Woo Audio
Woo Audio ES8
Best tube-driven amplifier for dedicated electrostatic headphone enthusiasts.
The Woo Audio ES8 is a fully balanced electrostatic headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier designed for audiophiles. It utilizes four EL84 power tubes and four 8532 driver tubes, arranged in a matched quad for precise channel balance and a vivid soundstage. The amplifier features a precision CNC machined aluminum chassis and custom-wound output transformers for exceptional performance. It is compatible with all PRO-bias (580v) electrostatic headphones from major brands and can also function as a pre-amplifier, expanding your audio system's capabilities. This amplifier is built for durability and delivers unparalleled sound detail.
$2999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 766
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+115%
Above average
Tubes
84485324
/ EL power x , driver x
Who it's for
- Collectors valuing premium build quality and luxurious design
- Owners of diverse high-end electrostatic headphone collections
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and musical detail
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking entry-level audio solutions
- Users owning dynamic or planar magnetic headphone collections
- Listeners preferring low-maintenance, cool-running solid-state gear
Performance breakdown
Electrostatic Drive Power
Delivers authoritative voltage swing for the most demanding electrostatic headphones.
Tube Harmonic Richness
The EL84 and 8532 tube complement provides lush, textured sonic depth.
Chassis Build Integrity
Precision CNC machined aluminum offers exceptional resonance control and structural rigidity.
System Versatility
Dual-purpose design functions seamlessly as a high-end electrostatic amplifier or pre-amplifier.
Component Precision
Custom-wound transformers and ALPS potentiometers ensure high-fidelity signal path integrity.
Operational Maintenance
Auto-biasing circuitry simplifies tube management for a hassle-free listening experience.
Key Specs
Tubes
EL84 power x 4, 8532 driver x 4
Direct Drive Push-Pull, Class A
Partial point-to-point wiring
Input
RCA x 1
Input
XLR x 1
Pre-Output
XLR x 1
Two 5-pin STAX EarSpeakers outputs (Pro Bias)
Maximum Output
800Vrms
Features
- Fully balanced electrostatic headphone amplifier
- Compatible with Audeze CRBN, STAX, HiFiMan Shangri-la Jr., Dan Clark Audio VOCE electrostatic headphones
- Utilizes EL84 power tubes and 8532 driver tubes
- Precision CNC machined aluminum chassis
- Custom-wound output transformers for superior sound
- Functions as a pre-amplifier
- PTFE tube sockets
- Auto-biasing with compatible tubes
What customers say
The Woo Audio ES8 consistently garners high praise for its extraordinary sound quality, often described as transparent and deeply resolving, elevating the listening experience for electrostatic headphone users. Enthusiasts frequently commend its impeccable build quality and sophisticated design, noting the premium materials and precise engineering. This amplifier delivers an unparalleled audio performance, solidifying its reputation as a top tier component for serious audiophiles who value both sonic excellence and elegant craftsmanship.
Know before you buy
The ES8 is compatible with all electrostatic headphones that utilize the standard 5-pin PRO-bias (580V) connector. This includes popular models from brands like STAX, Audeze, HiFiMan, and Dan Clark Audio.
Yes, the ES8 features an XLR pre-amplifier output, allowing you to integrate it into a larger audio system to drive external power amplifiers or active speakers.
No, the ES8 features an auto-biasing circuit for its EL84 and 8532 tubes. This simplifies maintenance and ensures the tubes operate at their optimal performance levels without manual adjustment.
These transformers are specifically engineered to handle the high-voltage requirements of electrostatic headphones, ensuring a wide frequency response, low distortion, and a vivid, detailed soundstage.
The amplifier uses a matched quad of EL84 and 8532 tubes, which, combined with the precision ALPS potentiometer, ensures consistent volume levels and imaging between the left and right channels.
Yes, the ES8 is designed to operate on AC voltages ranging from 115V to 230V, making it versatile for international use.
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