The new WAVAC T1 line stage. Is this the ultimate?

[Steve Hoffman]

I love WAVAC, Japan products. Their new vacuum tubed T1 line stage is newly set up in my mastering room courtesy of WAVAC and tmh Audio and it is a true gem. Beautiful build quality with three separate pieces, amazing and musical sound with a volume knob to die for. I recommend it as the best line stage I have ever heard. Unfortunately, it lists for $25,000.00. Sigh. It's wonderful though....

http://www.tmhaudio.com/

[Gary]

"I still prefer my vintage McIntosh", Gary thinks to himself, hoping desperately to never have the opportunity to audition WAVAC T1 line stage.

;)

[Ronflugelguy]

I have a lottery ticket I still need to check this morning.........;)

[DanG]

Originally posted by Steve Hoffman
... with a volume knob to die for.

Steve, please elaborate.

[Steve Hoffman]

Originally posted by DanG


Steve, please elaborate.

It's stepped, but silky. It gently "glides" from one step to another. Very hard to describe, but it's fun to turn it.

[RDK]

I don't know how it sounds, but it sure looks beautiful!

[Steve Hoffman]

It is. It looks a lot bigger in person than it does in that picture.

[Jim Ricketts]

Thanks, Steve for the nice comments - WAVAC and myself appreciates your appreciation!

btw, the T1 is transformer-coupled with no coupling capacitors in the signal path. The main unit is carved from a solid block of aluminum! 20-100khz (-0db) - a gorgeous piece of artwork that performs even better than it looks.

[Steve Hoffman]

Originally posted by Jim Ricketts

The T1 is transformer-coupled with no coupling capacitors in the signal path. The main unit is carved from a solid block of aluminum! 20-100khz (-0db) - a gorgeous piece of artwork that performs even better than it looks.

Tell me about it! If I wasn't already married I'd propose to it.

[Sckott]

Wow. Almost looks like the center/dash of an old, classic Chevy the way it's displayed.

That is a gorgeous piece w/PS.

[YaQuin]

What are the other two devices below the line-stage? Or, are they included with it?

[Jim Ricketts]

Gamma,
The bottom 2 pieces are the Power Supply and Transformer (top to bottom). Both chassis are constructed in 10mm thick aluminum plates on all 6 sides - no sheet metal. In addition for the aesthetics, the added rigidity from mounting the components improves the sonics.

btw, Steve is so right about the attenuator - it is so silky smooth and precise to turn. You won't hear a grainy, granny's bottom in the sound! (apologies to Steve!) Typical Wavac quality, aesthetics and sonics.

Here's some info on T1:

- 20-100khz (-0db)
- Inputs: 5 (RCA & XLR)
- Outputs: 2 (RCA & XLR)
- Tube compliment: 5814A (Low noise 12AU7) - 2 per channel
- TANGO-based input/output transformers for superior sonic purity
- Extremely clean circuit - "just" an input transformer -> 2 tubes -> output transformer (clean & simple but extraordinarily well executed)
- No capacitors in signal path (like all WAVAC amplifiers)
- Isolated audio channels
- Ultra-high precision stepped attenuator
- 3-chassis design
- T1 chassis carved from a solid block of aluminum
- Power supply & transformer in solid 10mm panel chassis - no sheet metal - for structural rigidity and best sonics
- Separate power supplies for each channel
- External transformer for ultra-low noise/improved resolution

[Gary]

I love the "eye to detail" aspect of this, Jim! :)

[Jim Ricketts]

Gary,
thansk for your comment. Although you can't see it from the photo, the 10mm plates used in the PS and transformer chassis are assembled without seeing any screws or bolts - nice clean aesthetics.

[YaQuin]

Originally posted by Gary
I love the "eye to detail" aspect of this, Jim! :)

Jim, thank you for answering my above query. Gary is right...a beautiful piece of machinery! Now, how am I going to get that money! :rolleyes:

[Steve Hoffman]

This WAVAC line stage is quite a tube roller's delight. Since there are only two 12AU7 tubes per channel, you can really tailor the sound via the tube brand you use. I'm using (per Jim Ricketts' suggestion) some Hungarian Tungsram ECC 82's which seem to do the trick for me. I can't wait to go turn it on again! The power supply and transformer pieces have these sexy blue pilot lights that go on when the unit is turned on. Really nice, what can I say?

[Jim Ricketts]

Yep, the sound of the tubes really comes through since no caps are in the signal path and the Tungsrams work very well, indeed! I'm currently playing with some Siemens 5814A/12AU7 3-mica long plates (17mm) and plan to try the Siemens ECC82 chrome plates, too.

[Steve Hoffman]

Are these the ones, Jim? Is this a good price?

http://www.thetubestore.com/siemens5814a.html

[Metralla]

Very tasty. Is there a remote control for that attenuator? If so, how does it function?

Regards,
Geoff

[Steve Hoffman]

Remote control? No.

[7_V]

Steve, after you've traded your wife for the Wavac try the new Soul power amplifiers from Tom Evans Design. Outrageously good.

They are a unique design - single ended tetrode hybrid. I don't know the technology but when I heard them I was knocked out. I'd never heard my speakers sing sweeter. They had all the virtues of an SET design with the added benefits of high and low frequencies and the ability to turn the wick up without losing it all. Incredibly detailed, beautiful midband, controlled and extended bass, great high frequencies, speed, power and slam. They're available in 15, 30, 60 and 120 watts monoblock and stereo versions and are, like the Wavac, expensive. You'd need two wives. :Sigh:

Steve

[Jim Ricketts]

Steve,
Those look similar to the Siemens 5814A I'm using although mine came in a metal can withn screw on lid. Check to confirm the plates are 17mm as some Siemens (including 3-mica Siemens ECC802S) use shorter 14mm plates.

Pricing? Since they are not available from many sources, it may be a good price.

You may want to wait until I try the Siemens ECC82 chrome 14mm plates - I've heard some great comments on these and they are more rare. I saw some Ei (Yugo) ECC82 chrome plates on ebay that look interesting. The other unplated nickel plate tubes I've tried provided a clearer, faster more shimmery sound with more air/space than "standard" coated plates. It's all synergy and tastes. I like speed with my clear, grainless, midrange purity.

[Steve Hoffman]

Originally posted by Jim Ricketts
Steve,
Those look similar to the Siemens 5814A I'm using although mine came in a metal can withn screw on lid. Check to confirm the plates are 17mm as some Siemens (including 3-mica Siemens ECC802S) use shorter 14mm plates.

Pricing? Since they are not available from many sources, it may be a good price.

You may want to wait until I try the Siemens ECC82 chrome 14mm plates - I've heard some great comments on these and they are more rare. I saw some Ei (Yugo) ECC82 chrome plates on ebay that look interesting. The other unplated nickel plate tubes I've tried provided a clearer, faster more shimmery sound with more air/space than "standard" coated plates. It's all synergy and tastes. I like speed with my clear, grainless, midrange purity.

Jim,

I'm with you. I'm going to wait for your final decision as to the ultimate tube for the WAVAC T1. You have not steered me wrong yet!

[Finalnote]

off subject a bit.......what about the rack????? looks cool, what is it?

[Metralla]

It looks like the wonderful, high-tech, but very expensive, Sistrum Platform.

http://www.audiopoints.com/

Regards,
Geoff