[Thenewguy007]

 
If all you want is sub bass rumble, sell the WA2 and buy some crappy beats headphones and a BOSE stereo!

 
I actually do have another amp that gives significantly more bass rumble, I was just wondering if tube rolling can really add to the WA2.
The WA2 soundstage is the best I've heard from an amp & that's just from stock tubes. I just want to add that rumble on the low end that the stock WA2 can not produce.
 
BTW I did read through this entire thread.
 
Everyone agrees that the Tung-Sol 5998 are the best for the power tube selections?
I read like 80 different posts basically all agreeing to that.
A few did recommend TungSol & GEC 6AS7G as a alternative, though the ratio of people favoring the TS 5998 is overwhelming.
 
 
The best Rectifier tube isn't so unanimous.
Brimar, Telefunken or Mullard EZ80 (does the difference in manufacturer make that much of a difference).
Also Siemens, Telefunken E88CC has been mentioned as being a step up.
 
Then someone said the 1975 Reflektor 6n23p was by far the best.
 
Then recently in the thread, there was talk of using 6SN7 to ECC88 adapters to get even better options.
So the 6SN7GT rectifier tubes are generally more powerful than the E|Z80 & E88CC?

 

[picklgreen]

  So the 6SN7GT rectifier tubes are generally more powerful than the E|Z80 & E88CC?

Silly rabbit! 6SN7GT are not rectifiers! They are dual triodes! They would replace the 6922/E88CC tubes. And the Tung-Sol 5998 are garbage! I own those, the GEC 6080 & 6AS7G and the WE 421A. The Tung-Sol are the worst of the bunch! The WE 421A are the best hands down. Best bass, best soundstage, best detail, etc etc. The 6n23p are russian crap. They are basically their version of the 6922. A very poor imitation actually. I would never use that garbage in my amp. Russians make JUNK!

 

[Thenewguy007]

Oh, so the 421A are the best power tubes, the ones that need a adapter?
Are there any cheaper various on them? I'm guessing they run in the $200 range.
 
Also what would be the best rectifier tube.

 

[StanT]

Keep in mind, opinions on tubes are simply opinions. They vary a lot.
 
421A vs 5998 has been debated to death.  I'm in agreement with the the following post (and own both), Mr Pickle disagrees.
 

Visual evidence Tung-Sol 5998 = Western Electric 421

I prefer GEC 6AS7G to the 5998; but the price of them is insane, any more. I feel guilty using the ones that I have (I'll get over it).
 
Most any of the tubes mentioned will be a huge improvement over stock. Tung Sol 7236s are another option. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all for tubes. You'll just have to find your preference. In my opinion, the Tung Sol 5998 or 7236 have the best price/performance. Of course, if money is not a concern, just buy two of each and let us know what your opinion is.
 
I use the preamp (6922) tubes to tune the WA2 to my headphones. My preference changes when I move between them. I like Siemens with my Senn 650s; but they are too harsh with my T1s. I'm using a Mazda E188cc with the T1s, right now. It's an obscure tube that seems similar to the Phillips SQ.  Again, you'll have to read up and try a few.
 
Rectifiers have the least impact on sound, I like Mullard and RFT; but rectifiers are cheap.
 
I've never met a Russian tube for the WA2 that I liked. Your mileage may vary.

 

[picklgreen]

No the 421A are not the ones that require the adapter. That is the 6SN7GT.

 

[Thenewguy007]

  Keep in mind, opinions on tubes are simply opinions. They vary a lot.
 
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all for tubes. You'll just have to find your preference. In my opinion, the Tung Sol 5998 or 7236 have the best price/performance. Of course, if money is not a concern, just buy two of each and let us know what your opinion is.

 
Money is a concern. Very much a concern

Going to have to try them one by one, especally the ones that go for over $200.
 
I get there is no best of the best that everyone agrees on, but Is there no general consensus on best individual tubes for 1) the widest soundstage 2) most added full body to mids & bass 3) sub-bass rumble/thump/slam.
I mean most people agree which headphone is the best soundstage or for bass (or at least can narrow them down to a few specific ones).
 
 

 Rectifiers have the least impact on sound, I like Mullard and RFT; but rectifiers are cheap

 
 
So the Rectifiers & preamp tube don't affect the sound anywhere as much as the power tubes correct?
I can just buy two power tubes & not worry about the other 4 smaller tubes.
 
 

 

[jhljhl]

Hi all, I've some wa2 tubes for sale in the classifieds.

 

[StanT]

All 3 tubes on the WA2 affect the sound. The power tubes seem to have the most effect. I don't know what Woo is shipping these days; but the GE 6080s that I got were pretty awful. Most everything mentioned is going to be a significant upgrade.
 
The most bass heavy power tube that I've heard were Bendix 6080s with graphite plates. I really didn't care for them and they are a bit scarce; but some people think highly of them. Mine are labeled Chatham; but the graphite plates are unmistakable. 
 
I'd replace the power and rectifiers first. The rectifiers only because they are cheap. There are several listings of RFTs on Ebay for $20/pair.
 
