Woo's New Flagship WA33

[joseph69]

I usually keep my headphones plugged into the wa33. I've had no issues with doing this since I got the wa33.

recently, after turning on the amp and right after it gets itself ready for listening (led light steady, post flashing sequence), I get a rather loud "click click" sound in my L and R channels. it's loud enough to startle me. doesn't happen all the time, but more often than not.

is this a sign of some tubes going bad? or something else?

I also power on my WA33 with my headphones plugged in (as directed) but never experienced this when the amp is ready to use, and don't know it has to do with a tube going bad. I'd make sure to use an inexpensive headphone upon powering up, though.

 

[Roasty]

I also power on my WA33 with my headphones plugged in (as directed) but never experienced this when the amp is ready to use, and don't know it has to do with a tube going bad. I'd make sure to use an inexpensive headphone upon powering up, though.

now, I have to unplug the hp, turn on the amp, and plug the hp back in after it gets ready. I'll change up the tubes set this weekend and see how it goes.

 

[joseph69]

I'll change up the tubes set this weekend and see how it goes.

Good idea.
I hope it is a tube rather than something with the amp itself. Keep us posted.

 

[Roasty]

found a local Elrog dealer and decided to give their rectifiers a go. dealer had both 5u4g and 274b variants in stock. very helpful and informative guy indeed.. I quote:

told him it was for the wa33:

"Class A push pull 2A3s is a very nice configuration. 10W per channel implies that total current is around the 200mA mark. I recommend the 5U4G for better tube life. The 274B is possible bit close to its maximum current capability, which may impact tube life."

and then, after pointing him to the wa33 tubes compatibility chart:

" Thanks. I do see that the Elite version specs the 274B rectifier. It will be ok, IMHO, only if the power supply is a Choke Input. For a Cap input and typical 2A3 operating points of 45mA per 2A3 (the 6C45Ps like a bit of current too…) the 5U4G would remain my recommendation."

"The 274B's are wonderful. The ELROG ER5U4G's are very close to the ER274B sound wise (both use Thoriated Tungsten Filaments, which is ELROG's "special Sauce")"

I must admit most of the info above I do not understand, and cannot confirm to be right/wrong, but posting here in case someone else does and appreciates or can concur with the information.

I went with the Elrog 5U4G. am getting it later this evening and will fire up the amp and have a listen once the kids are in bed.

 

[pippen99]

Looking forward to your impressions. Still out of stock in North America. Why the decision to sell the 417s?

 

[Roasty]

Looking forward to your impressions. Still out of stock in North America. Why the decision to sell the 417s?

I bought another set with Woo adaptors.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

found a local Elrog dealer and decided to give their rectifiers a go. dealer had both 5u4g and 274b variants in stock. very helpful and informative guy indeed.. I quote:

told him it was for the wa33:

"Class A push pull 2A3s is a very nice configuration. 10W per channel implies that total current is around the 200mA mark. I recommend the 5U4G for better tube life. The 274B is possible bit close to its maximum current capability, which may impact tube life."

and then, after pointing him to the wa33 tubes compatibility chart:

" Thanks. I do see that the Elite version specs the 274B rectifier. It will be ok, IMHO, only if the power supply is a Choke Input. For a Cap input and typical 2A3 operating points of 45mA per 2A3 (the 6C45Ps like a bit of current too…) the 5U4G would remain my recommendation."

"The 274B's are wonderful. The ELROG ER5U4G's are very close to the ER274B sound wise (both use Thoriated Tungsten Filaments, which is ELROG's "special Sauce")"

I must admit most of the info above I do not understand, and cannot confirm to be right/wrong, but posting here in case someone else does and appreciates or can concur with the information.

I went with the Elrog 5U4G. am getting it later this evening and will fire up the amp and have a listen once the kids are in bed.

I had a similar experience with my WA5-LE. It runs other 274B no problem (EML, Takatsuki, etc.) But in my case it did not like the Elrog 274B (x2) at all. Blew two fuses testing them before sending them back and going to the 5U4G's. Those have been perfect ever since.

 

[Roasty]

got the Elrog 5u4g!
dealer was great to work with. rec came very well packaged. packed with bubble wrap and an extra outer box. he also gave some freebies; a cloth carry bag and a polo t-shirt.

