Woo Audio
Woo Audio WA33 Fully-balanced Headphone Amp/Preamplifier
Best high-end tube amplifier for demanding audiophile headphone enthusiasts.
The Woo Audio WA33 is a state-of-the-art, fully balanced headphone amplifier and preamplifier designed to set a new reference in music reproduction. It features a true fully balanced design utilizing four 6C45 tubes for the driver and four 2A3 tubes for the power. This amplifier delivers high power to drive demanding headphones while maintaining a low noise floor. Its striking appearance is matched by its independent power supply, eliminating interference. The internal coupling architecture (ICA) technology merges the amplifier and power supply without an external umbilical cord, shortening the signal path and reducing unwanted electrical interference for an exceptional listening experience.
$8499.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
31
/ 766
#31 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+508%
Above average
Tubes
6454234541
/ C driver x , A power x , UG rectifier x
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and refined listening experience
- Headphone collectors needing power for diverse gear
- Design enthusiasts wanting a centerpiece for their audio system
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners looking for entry-level equipment
- Users with limited desk space or poor ventilation
- Listeners wanting a low-maintenance, plug-and-play solution
Performance breakdown
Drive Capability
Effortlessly powers even the most demanding high-impedance planar magnetic headphones.
Signal Purity
Internal Coupling Architecture minimizes interference for a remarkably silent noise floor.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty anodized aluminum chassis reflects uncompromising, heirloom-grade American craftsmanship.
Sonic Transparency
Fully balanced tube circuitry delivers rich, natural, and highly detailed audio.
Versatility
Seamlessly transitions between a reference headphone amplifier and a high-end preamplifier.
Component Quality
Elite edition features premium Mundorf capacitors and Cardas connectors for peak performance.
Key Specs
Tubes
6C45 driver x 4, 2A3 power x 4, 5U4G rectifier x 1
Wiring
JPS Alumiloy® hook-up and signal wires (Standard + JPS Wires and Elite Edition)
Design
Fully balanced, Push Pull, Class-A
Tube sockets
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Potentiometer
TKD 4-channel balanced smooth potentiometer (Standard), ALPS RK50 4-channel balanced potentiometer in brass enclosure (Elite Edition)
Wiring
Transformer-coupled, Point-to-Point wiring
Technology
Internal Coupling Architecture (ICA)
Inputs
XLR x 2, RCA x 1
Features
- State-of-the-art, fully balanced headphone amplifier and preamplifier
- True fully balanced design with high-quality tubes (6C45 driver, 2A3 power)
- High power output to drive demanding headphones
- Low noise floor for sensitive models
- Independent power supply to eliminate interference
- Internal Coupling Architecture (ICA) for reduced signal path and improved performance
- User-selectable output modes (pre-amp or headphone) and impedance/level settings
- Premium components and construction, with Elite Edition offering further enhancements
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Woo Audio WA33 for its exceptional sound quality and exquisite design. Reviewers frequently highlight the amplifier's ability to deliver a rich, detailed, and immersive audio experience, transforming their listening sessions. The build quality is often described as superb, reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials. While it represents a significant investment, enthusiasts generally perceive its performance and aesthetic appeal as justifying the cost, making it a pinnacle product for serious audiophiles seeking an ultimate listening solution.
Know before you buy
The ICA design merges the amplifier and power supply into a single chassis without an external umbilical cord. This shortens the signal path and minimizes electrical interference, resulting in a cleaner, more precise audio signal.
Yes, the WA33 features user-selectable output modes that allow you to switch between headphone amplification and preamplifier operation. It includes an XLR preamp output to connect directly to your power amplifier.
Absolutely. The WA33 is designed to handle a wide range of headphones from 8 to 600 Ohms. It also features user-selectable impedance and level settings to ensure optimal performance regardless of your headphone's specific requirements.
The Elite Edition upgrades the internal components significantly, featuring high-bandwidth output transformers with single-crystal copper, Mundorf MCap Supreme Silver/Gold capacitors, and premium Cardas and WBT connectors. It also utilizes the ALPS RK50 potentiometer for superior volume control precision.
Like most high-end tube amplifiers, the WA33 will sound its best after the tubes have been properly seasoned. You can expect the sound signature to settle and improve after approximately 50 to 100 hours of use.
Yes, the WA33 is engineered with a very low noise floor, making it compatible with sensitive headphones and IEMs. You can adjust the gain settings to ensure there is no audible hiss or background noise.
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$8499