Woo Audio
Woo Audio WES (2nd generation)
Best electrostatic amplifier for audiophiles seeking reference-grade sound quality.
The Woo Audio WES (2nd generation) is a top-tier electrostatic headphone amplifier designed for STAX headphones. This updated model features a quad matched set of output load inductors using the purest single crystal copper wire, significantly enhancing clarity, soundstage, dynamic range, and control. It's a two-chassis system with a fully balanced Class A amplifier and a unique dual power switch that gently powers up the tubes. The WES delivers reference-quality sound without listener fatigue, offering an immersive audio experience.
$4999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
229
/ 766
#229 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+258%
Above average
Tubes
3446745421272
/ EL power x , SL driver x , AR rectifier x , AU phase inverter x
Who it's for
- Electrostatic headphone owners demanding peak performance and power
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and microscopic musical detail
- Design-conscious listeners who value premium build and aesthetic elegance
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value over high-end luxury
- Collectors owning dynamic or planar magnetic headphone setups
- Listeners wanting a low-maintenance, cool-running audio solution
Performance breakdown
Electrostatic Transparency
Single crystal copper wiring delivers unmatched clarity and micro-detail retrieval.
Dynamic Range
Class A architecture provides effortless headroom for complex musical passages.
Build Integrity
Robust dual-chassis construction ensures long-term stability and vibration isolation.
Tube Warm-up Logic
Dual power switch design protects delicate tubes during the startup cycle.
Headphone Compatibility
Broad support for premium electrostatic models via standard STAX Pro bias.
Soundstage Depth
Transformer-coupled design creates a vast, immersive, and holographic listening environment.
Key Specs
Tubes
EL34 power x 4, 6SL7 driver x 4, 5AR4 rectifier x 2, 12AU7 phase inverter x 2
Output
STAX Pro Bias 5-pin x 2
Max Output
1300Vrms
Stax Pro Voltage
580 V
Sennheiser HE90 BIA
500 V
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
>100 dB
THD
<= 0.3%
AC Voltage
AC 110/220 - 240V, 50/60Hz, selectable
Features
- Updated 2nd generation design
- Utilizes pure single crystal copper wire for enhanced audio performance
- Fully balanced Class A design
- Dual power switch for optimized tube warm-up
- High-quality components like ALPS potentiometers and Auricap capacitors
- Designed and assembled in New York, USA
- Global voltage compatibility (100V-220V)
- Includes a 3-year limited Woo Audio warranty
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Woo Audio WES (2nd generation) for its exceptional audio quality and masterful build. Reviewers frequently highlight the amplifier's ability to deliver a pristine, expansive soundstage that elevates electrostatic headphone performance to new heights. The elegant, robust chassis design also receives significant acclaim, reflecting a premium aesthetic and a sense of lasting craftsmanship. Owners feel a profound satisfaction with both its sonic capabilities and its visual presence in their listening spaces.
Know before you buy
The WES is specifically designed for electrostatic headphones. It is compatible with all STAX Pro-bias models, as well as the HiFiMan Shangri-la Jr. and the Dan Clark Audio VOCE.
By separating the power supply from the amplifier circuitry, the WES minimizes electromagnetic interference and noise. This isolation ensures a cleaner signal path, resulting in a lower noise floor and improved clarity.
The dual power switch is designed to protect your vacuum tubes by allowing for a gentle, staged warm-up process. This helps extend the lifespan of the tubes and ensures the internal components reach optimal operating temperature safely.
Yes, the WES features global voltage compatibility. It is selectable between 110V and 220V-240V, making it suitable for use in various regions around the world.
While the WES features a fully balanced Class A design and includes XLR inputs for balanced sources, it also provides an RCA input for single-ended connections. You can use either input type depending on your existing audio setup.
The WES is a two-chassis system, with each unit measuring 16.5 inches wide and 12 inches deep. You will need to account for both the amplifier and the power supply unit, which have a combined weight of 40 pounds.
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$4999