Exquisite design with a hefty price

Dec 29, 2008 13:45 GMT  ·  By

The WA833a Vacuum Tube Monoblock Power Amplifier, from Win Analog, is one piece of audio gadgetry that looks like it has been created for those who have absolutely nothing to do with the world economy. Namely, this item of audio tech retails for a whopping price of $28,000, which is rather expensive even in the most devoted audiophiles' world. Moreover, things become even funnier if you think that only one WA833a could not bring you complete happiness, as you need at least two of them in order to create a neat stereo sound stage.

One thing should be noticed about the WA833a Vacuum Tube Monoblock Power Amplifier, and that is its looks. This device sports a very neat and clean design, mixing machined aluminum and transparent acrylic panels.

One could even say that its tube complement and rectifier module have been put on display beneath the clear casing, and not be wrong at all. The WA833a Vacuum Tube Monoblock Power Amplifier has been made to richly complement any home décor, no matter whether we're thinking about a modern or a highly conservative one.

Its diminutive footprint will allow the owner to install it in almost any place across the room, with minimal fuss, while its noble presence will surely make a lot of heads turn.

This single-ended contraption boasts a medium-gain 12AU tube in the input stage, coupled with the KT66 valve in the interstage. While these two tubes provide a mellow midrange and a detailed sonic response, the direct-heated 833A triode final stage tube is capacitor-free linked to a huge output transformer, which is capable of driving most loudspeakers at sound pressure levels that will meet your needs in any medium-sized room.

The WA833a Vacuum Tube Monoblock Power Amplifier delivers 65 W RMS at full power, and sports a 15Hz-40kHz frequency response, with a >98 dB SNR, and working in either 4 or 8 Ohms. It boasts German RCA connectors (WBT), and comes with a 3-year parts and labor warranty. If you think that $28,000 is no big deal, you can also take a look at the LS845a line stage preamplifier. It will set you back another $15,000.

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The WA833a single-ended amplifier costs $28,000 a piece
A very elegant and appealing design for the WA833a amplifierMade in the US with top-notch components
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