[takezo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeymad /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...The very deep bass is not all the way there, but I didn't expect it to beat the STAX setup....

i'd recommend using the ken-rad 6sn7gt, either the clear glass or the black glass
is fine, as they are an improvement over the sylvania 6sn7wgt in the bass dept,
in extension and resolution...

 

[mikeymad]

Quote:

the following rectifiers rate at 5V should be fine on your wa-5: 5ar4, gz30, gz32, gz33, gz34, gz37, 5u4g, 5as4, 5r4gy, 274b, 422a and more...

Wow, now that you have given me a laundry list of tubes to research. I have a bigger job than before.

But for looking at the top of the heap, I will be starting with the Gz34/5ar4 types and looking at Mullards or Phillips.

I am more and more happy with my 6sn selection right now, and happier with the amp. But I migh explore some other options after the rectifier upgrades.

Cheers,

 

[Raylinds]

Congrats on your purchase and I wish you the best in your long and expensive journey down the path of tube rolling. Very addicting, but part of the joy of this hobby.

I too, just purchased some K1000s and a WA5, but I haven't received it yet. I have purchased the tubes already, and got both WE300Bs and Sophia Princess Mesh Plates. I have heard that some like the mesh plates better than the WEs, but some prefer the WEs. I decided to try both and sell the ones I didn't like (well, that's the plan- whether I sell them or not remains to be seen). I also got some Raytheon VT-231s (6SN7 JANs) and Mullard GZ34 rectifiers (not metal base, though). I will have to report my experiences when everything is up and running.

I was considering the Grado GS1000s and I noticed you own them. Have you tried them with the WA5? If so, I would be interested in your impressions.

 

[fkclo]

Just wonder if anyone can tell what is best for the WA5 - the Carbon Plates or the Mesh Plates ?

I have the FM 300B/C and quite like it. Then I swap in a pair of WE300B (current production) and the difference is not that obvious - well the mid range is a tad better.

I know Sophia offers both mesh plate and carbon plate, and wonder what is the better to try on a WA5.

F. Lo

 

[Raylinds]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkclo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just wonder if anyone can tell what is best for the WA5 - the Carbon Plates or the Mesh Plates ? I have the FM 300B/C and quite like it. Then I swap in a pair of WE300B (current production) and the difference is not that obvious - well the mid range is a tad better. I know Sophia offers both mesh plate and carbon plate, and wonder what is the better to try on a WA5. F. Lo

Hopefully someone who has tried the carbon plates in the WA5 can respond. in the meantime, there's a link on the Sophia site Sophia Electric's Home Page to a HiFi+ review that compares and contrasts the mesh plate and carbon plate. When I get my WA5, I will report how the mesh plates sound.

 

[brat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeymad /img/forum/go_quote.gif So after three days of fighting with FedEx delivery. The newest addition to my collection (bad word) has finally arrived. This set has come from tyrion all the way over in Florida. Let the picture story begin... : The two crates for the WA5 and the box for the WE300Bs and K1000's: Starting off with the AMP and Tubes: Well packed I must say: Ah!... it can breath again: The front, I only need the large 'loud' knob. Input and output (many connections in the power cord): Moving onto the PSU: And more tubes: Once again it is very safe in there: I do like the silver look: The "Go Now" Switch: In with the bad power out with the good sweet sounding power: Now another fun box - What is that? ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeymad /img/forum/go_quote.gif But there is still more in the box: Hello Pandora: Show me the magic: The are strange, but I cannot look away: They sound good just sitting in their box: Hmmm, that does not look like the standard cord: You are correct (more adds) : Okay the family is all together - Hit Costco the other day and picked up the very industrial, but very stable rack. Who can name all the stuff? Okay now we are getting ready for something now. The WE 300B's are in there now. I didn't want to risk them with the first power up. Sharing the top shelves with old friends: PSU feeding from below. Sound? Yep it makes some...... Giving the K1000's a little go right now. Been up and running for about 45 minutes now. They don't (never have) done everything that I want out of a headset, but there is something that is just correct about the sound to me. I think that it really has to deal with that they are just speakers that float around your head. There is no isolation, light on bass, but still create a great soundstage and lovely music. I spent a little bit of time with L3000's and, I must say, I will be spending a lot of time with those on my head. The 300B pushing the 3000's are a great combo. The ultra rich and detailed mid range is almost overwhelming at times. And this amp is able to hold a very nice bass line. Very fun combo. Well I am going to listen for a while. I am sure I will have some changes as it warms up and I play around with some combinations. Cheers,

Very very sad...
Give a chance to these wonderful things to go to people who can love them...

 

[mikeymad]

Mesh or not to Mesh.....

hmmm. I was going to stick with my WE's for the long haul, but now you got me thinking.... :-?

not sure what you mean Brat.... I have bought two more amps in the last two weeks... the purge will be starting soon enough. Once I figure out the 'best' combo..

Cheers,

 

[Lee Brindley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeymad /img/forum/go_quote.gif Mesh or not to Mesh..... hmmm. I was going to stick with my WE's for the long haul, but now you got me thinking.... :-? not sure what you mean Brat.... I have bought two more amps in the last two weeks... the purge will be starting soon enough. Once I figure out the 'best' combo.. Cheers,

Be very interested on this 'best combo' synergy.....any progress?

Regards

Lee

 

[mazort]

the Western Electric 300B's walk all over the Sophia meshplates. I have used both. If you can afford the WE's don't waste your money on the Sophias. Nothing wrong with them, I liked them a lot myself till I heard the WE's. Not in the same league.

 

[fkclo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazort /img/forum/go_quote.gif the Western Electric 300B's walk all over the Sophia meshplates. I have used both. If you can afford the WE's don't waste your money on the Sophias. Nothing wrong with them, I liked them a lot myself till I heard the WE's. Not in the same league.

For the Sophia meshplates you used, are they the Princess series or the older one?

F. Lo

 

[spookygonk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAD /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow! Nice collection. Super jealous. GAD

Exactly what I was thinking. So now you'll never have to look at another headphone / amp again?

 

[mikeymad]

Other than I just bought a RSA Apache, Rudistor RPX-100, STAX 4070, and HeAudio 1.2b electrostatic phones....

I may be done for a while.... :-?

Cheers,

 

[Lee Brindley]

Ahhh i have an Apache and a Woo5 on order..... greed is good!

 

[mikeymad]

Very good Lee.... I have not found much overlap yet, but some tube rolling on the WA5 may put the Apache in trouble.

But going all balanced has a big draw for me right now.

Cheers,

 

[vcoheda]

^^^ you are hardcore.