Woo Audio
Woo WES Balanced Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier - Generation 2
Best electrostatic amplifier for dedicated audiophiles seeking uncompromising vacuum tube sound.
Experience unparalleled sound with the Woo Audio WES, a no-compromise electrostatic headphone amplifier designed for Stax-type headphones. Its fully balanced, all-triode design utilizes premium vacuum tubes for a rich, articulate audio experience. The innovative two-chassis system isolates the power supply, ensuring ultra-quiet operation, while the exposed tubes offer a striking aesthetic and optimal cooling. Delivering a 1200-volt peak voltage swing, the WES provides exceptional dynamic range, making it a benchmark for high-fidelity listening.
$3822.76
More WES Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
31
/ 766
#31 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+174%
Above average
Signal/Noise
100
/ > dB
Who it's for
- Design-conscious listeners building a premium high-end system
- Owners of high-end electrostatic headphones wanting peak performance
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and musical detail
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value over extreme performance
- Owners of dynamic or planar magnetic headphone collections
- Listeners with limited desk space or compact audio setups
Performance breakdown
Dynamic Range
The 1200V swing delivers effortless headroom for the most demanding recordings.
Noise Floor
Dual-chassis isolation ensures a pitch-black background for delicate electrostatic detail.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty construction and premium components define this Brooklyn-assembled masterpiece.
Tube Transparency
All-triode design provides a rich, articulate signature with classic vacuum tube warmth.
System Compatibility
Dual bias outputs offer seamless integration with both Stax and Sennheiser flagships.
Aesthetic Appeal
Exposed tubes and industrial design make this a striking centerpiece for desks.
Key Specs
Signal/Noise
>100 dB
THD
<=0.3%
1200 volts peak voltage swing
Stax PRO bias
580V
Sennheiser HE90 bias
500V
Power consumption
118 watts
PSU dimensions
4.5"(H), 16.5"(W), 12"(D)
Amp dimensions
7.5"(H), 16.5"(W), 12"(D) (with tube guard)
Features
- Fully balanced all-triode drive stage
- Dual-chassis design for noise isolation
- Striking exposed tube aesthetics
- 1200V peak voltage swing for wide dynamics
- Dual power switches for tube care
- Versatile balanced and unbalanced inputs
- Premium internal audiophile-grade components
- Assembled in Brooklyn, USA
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Woo WES Generation 2 amplifier for its exceptional sound quality, describing it as incredibly transparent and resolving, bringing electrostatic headphones to life with remarkable clarity and depth. Users frequently highlight the amplifier's premium build quality and elegant design, noting its robust construction and sophisticated aesthetic. The overall consensus points to a product that delivers an unparalleled listening experience, justifying its position as a top tier component for serious audiophiles seeking sonic perfection and lasting craftsmanship.
Know before you buy
The WES is specifically engineered for electrostatic headphones. It features a 5-pin Pro bias output (580V) compatible with standard Stax-type headphones and a dedicated output for Sennheiser HE90 models.
The two-chassis system physically separates the power supply from the sensitive audio amplification circuitry. This isolation significantly reduces electromagnetic interference, resulting in a lower noise floor and a cleaner, more articulate sound.
The dual power switches are designed to protect the longevity of your vacuum tubes. By allowing you to power the unit in stages, you can ensure the tubes reach the proper operating temperature safely before engaging the full high-voltage amplification.
Yes, the WES includes preamp functionality, allowing you to integrate it into a larger high-fidelity audio setup. Its balanced and unbalanced inputs provide the flexibility needed to connect various source components.
The WES is a substantial piece of equipment. With both the amplifier and power supply units placed side-by-side, you will need a footprint of at least 33 inches in width and 12 inches in depth, plus additional vertical clearance for the exposed tubes.
The high voltage swing allows the amplifier to handle complex musical passages with ease, providing exceptional dynamic range and transient response. This ensures that your electrostatic headphones can reproduce audio with high precision and minimal distortion.
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