[paradoxper]

Here are Thomas Mayer's thoughts:

"This is exactly what I meant that an amp should be designed for a specific rectifier and that should then be used.
If the amp is designed to be able to handle the heater current of the 5U4, a 274B will get over voltage.
The reduced heater current and transformer voltage regulation will result in higher heater voltage which in turn shortens lifetime. These people should not blame Takatsuki but question if their amp really is designed to operate the tubes correctly"

 

[pippen99]

Who is Thomas Mayer and why should I trust him over Jack Woo the man who designed and built the amp?

 

[paradoxper]

Who is Thomas Mayer and why should I trust him over Jack Woo the man who designed and built the amp?

Thomas Mayer is Elrog. You are right. No need to attempt explaining design decisions.

 

[Frankie D]

The Wa33 actually uses 4x 2A3's and 1x 5U4G rectifier.

The 274B can be used as direct replacement for 5U4Gs but might not run under ideal parameters, which can negatively impact longevity.

Similar to how you can replace 2A3s with 2.5V 300Bs (i.e. Sophia Electric or EML)

No. The WA33 is specced with the 5U4G. Not as primary 274B.

Man, that is confusing as Woo Audio does not state that on their website. They say the default tubes are:

• WA33 or WA33 Elite Edition x 1
• Default tubes are same for all versions
• 2A3 tube x 4
• 274B tube x 1
• 6C45 tube x 4
• Quick start guide

Do you all know if Woo’s default 274B tube also only lasts a year or so?

 

[Roasty]

Man, that is confusing as Woo Audio does not state that on their website. They say the default tubes are:

• WA33 or WA33 Elite Edition x 1
• Default tubes are same for all versions
• 2A3 tube x 4
• 274B tube x 1
• 6C45 tube x 4
• Quick start guide

Do you all know if Woo’s default 274B tube also only lasts a year or so?

the elrog dealer made the same observation. he noted the non EE version has 5u4g as the stock rec, and EE has 274b. for my non EE version he recommended 5u4g, as he thought the 274b although compatible may not be as "correct" of a choice as the 5u4g. possibly a different underlying technical spec with the EE?

 

[orrman]

Woo's website actually says both, at the top it's 5u4g and further down it's 274b

 

[Roasty]

Woo's website actually says both, at the top it's 5u4g and further down it's 274b

Thanks! good to know. I must have missed that too. anyways thankfully no issues with my Tak274b (yet...) I've had it since my wa22 so it's been a good couple of years and still running well.

 

[Frankie D]

the elrog dealer made the same observation. he noted the non EE version has 5u4g as the stock rec, and EE has 274b. for my non EE version he recommended 5u4g, as he thought the 274b although compatible may not be as "correct" of a choice as the 5u4g. possibly a different underlying technical spec with the EE?

I see that now. Near the top of the description Woo Audio lists the 5U4G as the default tube for the WA33. They list the 274B much lower. As you said, perhaps there is a design change inside the Elite Edition to use the 274B. That would be good to understand. Changing tubes in a year is unacceptable.

 

[pippen99]

Somewhat confusing and at least in my case inaccurate

. My EE shipped with a 5U3C as stock rectifier. Not even sure of the brand.

 

[Ciggavelli]

Have you guys considered you are running a 5U4G spec with 274B which naturally is going to limit the life of your tubes?

I know it's acceptable to run both but there is no free lunch when doing so.

Interesting. I did not know that. It could be the issue. Still, it doesn't excuse a 1 year warranty, though I know Elrog does that too

 

[paradoxper]

Interesting. I did not know that. It could be the issue. Still, it doesn't excuse a 1 year warranty, though I know Elrog does that too

I merely point out the fundamental.

I'll leave the audiophiles to bitch as they always do, about everything.

I'd never own a Woo product so what does it matter. I feel sorry for you.

 

[Ciggavelli]

I merely point out the fundamental.

I'll leave the audiophiles to bitch as they always do, about everything.

I'd never own a Woo product so what does it matter. I feel sorry for you.

Lol. I thought you might like the 3ES Elite with the 300B tubes, but I know you’re out of the estat arena.

I know you don’t like the WA33, but I don’t remember why. Maybe the 2A3s?

 

[paradoxper]

Lol. I thought you might like the 3ES Elite with the 300B tubes, but I know you’re out of the estat arena.

I know you don’t like the WA33, but I don’t remember why. Maybe the 2A3s?

I don't like Jack's design decisions. As an engineer he has very little accountability.

This stems from a very long time when he had capacitor issues with the 274B arcing, to his WES through no ballast resistor leaving your electrostat headphone free to fry your diaphragms.

It's incompetence.

 

[pippen99]

Elrog ER5U4G are back in stock at Parts ConneXion. I just placed my order. Hope that all the praise is deserved. No more Taks.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Elrog ER5U4G are back in stock at Parts ConneXion. I just placed my order. Hope that all the praise is deserved. No more Taks.

Put on your sunglasses !