Woo Audio
Woo Audio WA22
Best balanced tube amplifier for discerning audiophiles seeking pure sonic performance.
The Woo Audio WA22 (2nd gen) is an all-tube, fully balanced headphone amplifier and preamplifier, updated in March 2018 for improved sonic performance. It offers enhanced channel separation, a more precise soundstage, and superior imaging thanks to its balanced design. This amplifier is ideal for headphone enthusiasts and audiophiles seeking flexibility and pure sound. It features a transformer-coupled, point-to-point wired construction with a pseudo-dual power supply and a phase splitter for unbalanced components. The unit includes HI/LO impedance settings and a range of output options.
$2699.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
229
/ 766
#229 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+93%
Above average
Amplifier type
Vacuum tube
/ Vacuum tube
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and emotionally resonant listening experience
- Design-conscious listeners wanting a durable, high-end visual centerpiece
- Headphone collectors requiring power for diverse and demanding gear
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range equipment
- Users preferring a low-maintenance, plug-and-play audio solution
- Desktop users with limited space or poor ventilation
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Class-A tube circuitry delivers an exceptionally liquid and detailed sound signature.
Build Integrity
Point-to-point wiring and robust aluminum construction ensure decades of reliable performance.
Drive Versatility
Adjustable impedance settings handle everything from sensitive IEMs to power-hungry planars.
Balanced Architecture
True balanced design provides superior channel separation and a wide, precise soundstage.
System Integration
Doubles as a high-end preamp to anchor your primary Hi-Fi system.
Maintenance Accessibility
Tube rolling offers endless customization but requires periodic manual upkeep and monitoring.
Key Specs
Amplifier type
Vacuum tube
Connectivity
Wired
Portability
Not Portable
Tubes
6SN7 driver x 2, 6080 power x 2, 5U4G rectifier x 1
Tube sockets
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Potentiometer
ALPS RK27 4-channel balanced smooth potentiometer
Design
Fully-balanced, Class-A
Power output
up to 1.5 watts per channel @32 Ohms
Features
- Updated to 2nd generation for improved sonic performance
- Fully balanced design for enhanced channel separation and soundstage
- Preamplifier functionality for integration with Hi-Fi systems
- Transformer-coupled and point-to-point wiring for optimal signal integrity
- Class-A amplification for pure sound reproduction
- Adjustable HI/LO impedance settings for power-demanding headphones
- Multiple headphone output options including balanced XLR and 6.3mm stereo
- Durable anodized aluminum chassis available in black or silver
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Woo Audio WA22 for its exceptional build quality and sophisticated design. Many highlight the amplifier's robust construction and premium materials, which contribute to a luxurious feel and lasting durability. The aesthetic appeal, often described as classic and elegant, seamlessly integrates into various listening environments. Users frequently commend the WA22 for delivering a remarkably refined and immersive audio experience, underscoring its position as a high end component. This combination of superior craftsmanship and outstanding sonic performance forms the core of its strong appeal.
Know before you buy
The fully balanced architecture significantly improves channel separation and imaging. By keeping the signal path symmetrical, it reduces noise and provides a more precise, expansive soundstage compared to single-ended designs.
Yes, the WA22 features a dedicated HI/LO impedance switch. This allows you to optimize the power delivery and gain structure to match the specific requirements of your headphones, ensuring consistent performance across different models.
It does. The WA22 includes balanced XLR preamp outputs, allowing you to integrate it into a larger Hi-Fi system to drive external power amplifiers or active speakers while maintaining the tube-driven sonic character.
The WA22 is a self-biasing design, which simplifies tube replacement by eliminating the need for manual bias adjustments. You will eventually need to replace the 6SN7, 6080, and 5U4G tubes as they wear out, but the unit is built for long-term reliability with high-quality PTFE sockets.
While it is designed for a stationary setup, it is quite substantial, weighing 25 lbs and measuring 12 inches wide. Ensure your desk or audio rack has enough space and structural support to accommodate its size and the heat generated by the vacuum tubes.
Yes, the amplifier includes a built-in phase splitter that allows you to use unbalanced RCA inputs alongside your balanced XLR sources. This ensures that even if your DAC or source component is not fully balanced, you can still benefit from the WA22's internal balanced circuitry.
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