Okay, my Speakon lead arrived and I've had a chance to play around with this setup properly. Some thoughts:
The amp as two inputs, passive and active. I don't know what the exact specifications are for this, but the active input seems to pad the signal from my active Warwick a lot more than any other amp I've used. I need to try another active bass out with it to confirm this, but it does require a significant boost on the volume dial to get it back up when switching from a passive bass on the passive input.
The WA300 also has a mini-jack AUX input on the front for your iPod or what have you; this is great, no adapter required. There is also a mini-jack headphone output - again, great, as I don't need a 1/4 inch adapter now. There are all your standard outputs on the back.
With dials at 12 o'clock and the EQ off, the WA300 sounds very transparent. There is no hum or hissing, and I think this has to do with the lower impedance of the amp's circuitry. EQ switched on, and all controls at 0, the amp is still quiet but there is a tiny bit of added warmth to the tone. When I boost highs, there is still no noise.
Without too much added tone-shaping, I'd describe this amp as having a mostly transparent sound, but with a tiny bit of warmth. Not tube warmth, but the amp certainly doesn't sound clinical. When I plug any of my basses in, it sounds different - this amp won't make everything sound like a P-bass with flats and a bit of SansAmp overdrive, and that's a good thing. My Warwick sounds like a Warwick, and my Precision sounds like a Precision.
The EQ gives -/+ 12dB across ten bands ranging from 35Hz to 10kHz, and there is a treble knob that gives -/+ 18db at 10kHz and a bass knob that gives -/+ 18dB at 60Hz. Right now I have a 35-140Hz bump and the rest of the bands are at 0, and this gives a lovely, slightly warm, but very full sound with both my Precision and Warwick. If I add some highs, via the EQ or treble knob, I don't get a typical 'smiley face-EQ' sound; the mids are still strong, and you're really just adding a bit of 'glass' to the sound.
The built-in compressor is better than I thought. I'm not sure what its parameters are but compared to, say, a Hartke built-in compressor, this doesn't have that harsh cut-off sound you sometimes get with built-ins that seem more like a limiter than compressor. The Warwick one is much more subtle and I will be happy to use it live. Along with the 10-band EQ, the built in compressor has saved me yet another beer-soaked pedal on the floor!
The WCA Pro 411 cab seems like a brilliant cab. It has handled everything I've given it from the head, including some fairly hefty bass-boosting. It's 8ohm, so I'm not getting the full 300 watts, but that doesn't seem to matter. Compared with Hartke 4x10 with built-in 350 watt head (kind of like a mega-combo) that I've played around with, the Warwick cab seems much, much louder. It's a much deeper cab and has some other design features that could contribute. And there is just something about that big 'W' on the grill...
The only thing bugging me is that there is a very quiet hissing perceptible when the HF tweeter is dialled anywhere but at 0; even the smallest adjustment brings the hiss back. To be honest, though, no one will hear the difference in my playing situation if the tweeter is off. This could very well be coming from my MIM Precision, which a bit noisy (even my Squier Affinity has less buzz when plugged in). But I digress...
Overall, I think most people know the WCA Pro 411 is an excellent cab. I'm happy with it and I got it for an absolute bargain second hand. It's about six years old and solid as a tank. I'm stoked about it. I was initally worried that it was 8ohms and that I would be left with a massive amp that's no louder than a 80-watt combo with a 12-inch driver. But this is LOUD, and clear.
I haven't read much about the WA300 and even the Warwick website forum is pretty quiet about them. I'm not sure that many people bought them. Perhaps it has something to do with the price-bracket (people could get more for the same money), but if you can buy on sale or second-hand, its worth it. They were manufactured in China, along with the new cabs Warwick are selling, so maybe that has something to do with it. Nevertheless, it seems that the company's decision to move production of many basses and amps offshore to China and Korea has not impacted the quality of their products.
This amp is versatile and well-made. Only time will tell, but I expect this to be a reliable unit in live situations. It sounds exactly like I want my amp to sound and has more than enough tone-shaping capabilities. If I ever upgrade, I will definitely look at Warwick's high-end stuff, because the WA300 is a really great amp. When I have some spare cash, I will look for a small Warwick combo to use for practice and rehearsals with acoustic instruments. I'm sold.
Tnx 
