WARM AUDIO DROPS KENETEK ELEMENT? - Before you buy a WA-2A read this!

If you already own a WA-2A it might have a Kenetek branded optical element inside (but if you buy a new one it might not). When these first rolled out the Kenetek branded element was touted as an important premium component. While shopping on Sweetwater’s web site I happened to notice something weird about the current WA-2A.

Quietly, Warm Audio has moved away from the Kenetek component. Honest dealers (like Sweetwater) have already updated their web sites with current specs. When I noticed Kenetek was not mentioned in the description I looked at Warm Audio’s own site and sure enough, no more Kenetek in the specs. This is ok because many companies make their own.

But what if you already own a WA-2A and want a nicely matched mate for it to use in stereo? You face decisions:

1. Do you buy a preowned unit to get a matching unit with a Kenetek element in it?

2. Do you buy two new units so they are matched with WA-brand elements?

3. Do you say “screw it” and just buy a new one hoping for not too big of a sonic difference?

I only noticed the change because I was considering buying a new one for review here on High on Technology. The Kenetek optical attenuator module appears to be gone from the WA-2A.

We’re planning to reach out to Warm Audio and Kenetek for definitive answers. As always, shop wisely ;-)

Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!

©May 2026 by Mark King, it is not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author. 

Originally published May 7 2026