[Astral Abyss]

You can use 12SN7 tubes in the Gen 2 version of the WA6/WA6SE with a 12SN7 -> 13DE7 adapter available from Woo Audio (very nice build). The 12SN7s are a 12-volt version of the 6SN7, are less common, and are less expensive. If you get a Gen 1 version of the WA6/WA6SE, you can use 6SN7s with the Woo 6SN7-> 6DE7 adapters. The 6SN7 field is greater than the 12SN7 field and has a number of classics: CBS/Hytron, RCA “red base”, and more for $$. The Woo Audio adapters above are $40 apiece.

Only the WA6 can use 12SN7 tubes. The WA6-SE cannot. I would love to be able to use 12SN7s in my SE.

 

[jonathan c]

Only the WA6 can use 12SN7 tubes. The WA6-SE cannot. I would love to be able to use 12SN7s in my SE.

 

[S0undJunk1e]

The WA6-SE (2nd generation) has the 13DE7 sockets and can accept the Woo Audio 12SN7 -> 13DE7 adapter, thus allowing for the use of 12SN7 tubes. These could not be used in the WA6-SE (1st generation). See below:

Just looking around, I'm noticing that even the 12SN7 tubes don't seem to have very many tube rolling options (unless you really go hunting I assume). I am wondering why Woo Audio would make this change when it appears the MK1 was superior in terms of tube rolling. I'm probably overreacting, but it kind of seems like a move to sell more of their own (very expensive) tubes. I hope I'm wrong about that though.

 

[jonathan c]

Just looking around, I'm noticing that even the 12SN7 tubes don't seem to have very many tube rolling options (unless you really go hunting I assume). I am wondering why Woo Audio would make this change when it appears the MK1 was superior in terms of tube rolling. I'm probably overreacting, but it kind of seems like a move to sell more of their own (very expensive) tubes. I hope I'm wrong about that though.

I wondered that too. I bought the Gen 1 WA6, secondhand on EBay, so that I could “play” in the 6SN7 “sandbox” with adapters. Even the 6DE7 stock driver tube choice for the Gen 1 WA6 seems odd...

 

[S0undJunk1e]

I wondered that too. I bought the Gen 1 WA6, secondhand on EBay, so that I could “play” in the 6SN7 “sandbox” with adapters. Even the 6DE7 stock driver tube choice for the Gen 1 WA6 seems odd...

I think I may go with La Figaro or perhaps the Feliks Elise for this very reason. I think all the Gen 1 units you could get are like 4-5 years old at this point?

 

[jonathan c]

I think I may go with La Figaro or perhaps the Feliks Elise for this very reason. I think all the Gen 1 units you could get are like 4-5 years old at this point?

The switch from Gen 1 to Gen 2 was in 2017. I will say that I have had no issues with mine: everything was mint.

 

[Astral Abyss]

The WA6-SE (2nd generation) has the 13DE7 sockets and can accept the Woo Audio 12SN7 -> 13DE7 adapter, thus allowing for the use of 12SN7 tubes. These could not be used in the WA6-SE (1st generation). See below:

I'll just put this snip from the Woo Audio page for the 12SN7 tubes and adapters. Make of it what you will.

 

[jonathan c]

I'll just put this snip from the Woo Audio page for the 12SN7 tubes and adapters. Make of it what you will.

Thank you for this page. I am puzzled by what appears to be an inconsistency between what is on this page and the product information below. If the Gen 2 WA6SE has the 13DE7 sockets, why would a 12SN7 be incompatible even with a 12SN7 -> 13DE7 adapter?

 

[cebuboy]

Thank you for this page. I am puzzled by what appears to be an inconsistency between what is on this page and the product information below. If the Gen 2 WA6SE has the 13DE7 sockets, why would a 12SN7 be incompatible even with a 12SN7 -> 13DE7 adapter?

The circuit in the SE versions will shorten the life of the 6SN7. There is however an adapter for that with some resistor to make it work, shoot deyan a message.

 

[orkney]

I picked up a WA6SE recently -- what a superb amp, and what a value in terms of its combo of build and sound, not far off my older ZD and a fair bit quieter. Mine is the G1 -- thought about the G2, but prefer the greater tube flexibility of the OG model.

 

[471724]

My WA22 also sports the Jupiter caps and NOS but not particularly rare tubes. I don’t find it slow especially with the HD650 or Focal Clear. The HD 6xx series as a whole is not especially dynamic, nor would I describe the LCDx as dynamic - certainly the Clear has better dynamics on the same amp, and the LCD3 was less dark than the X while not as dynamic as the Clear. Things changed on the WA5 - where the LCD3 bested the Clear and both bested the HD650, keeping in mind that all were super enjoyable.

But back to the 6SE - it’s a good amp but when compared to a fully balanced WA22 or better, a fully optioned WA5, you hear its limitations. I was neutral about my enjoyment of the 6SE, whereas the WA22 I was positive and the WA5 I was down right effusive.

Given that the WA6-SE has at least one significant theoretical advantage compared to these other amps (no input to output stage coupling capacitor in the signal path), what are the limitations you refer to?

 

[Contrails]

Given that the WA6-SE has at least one significant theoretical advantage compared to these other amps (no input to output stage coupling capacitor in the signal path), what are the limitations you refer to?

It’s interesting that Purrin (member from the forum that shall not be named) rated the WA6SE very highly and even called it a junior version of the Eddie Current Studio 45. This is bearing in mind that the members of that particular forum absolutely hate slow and warm amps which includes the WA22.

My WA6SE (2nd Gen) is at the post depot and I offered to collect it right away but got refused.

 

[Barnstormer13]

Given that the WA6-SE has at least one significant theoretical advantage compared to these other amps (no input to output stage coupling capacitor in the signal path), what are the limitations you refer to?

I don’t think the WA-6SE has any significant limitations other than the transformers aren’t super expensive so there’s a little bit of droop at the top and bottom of the frequency range. It’s a really solid amp for its price.

From my perspective, WA6-SE sounds like what it is- a SET amp. Some people prefer the OTL sound. I personally prefer the SET sound which the WA6-SE does very well. By very well, I mean it has the almost holographic qualities of a good tube amp without the bloom and wetness you tend to get with OTLs. It also has a fair amount of power too and the transformer allows you to drive some headphones you can’t drive with an OTL.

 

[davehg]

My 6SE couldn’t drive the HD650 sufficiently - always sounded slower and closed in. Did ok with the LCD3 but when I switched to the WA22 fully balanced - wow, there was an amp made for the HD650 if there ever was. On the WA5, everything sounded great, and much more dynamic but with that SET magic. For the price, the 6SE is good, buts it’s no WA22 or WA5, both of which outclass the 6SE IMHO.

 

[Barnstormer13]

My 6SE couldn’t drive the HD650 sufficiently - always sounded slower and closed in. Did ok with the LCD3 but when I switched to the WA22 fully balanced - wow, there was an amp made for the HD650 if there ever was. On the WA5, everything sounded great, and much more dynamic but with that SET magic. For the price, the 6SE is good, buts it’s no WA22 or WA5, both of which outclass the 6SE IMHO.

Given they both cost quite a bit more, I would hope they outperform the 6SE. At their price points, they’re competing against DNAs and ECs. I’d also argue if you’re going to spend that kind of money on an amp, you may want to upgrade your HD650.

The competition in the 6SE price range is quite different and I can’t think of much that outperforms it if you like SETs and don’t feel like chasing high dollar tubes.

For my Verite C the 6SE is an outstanding match. I’ve thought about getting a 5LE but honestly I just don’t see the need.