That makes a lot of sense. @paradoxper was saying the same thing about the 274bs. The 274b is burning a lot hotter than the 5U-whatever, and that makes sense why everybody has them die after a year. I have a backup Tak 274b (my 3rd set) because of this. Sh!t sounds good, but it costs you.
Except that apparently all 5U4Gs are not created equal. Neither Woo nor Elrog want the ER5U4G used in the WA33. I too have a Tak 274B waiting in the wings(also my 3rd) when the Elrog finally crisps itself. Also have a USAF 596 if it gets down to that.
I've been fortunate enough that none of my rectifiers have failed. I've had the tak274b for a couple of years and it still sounds as good and strong as I remember when I first got it. Elrog 5u4g sounds amazing still.
The only issues I've had with wa33 tubes was the slightly noisy EML 300b 2.5v 2a3 variants which after getting back a new pair (after a prolonged return to manufacturer), they sound great till this day. I'm using the 300b 2.5v tubes as I type this and love that 300b sound.
fingers crossed as I don't want to replace or consider spending on spares for tak274b/we417a etc as they're so pricey!
Elrog 5u4g.
such a great rectifier on the wa33. a bit of a pity there are some unanswered (?) questions on the compatibility.
love the realism and the sense of "being there". super clear and transparent sounding. makes the tak274b feel a bit slow and thick in comparison. Elrog has a nice clean background and music seems to come from nothingness.
Would recommend having both tak274b and Elrog 5u4g in the arsenal, assuming you're willing to take the risk of the wa33 wrecking the recs.
The superconducted cable is a very good addition to the TCs. I'm not super into cables anymore, but the SC actually does improve the mids and the sound of the TCs. It's well worth the money.
I decided to plug the stock rectifier back in. Interestingly it sounded faster. But as time went on, felt it sounded a bit coarse especially in the treble and the bass was more loose.
Switched the KR274B back in. Right away I played Face Value by Phil Collins. The song Hand in hand was all I needed. Bass was tighter and the cymbal hits were more clean with better decay. The decay just lingered a little longer. My reaction...
I decided to plug the stock rectifier back in. Interestingly it sounded faster. But as time went on, felt it sounded a bit coarse especially in the treble and the bass was more loose.
Switched the KR274B back in. Right away I played Face Value by Phil Collins. The song Hand in hand was all I needed. Bass was tighter and the cymbal hits were more clean with better decay. The decay just lingered a little longer. My reaction...
Just loaded the new tubes. WEs and KRs. Juicy and smooth more holo. More analog. Will be interesting to try in the 23 when it arrives. 1st impressions of the 1266 phi tc was a little glare on top end and somewhat fatiguing. These tubes seem to smooth it. That the case? Also need to turn the vol higher with these tubes normal?
Just loaded the new tubes. WEs and KRs. Juicy and smooth more holo. More analog. Will be interesting to try in the 23 when it arrives. 1st impressions of the 1266 phi tc was a little glare on top end and somewhat fatiguing. These tubes seem to smooth it. That the case? Also need to turn the vol higher with these tubes normal?
Just loaded the new tubes. WEs and KRs. Juicy and smooth more holo. More analog. Will be interesting to try in the 23 when it arrives. 1st impressions of the 1266 phi tc was a little glare on top end and somewhat fatiguing. These tubes seem to smooth it. That the case? Also need to turn the vol higher with these tubes normal?
some early thoughts on my 1266 phi tc vs utopia 2022 out of the wa33 ee + the kr and we tubes.... felt 1266 was harsh and fatiguing prior tubes... has calmed with the new tubes however still moreincisive... in the highs.... utopia 2022 more organic overall.... the delta on bass TBH is not that great U22 matches 1266 pretty close... surprising how this headset scales... little wider soundstage with 1266 but not by much.... I am more high sensitive so really looking like u22 may be the daily... need more time. also... the 1266 is clunky as eff and just not as comfortable and beautifully designed as the u22. this matters... in most cases it doesn't... but 1266 just fits weird.. not on ears... sometime ears touch pads... not sure if the performance delta is there to deal with these foibles .... ABYSS really need to redesign this platfrom in a big way... get rid of the heavy METAL branding etc. wa23 inbound next week... some more impressions to come.. if as people say U22 even better on the 23... then that may be the clear winner and my 1266 and wa33ee may be the ones that get sold. really thinking the dynamic driver has a richer sound vs electro... ALSO the u22 sounds freaking great out of Hugo 2GO setup. surprisingly good.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
