ScottFan355
Super Member
I’d describe the sound very much as you did, accurate in the best way.
Heathkit w5m Pros and Cons
- Thread starter RustyShak51
- Start date
8xlaxx
Have you ever seen a spleen that large?
@ScottFan355 @Kevdog
Are you running any external cooling (a fan) or keeping the input voltages at 117VAC into your W5Ms?
Are you running any external cooling (a fan) or keeping the input voltages at 117VAC into your W5Ms?
I will have cooling fans yes. Ironically… one unit stays cool to the touch after even a couple hours. The big transformer feels ever so slightly warm and the OT is still cold. The other unit gets quite warm after a couple hours (big transformer) and only slightly warm on the OT. I think it’s odd the one unit is basically cold. It wasn’t that way when I first put in the 6L6 tubes. Remember… it came running KT88’s . It probably eased into the 6l6’s and settled down because it was the hotter of the two… now cold. Interesting… but it sounds awesome!!
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ScottFan355
Super Member
No I’m not but I have to say these run cooler than the other tube amps I’ve used except for maybe a Scott lk72. The restoration these had was very extensive.
So I finally combined the two amps (Heathkit’s and McIntosh) and I’m wildly happy with the results. Best of both worlds totally! I’ve Got all the the great sound and staging (not to mention detail) of the mids and uppers of the Heathkit’s and the heaviness realism of the bottom end. It’s very big sounding with that extra air up top and expansiveness and extension of the Lows. Honestly… I can’t think of anything better or more deserving than this combination. I’m hearing stuff up top I’ve never heard. Call me lucky!
You are lucky, to have two sets of lovely amps. How nice that the bi-amping worked out for you!
I really am Zach! Got the Macs from my father and researched the hell out of the Heathkit’s. Surprised how lovely the Heathkit’s are. I’ve not heard anything like them and I’ve heard a good bit of tube gear. Nothings without fault, so a mix to fulfill the voids sure seems to be an answer.
How were you able to do the bi-amping? The MX110 has just one set of preamp outputs. Did you use a set of Y-adapters in order to connect both pairs of amps?
I'm talking to a seller about a pair of W5's. They don't have any output tubes. What are you owner's using? I assume something from the 6l6 family with the higher plate ratings would work. Just curious before I commit. From the discussion it seems like they would be a good bet. I already have the MC30's and some other amps including a Citation V. Also looking at a local seller that has what I suspect is a williamson amp since it has 807's and UTC outputs. Any comments about that as an alternative?
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
Yes that’s right on the 110. I used an Audioquest RCA splitter not a Y. No loss.
Yes that’s right on the 110. I used an Audioquest RCA splitter not a Y. No loss.
If you have the 30’s I Highly suggest biting on the W5M’s. I use GE 6L6GC tubes. I’m a fan of that variant (KT66 etc). Your 30’s use the same. The new Tung Sol 6l6 are very nice and inexpensive (not at the moment course!).
If the 16309s are in working order, AND all capacitors have been uprated to 630vdc, AND a thermistor has been added as recommended in the Heathkit service bulletin, then they should be fine. If those things have not been done, I strongly suggest they be done.
Any 6L6GC-type tube will work in the W5's. But I would recommend a well-matched quad of Chinese KT66's from a reputable dealer. They'll bring more out of the amps.
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If the 807 amp has the UTC LS-63 and the standard Williamson tube compliment (6SN7 input and driver) then it is only 10 watts. If there's only one it's going to be hard to find a mate, though you could build one. The UTC Williamson is lovely, but for general use I think the W5's will be more versatile and offer more pleasure.
BIG WARNING! The 7027A is compatible with the MC-240 as a 6L6GC upgrade but the 7027A IS NOT compatible with the MC-30's. The output tube sockets for the MC-240 are wired differently to accommodate the 7027A. The MC-30 tube sockets ARE NOT. If you plug a set of 7027A's into the MC-30 there will be a dead short and you could damage/destroy the transformer(s). Ask me how I know from 20 years ago (although I reacted quickly enough to prevent destroying my MC-30's). I'm pretty sure you can not use 7027A's in the W5M's either. Stick with 6L6GC's or 7581's (not 7591's) in either sets of amps with the W5M also being okay with KT-66's.
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what do you mean by “bring out more” when you suggest KT66? I’m curious about your findings.
I have the 309 variant myself. They are sweet, but not sure how they differ in sound from the larger version.
It's a stereo amp and it appears the 807's are connected in UL.
