Woo Audio WA6 + WA6SE: Tubes, Comments, Pictures, and Advice

[reg66]

I thought it could be just a case of adjusting the volume accordingly for each tried set connected at the same time... But, Woo got back to me today via email - it's not recommended to use two different sets at the same time. So I'll heed this advice.

 

[reg66]

WA6SE delivers more power than WA6; this is true with both Gen1 and Gen2. For tube rolling, WA6 (not SE) Gen1 offers the most opportunity. The rectifier tube, 6922 via 6922 => 6DE7 adapter, 6SN7 via 6SN7 => 6DE7 adapter, 12AT7 / 12AU7 / 12AX7 via 12AU7 => 6DE7 adapter.

Oh double pants! I have for quite some time had my eye out for a WA6 SE (gen1) as I do like planars and require the extra power it delivers. But, I hadn't done extensive research on it. I had searched, possibly this thread, and read about people using 6SN7, 12AU7 etc via adapters. So I just assumed, WA6 and it's bigger bro - the SE - utilised the same tube options. I've got a wee collection of fairly decent 6SN7's and so it all just made sense.

So, one (SE gen1) came up at a good price and I snapped it up. Went straight ahead and ordered some adapters for my 6SN7 collection along with a pair of 12AU7 adapters (hand made by Deyan). Only now am I reading a bit more about the technicalities of the amp and came across your post and another (old compatibility list from Woo) that states 6SN7 are only compatible with the non SE.

Still blind and naive, before reading more on it, I used the adapters. They work. But I'm assuming long term use will have too much draw on the transformers - different heater currents required? Or is there more to it than that?

If you (@jonathan c) could provide some clarity as to why, that would be most appreciated.

Perhaps you could also shed some light on my rectifiers, I bought a fat base CV1377 and a 7-notch Mullard GZ34. Again, they work, but I'm now thinking the same applies to them. Can I run them without worry in the SE gen1? As far as I can tell, the 5U4G filament current is 2A and the GZ34 is less, at 1.9A. So I'm currently assuming (but no longer running until I get clarification) that the lower filament draw of the GZ34 is fine for the SE transformer. But can you please confirm..?

I'll carry on searching for answers but thought I'd ask here/you as a 1st port of call.

BTW, to other non SE users that can definitely use the adapters, they might be up for sale soon at a discounted price lol. SOLD! I'll include pics and watch this space for potential clarification as to whether I can still use them at all - though I'm expecting a big 'no'!



Thanks for any advice you guys may have.

 

[reg66]

Furthermore, if I can't use my collection, currently I'm thinking of going for Psvane WE274B for the rectifier - unless anyone else has other suggestions.

The sound I'm looking for in the others is 1. Akin to the KenRad VT231, a decent all rounder with a certain distortion that I like - they're a personal fave of mine. And 2. Something clean sounding with great technicalities, precise, clear highs and tight but present bass.

If anyone has any ideas, fire away!

Cheers

 

[reg66]

Sorry, just one more... The tubes that it came are these... Can anyone shed some light as to what they are? The rectifier I'm wondering if it's a Sovtek 5U4G but I'm completely new to these tube types so I've no idea.

The pair just state Canada and type.

 

[reg66]

Going by the old chart I found online (can't recall where from now) from June 2011 it seems I can use the Mullard GZ34, but what about the CV1377 posted above?
EDIT: From what I can tell after a wee search, CV1377 is simply the military designation for the GZ34 so I should be good to go with it.

For others with early versions of WA6/WA6 SE;

 

[Xerosnake90]

Furthermore, if I can't use my collection, currently I'm thinking of going for Psvane WE274B for the rectifier - unless anyone else has other suggestions.

The sound I'm looking for in the others is 1. Akin to the KenRad VT231, a decent all rounder with a certain distortion that I like - they're a personal fave of mine. And 2. Something clean sounding with great technicalities, precise, clear highs and tight but present bass.

If anyone has any ideas, fire away!

Cheers

I love Psvane tubes, I have a Mullard 5Z4GY that I replaced with the Psvane WE247B. The Mullard is really warm, thick and bassy with a soft treble. It's a bit too thick and muddled for my taste so I brought in the Psvane.

It took some of that bass and mid thickness out and pumped it into the treble. It's still smooth, not too bright but it has some bite now. Still thick and good bass response but not overly done. More detail, better imaging. Perfect for my taste.

I don't know how it compares to your preferences and I don't have answers to your other questions but I do love me some Psvane

 

[b0lt 0ns]

Welp the impulses took over. Let see if it lives up the hype.

 

[Barnstormer13]

Welp the impulses took over. Let see if it lives up the hype.

Looking forward to hearing your impression.

 

[Basco]

Looking forward to hearing your impression.

Do you think it works well with the capacitor in the WA6SE? As WE 422A can only handle up to 10uf as first input and Woo is using a 47uf as first Input

 

[Basco]

I have used both but more U52 recently and think it has a better bass imaging but the 422A is more airy and transparent

 

[b0lt 0ns]

Do you think it works well with the capacitor in the WA6SE? As WE 422A can only handle up to 10uf as first input and Woo is using a 47uf as first Input

Woo lists it as compatible so I'm sure they wouldn't do that if there were any risks.

Looking forward to hearing your impression.

It's the "tubiest" sounding tube I have is my impression lol. this is the sound i look for with tubes though. I'm no audiophile and I don't generally listen to the type of music where you can really hear the nuances of each tube so easily so I'm not gonna give you a professional sounding review lol.

For the price, in my opinion, its not worth it for the average enthusiast. I still think the Brimar CV1863 KB/FE is the best sounding per dollar spent and that's what I would recommend all new owners to start with however those appear to be drying up now.

At this point I'm just collecting tubes for the collection aspect of it.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

Sorry if this has been covered before, but has anyone experience with the upgraded DC power cord?

 

[b0lt 0ns]

Sorry if this has been covered before, but has anyone experience with the upgraded DC power cord?

Only if you get the one with magic inside that somehow modifies the electricity being fed to it by your decades old house wiring.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

ok, thanks for your feedback. But I am not interested in getting into any debates. Maybe someone who is not as skeptical about power cords can chime in, someone who has actually tried it.

 

[phoneslave86]

@stanrozenfeld Oh you mean the dc power cable connector for the transformer and driver side. I would imagine there are gains to be made no doubt, wa6se is sensitive and transfers sound of many things. I’m curious myself… three times I almost purchased one but I ended up getting a WA22. Pine tree audio, Woo and audio sensibility will make one for you.