[GAD]

When I listen to well recorded CDs from the time before excessive volume, I find that the WA6 (no mods) just doesn't push my HD-650s enough, even on high gain. While I can adjust my DAC, I've never had this problem with my other amps.

Anyone else find this? Would different tubes help or is this a limitation of the amp?

GAD

 

[immtbiker]

If you let it warm up an hour before using, does your volume go up?
I run my GES at 1:00 after 5 minutes and after an hour or two, 10:00 is the same volume.

 

[GAD]

Wow - interesting. I'll check it out!

GAD

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAD /img/forum/go_quote.gif When I listen to well recorded CDs from the time before excessive volume, I find that the WA6 (no mods) just doesn't push my HD-650s enough, even on high gain. While I can adjust my DAC, I've never had this problem with my other amps. Anyone else find this? Would different tubes help or is this a limitation of the amp? GAD

Time before excessive volume doesn't push the 650 enough = the sound is closed in and compressed?

High gain = high impedence setting?

The Woo 6 does seem to compress dynamics and sound closed in my experiences with the amp. The bass sounds slightly off too. I think this is the amp. I tried a slew of 6de7's and rectifier tubes and this characteristic didnt change in my system.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by immtbiker /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you let it warm up an hour before using, does your volume go up? I run my GES at 1:00 after 5 minutes and after an hour or two, 10:00 is the same volume.

That description sounds like something isnt right. The volume should not change that drastically with warmup.

 

[GAD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover /img/forum/go_quote.gif Time before excessive volume doesn't push the 650 enough = the sound is closed in and compressed?

No - it's not loud enough.


Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover /img/forum/go_quote.gif High gain = high impedence setting?

Yup - the switch on the back.

GAD

 

[immtbiker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover /img/forum/go_quote.gif That description sounds like something isnt right. The volume should not change that drastically with warmup.

Other GES owners have notice the same quirk.

 

[LeChuck]

Weird.

I rarely push 12 O'Clock on LOW gain on my WA4.

 

[takezo]

that is strange...unless i'm misunderstanding you, your volume is insufficient
with only certain recordings? if i remember, when i had the stock version, i
couldn't really go past 1 o'clock position with the senns without high discomfort
to my ears...even on classical cds...

one possible problem may be that the caps inside your amp may be defective;
but not likely, since you mentioned it only affected certain cds...another more
likely reason may be that your rectifier and/or power/drive tubes are not putting
out sufficient current...changing the tubes may be a way to confirm or
disconfirm this...good luck.

 

[JZImages]

10:30 for most recordings is too loud for me on 701.

 

[rlanger]

Yeah, I'm usually around 9 o'clock on the 6 with my HD600s.

 

[Elk]

I can go full volume on almost any recording with HD650 on my WA6 (no mods). It usually stays about 75% of the way up for normal listening. I haven’t started tube rolling it yet so not sure if that would make a difference. I suspect my current source as being a bit weak. With K701s the volume is clearly insufficient but because I don’t own those it’s not a problem. I will have some new tubes in next week so I’ll let you know if that makes a difference.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not unhappy with this amp in any way.

 

[rlanger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can go full volume on almost any recording with HD650 on my WA6 (no mods). It usually stays about 75% of the way up for normal listening. I haven’t started tube rolling it yet so not sure if that would make a difference. I suspect my current source as being a bit weak. With K701s the volume is clearly insufficient but because I don’t own those it’s not a problem. I will have some new tubes in next week so I’ll let you know if that makes a difference. Don’t misunderstand. I’m not unhappy with this amp in any way.

Geez, I think my head would explode at 75%!!

 

[GAD]

Again it depends on the recording. Something older and I can pin the volume dial on the amp without it even bothering my ears. On newer, louder recordings, I can't.

GAD

 

[johnsonad]

Wow, I once got up to 1200 but that was with a bad recording. My usual listening (which I am now) setting is between 9 and 10. Email Jack, something doesn't sound right.