Preamp tubes are more like fine tuning and matching everything else. They are expensive; but seem to outlast the others by 2 or 3x. The Phillips JAN 6922 that were OEM to me, aren't half bad (suck less?).
 
Whatever route you take on power tubes, make sure they are returnable. As supplies dry up, the crummy ones seem to stay in circulation.

 

[Krutsch]

Originally Posted by StanT /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
...
 
421A vs 5998 has been debated to death.  I'm in agreement with the the following post (and own both), Mr Pickle disagrees.
 
I prefer GEC 6AS7G to the 5998; but the price of them is insane, any more. I feel guilty using the ones that I have (I'll get over it).
 
Most any of the tubes mentioned will be a huge improvement over stock. Tung Sol 7236s are another option. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all for tubes. You'll just have to find your preference. In my opinion, the Tung Sol 5998 or 7236 have the best price/performance. Of course, if money is not a concern, just buy two of each and let us know what your opinion is.
 
...

 
I have all of the above, but used with a WA3, so my comments should be taken with a grain of salt.
 
The GECs are a nice improvement over the 5998; I find the latter too bloomy in the upper bass for my tastes (but some folks like that sound). The GECs have a nice, balanced, warm sound that doesn't seem to accentuate any particular part of the range (i.e. bass, mids, treble). It took me some time to appreciate the GECs, but burn-in matters with tubes.
 
Another option that doesn't get a lot of love on head-fi: Tung-Sol 6520, which I believe was sold as a "premium" 5998. I bought some of these for a lot less than the 5998s and, IMO, are one of the best power tubes out there. YMMV.
 
As for the 421 debate, I am convinced the other way. I know where my 421a tubes came from, they are physically different (internally) from my 5998 tubes (I have 5 of each) and they sound *way* different. But again, YMMV (there may be different runs of the 421a and its possible that some 421a tubes were just rebranded 5998 - contract manufacturing and relabeling was very common for all of the vendors).

 

[Krutsch]

 
Looking forward to your impressions, but please keep (in my estimate) that the more detail resolution in a system the better.   Also, these tubes take 100 to 200 hours to break-in!

Hey, just received the new Reflektors you suggested. Burn-in starts today! I will post my impressions, but I am looking forward to these. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Thenewguy007]

  Well if he wants truly serious bass than he needs to buy 6SN7 to 6922 converters and a pair of KENRAD Staggered Plate 6SN7GT. You can get the converters directly from WOO ($40 each + shipping).

 
Do those cheap Hong Kong adapter work the same?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1piece-6SN7GT-B65-CV181-TO-ECC88-6922-6DJ8-tube-converter-adapter-/191628468278?hash=item2c9df26036:g:OF4AAOSwiLdV95iS
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6SN7-6SL7-to-ECC88-6DJ8-6922-6N11-tube-adapter-socket-converter-one-piece-/151638848168?hash=item234e6132a8:g:C5UAAOxycERRk0g9

 

[MIKELAP]

 

  Well if he wants truly serious bass than he needs to buy 6SN7 to 6922 converters and a pair of KENRAD Staggered Plate 6SN7GT. You can get the converters directly from WOO ($40 each + shipping).

 
Do those cheap Hong Kong adapter work the same?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1piece-6SN7GT-B65-CV181-TO-ECC88-6922-6DJ8-tube-converter-adapter-/191628468278?hash=item2c9df26036:g:OF4AAOSwiLdV95iS
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6SN7-6SL7-to-ECC88-6DJ8-6922-6N11-tube-adapter-socket-converter-one-piece-/151638848168?hash=item234e6132a8:g:C5UAAOxycERRk0g9

These 6sn7 to 6922 adapter are more expensive but better parts are used and should last longer these are $15.00 each i might add that shipping usually takes a month im in Canada              http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-Gold-plated-6SN7-6n8p-CV181-TO-ECC88-6922-6DJ8-tube-adapter-CMC-ceramic-sock-/191226140400?hash=item2c85f756f0:g:cpkAAOSwv0tVDTBl                                                              

 

[Shaffer]

deleted, wrong product

 

[ru4music]

  All 3 tubes on the WA2 affect the sound. The power tubes seem to have the most effect. I don't know what Woo is shipping these days; but the GE 6080s that I got were pretty awful. Most everything mentioned is going to be a significant upgrade.
 
The most bass heavy power tube that I've heard were Bendix 6080s with graphite plates. I really didn't care for them and they are a bit scarce; but some people think highly of them. Mine are labeled Chatham; but the graphite plates are unmistakable. 
 
I'd replace the power and rectifiers first. The rectifiers only because they are cheap. There are several listings of RFTs on Ebay for $20/pair.
 
Preamp tubes are more like fine tuning and matching everything else. They are expensive; but seem to outlast the others by 2 or 3x. The Phillips JAN 6922 that were OEM to me, aren't half bad (suck less?).
 
Whatever route you take on power tubes, make sure they are returnable. As supplies dry up, the crummy ones seem to stay in circulation.
 

 
X2

 

[ru4music]

 
Hey, just received the new Reflektors you suggested. Burn-in starts today! I will post my impressions, but I am looking forward to these. Thanks for the suggestion.

Fire'm up already!