Elrog apparently checks their tubes and run them in for about 24hrs before shipping them out. Advised another 50 hrs to settle down.

super early impressions:
- silent rec very clean black background
- top end is less "rounded" than tak 274b. very clear highs. reminds me a bit of eml 5u4g, has a bit of bite but not as rough as the eml rec.
- midrange is not as dense/lush as tak274b. leans more towards the kr 274b mids.
- low end is tight and very fast. doesn't seem to extend down as low as the tak274b, but am hoping it will drop down further after some time.
- stage width seems narrower than eml and tak recs

from most SS sounding to most "tubey" tube sound:

eml 5u4g, kr 274b, er5u4g, tak274b

all in all, I'm pleased with this tube. again, very early impressions but if it gets any better, then great! so far it does seem like a jack of all trades and for the price, I'd say its a great buy! at least it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. and having a local dealer is an added bonus for technical/warranty support. it's a well built tube, looks pretty and different to usual tubes, and am quite relieved there aren't any glaring faults with it.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

got the Elrog 5u4g!
dealer was great to work with. rec came very well packaged. packed with bubble wrap and an extra outer box. he also gave some freebies; a cloth carry bag and a polo t-shirt.

Elrog apparently checks their tubes and run them in for about 24hrs before shipping them out. Advised another 50 hrs to settle down.

super early impressions:
- silent rec very clean black background
- top end is less "rounded" than tak 274b. very clear highs. reminds me a bit of eml 5u4g, has a bit of bite but not as rough as the eml rec.
- midrange is not as dense/lush as tak274b. leans more towards the kr 274b mids.
- low end is tight and very fast. doesn't seem to extend down as low as the tak274b, but am hoping it will drop down further after some time.
- stage width seems narrower than eml and tak recs

from most SS sounding to most "tubey" tube sound:

eml 5u4g, kr 274b, er5u4g, tak274b

all in all, I'm pleased with this tube. again, very early impressions but if it gets any better, then great! so far it does seem like a jack of all trades and for the price, I'd say its a great buy! at least it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. and having a local dealer is an added bonus for technical/warranty support. it's a well built tube, looks pretty and different to usual tubes, and am quite relieved there aren't any glaring faults with it.

Yes! Another one joins the Cult of Elrog!!!

 

[pippen99]

I agree the price is attractive versus the Tak but what I am reading is the Elrog would probably end up being a quality backup to my Tak. I have a NOS USAF 596 for that purpose so not sure there would be a point to purchasing this except curiosity(and that can be expensive).

 

[rivonlol]

Hello all

I am just wondering what everyone’s favorite tube combos are for the WA33 and why that is?

I just got mine and am excited to try tube rolling!

I currently am looking for KRHP 2A3’s and 274B to pair with WE 417a. Let me know if you’ve heard this and how it compares to others!

Current setup: Holo May > WA33 Elite > Atrium, Verite Closed, Caldera(soon)

Also if anyone is trying to sell the tubes listed above let me know!

 

[pippen99]

My current (and probably final) lineup-Takatsuki 2A3-Takatsuki 274B-WE 417a.
I cannot comment on the KR HP 2A3 as I have never heard them. I have tried the KR 274B and found it flat and unexceptional next to the Tak 274B. I even bought the Tak again after my first fried at 13 months and the manufacturer would not give an inch on the warranty. It is that much better and I have tried most of the well known tubes(KR 274B, USAF 596, Sophia 274B, and Western Electric 422A). I have not tried the Elrog yet due to out of stock.

The Taks together with the WE417a give a warm yet solid punch which is what I want from a tube amp.

Current setup: dCS Rossini Apex and Clock>WA33 EE>LCD-5

 

[pippen99]

Meant to add. Under no circumstances purchase EML. The owner is a bandit and will do everything and anything to avoid a warranty claim. Remember I WARNED YOU!

 

[Frankie D]

My current (and probably final) lineup-Takatsuki 2A3-Takatsuki 274B-WE 417a.
I cannot comment on the KR HP 2A3 as I have never heard them. I have tried the KR 274B and found it flat and unexceptional next to the Tak 274B. I even bought the Tak again after my first fried at 13 months and the manufacturer would not give an inch on the warranty. It is that much better and I have tried most of the well known tubes(KR 274B, USAF 596, Sophia 274B, and Western Electric 422A). I have not tried the Elrog yet due to out of stock.

The Taks together with the WE417a give a warm yet solid punch which is what I want from a tube amp.

Current setup: dCS Rossini Apex and Clock>WA33 EE>LCD-5

Great set up.

 

[joseph69]

Meant to add. Under no circumstances purchase EML. The owner is a bandit and will do everything and anything to avoid a warranty claim. Remember I WARNED YOU!

I had an issue with 1 of my EML 2A3 tubes and George replaced it under warranty without any issue whatsoever.
I've been running EML 2A3 tubes in my WA33 for years now and really enjoy their sound and wouldn't hesitate to buy them, at all.
I am sorry for those who have had a bad experience with warranty claims, as well as understanding why they have a bad taste in their mouth.