5881PSE WAD Amp - Page 2 - World-Designs-Forum

Ali Tait · #11 16th November 2013, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johno210

Hi Richard,
thanks for the feedback.

This is a great amp I used it for 10yrs running a pair of Australian manufactured "Whatmough 302" speakers that were around 90db efficient but a difficult 4 ohm load. With the global feedback in this amp they handled these spkrs aplomb. When played at very loud volume levels they never had a problem. I do not have a WAD original to compare, but assume the same performance. Valve amps in Australia are generally viewed as 'yesterdays technology' sadly !

But 'such is life' as a very famous ex-convict from Australian bushranger folklore once stated, when given the verdict of 'execution by hanging' by the presiding judge ! Today most consider this judge as a arsehole! By the way that bushranger was Ned Kelly.

All the best,
Dave Johnson

Well they are yesterday's technology!

Still sound better than the alternatives though..

Johno210 · #12 16th November 2013, 04:50 AM

Agree, hard to go past well executed valve design for home audio.
How popular is valve technology in the UK today ? Do you have to go hunting for it regarding retail outlets etc ?

Sadly in Australia most hi-end audio shops have disappeared & the 1's that survive sell dedicated home theatre & even that market has reached saturation. Sad because there was a period during the '60/'70 in Australia where companies like Tannoy would sell raw drivers & crossovers for the DIY crew, which spawned a underground following. I think valves technology fell out of flavor because the majority of spkrs these days are pretty in-efficient & require silly amounts of SS power.

Regards
Dave Johnson.

PS- I have the original WAD build guide for 5881PSE. This was separate to the Feb 1995 supplement. If interested can scan & fwd onto those interested, cheers.

colin.hepburn · #13 16th November 2013, 06:24 AM

Hi Johno210

You Have PM

Ali Tait · #14 16th November 2013, 09:45 AM

Outlets selling valve stuff are still fairly common over here, though the majority of owners I know go down the kit/scratch build/secondhand route. There s a pretty healthy diy valve scene in the UK.

Ali Tait · #15 16th November 2013, 09:51 AM

Check out this forum if you haven't already, it's a frendly place with some knowledgeable people

http://www.audio-talk.co.uk/phpBB2/i...64bed4aed6e6ef

There is a thread on Owston, which is is our twice yearly diy meet. Lots of photos.