Vintage HEATHKIT W5M Monoblock Tube Amplifiers + WAP2 Preamps

Vintage HEATHKIT W5M Monoblock Tube Amplifiers + WAP2 Preamps Introduction

Smooth-sounding set of 1950s Heathkit W5M mono tube amplifiers and matching WA-P2 preamplifiers. There is lots of information online about these classic Williamson-type 6L6 amplifiers and the matching preamplifiers. Power output is about 25 watts into 8 ohms. Matched to suitable vintage speakers, they can make wonderful music. A matching but untested Heathkit BC-1A AM tuner is included as a source of extra knobs parts etc. The W5M amplifier and WA-P2 preamplifier were designed to work together. The WAP2 obtaining power from the W5M via an umbilical cord. The W5M can be run without the WA-P2 with any conventional mono preamplifier or the pair with a stereo preamplifier. When I acquired these W5Ms about 5 years ago they had been restored with some modification and they were in regular use. A common issue with these units is failure of the power and output transformers and all 4 transformers had been replaced. The multi-section capacitors had been replaced with individual capacitors under the chassis but the cans were left in place. A power stitch had been added to each W5M to facilitate use without the WA-P2’s power switch and the W5M’s input RCA connectors had been replaced with modern gold-plated ones. In 2023, not being an expert myself, I had the W5Ms checked out by an expert tube technician. Several tired tubes, capacitors, tube sockets, and resistors were replaced and the internal voltages were dropped 10% to ensure reliability with modern 120-125V mains voltages. I was assured they were now good for regular use. I have not used this set as much as I anticipated and have decide to let them go. I just tested them and they are working with both line and phono inputs. The sound is smooth but detailed and there is no audible hum. The WA-P2s are in good cosmetic condition but the W5Ms show their age with scratches, repainting, and wear to the chassis. The W5M cages are in excellent condition and look good. I have priced the set low given the cosmetic condition of the W5Ms. I want to sell the W5Ms and WA-P2s together. Sorry no shipping. I can demo the system for potential buyers.