a WA5 owner and would recommend spending the money on tubes.

 

[duranxv]

I'm a WA5 owner and would recommend spending the money on tubes.

I figured Thanks!

 

[Astral Abyss]

I figured Thanks!

You will anyway! Haha. I did...

 

[duranxv]

You will anyway! Haha. I did...

You also stuck with the standard version vs. the premium?

 

[Astral Abyss]

You also stuck with the standard version vs. the premium?

Yes, standard version. I'm not a believer in fancy capacitor upgrades. I haven't been able to tell enough difference in the past to make it worth the money/effort. But I can tell you that the tubes you use in Woo amps make a huge difference, so that's where my money is spent.

 

[cddc]

Yes, standard version. I'm not a believer in fancy capacitor upgrades. I haven't been able to tell enough difference in the past to make it worth the money/effort. But I can tell you that the tubes you use in Woo amps make a huge difference, so that's where my money is spent.

Changing passive components (such as capacitors, resistors, cables, etc) won't be as significant on sound as changing active components (such as tubes), so I always wondered why some "Premium" caps can sell for such a high price - Mundorf, Audio Note, Jensen ... just name a few .

Besides, NOS tubes have the unique property of being non-reproducible (well, there are some new production tubes, but they can never surpass NOS tubes). While caps do not possess this unique property, they can always be mass produced in modern factories anytime anywhere.