Woo Audio
Woo Audio 3ES Electrostatic Headphone Amp/Preamp
Best tube-driven amplifier for serious electrostatic headphone enthusiasts.
The Woo Audio 3ES is a flagship electrostatic headphone amplifier and preamplifier, building on over a decade of design experience. It features a two-unit architecture, with the amplifier docking onto a separate power supply. The 3ES utilizes two 6SN7 driver tubes and four 300B power tubes for its output stage, along with a central rectifier tube. This design aims to achieve ambitious audio goals, offering compatibility with various electrostatic headphones and dual headphone outputs for simultaneous operation. The chassis is crafted from anodized aluminum and is available in black or silver.
$8999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 766
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+544%
Above average
Colors
Black, Silver
/ Black, Silver
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking ultimate clarity and expansive soundstage performance
- Design-conscious listeners wanting a beautiful centerpiece for their system
- System builders needing a versatile high-performance preamplifier
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers looking for more accessible audio solutions
- Owners of dynamic or planar magnetic headphone collections
- Users preferring low-maintenance, cool-running solid-state equipment
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
The 300B tube architecture delivers unparalleled harmonic richness and lifelike detail.
Build Integrity
Anodized aluminum chassis provides a robust, vibration-resistant foundation for high-end components.
Electrostatic Compatibility
Seamlessly drives a wide range of high-impedance electrostatic headphones with authority.
Component Grade
Elite edition upgrades offer top-tier internal wiring and premium signal capacitors.
Operational Versatility
Dual outputs and selectable preamp modes offer significant flexibility for complex setups.
Ergonomic Precision
High-end potentiometer ensures smooth, precise volume control for critical listening sessions.
Key Specs
Colors
Black, Silver
Version
Standard, Elite edition
Compatible with 5-pin 580v (Pro-bias) for STAX, HiFiMan, MrSpeakers headphones
Dual headphone output [simultaneous operation]
Compatible with all STAX, HiFiMan Shangri-la Jr., Dan Clark Audio VOCE electrostatic headphones
TKD (Tokyo Ko-on Denpa) 4-channel balanced smooth potentiometer
XLR input x 2, RCA input x 1
User selectable output
pre-amp or headphone
Features
- Flagship electrostatic headphone amplifier and preamplifier
- Two-unit design for optimal performance
- Utilizes 300B power tubes for rich sound
- Compatible with a wide range of electrostatic headphones
- Dual headphone outputs for shared listening
- User-selectable output modes (pre-amp or headphone)
- Premium build with anodized aluminum chassis
- Available in Standard and Elite Editions with upgraded components
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Woo Audio 3ES for its exceptional build quality and sophisticated design. Reviewers frequently highlight the amplifier's robust construction and elegant aesthetic, noting its premium feel and visual appeal. The sonic performance is often described as superb, delivering a refined and immersive listening experience that justifies its position as a high end audio component. While a significant investment, users generally perceive its craftsmanship and audio fidelity as outstanding, making it a cherished centerpiece for serious audiophiles.
Know before you buy
The 3ES is compatible with all electrostatic headphones that use a 5-pin 580V Pro-bias connector. This includes models from STAX, HiFiMan (such as the Shangri-la Jr.), and Dan Clark Audio (such as the VOCE).
Yes, the 3ES features user-selectable output modes, allowing you to switch between headphone amplification and preamplifier functionality for your external speaker setup.
The Elite edition features upgraded internal components, including Mundorf Supreme Silver/Gold capacitors, single-crystal copper wiring, an Alps RK50 volume control, and premium Cardas and WBT connectors for improved signal purity.
Yes, the unit is equipped with dual headphone outputs that support simultaneous operation, making it convenient for shared listening sessions.
By separating the amplifier from the power supply, the design minimizes electromagnetic interference and noise, resulting in a cleaner, more stable signal path for your headphones.
No, the 3ES is designed with a self-biasing circuit, which automatically manages the bias for the compatible tubes, simplifying maintenance and setup.
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$8999