Upgraded Second Generation of an Acclaimed All-Tube Headphone Amp
Originally introduced in 2009, Woo Audio's WA22 has been an audiophile favorite. New for 2018 is improved sonic performance plus a preamplifier section for using the WA22 (2nd gen) in a hi-fi system.
The Woo Audio WA22 (2nd gen) uses a balanced design from input to output. The advantage of a fully balanced system is improved channel separation, more precise soundstage, and imaging. Perfectly suited for the headphone enthusiast and experienced audiophiles seeking flexibility and purest sound. The all tube-drive circuitry operates in Class-A in an output transformer-coupled design. It offers realistic, incredible detailed, and tonally balanced sound.
"An Audiophile Rave Checklist"
"A description of the sound of the Woo sounds like an audiophile rave checklist," notes Tom Martin in his April 13, 2011 Playback review of the original WA22 for AVguide.com. "If you are looking for an amp that will make most of the headphones you try shine, I can and do highly recommend Woo Audio's WA22."
"Jack Woo (an extremely kind and generous fellow) has managed to create true synergy in designing and building the Woo 22 balanced headphone amp which, with the premium tube upgrades, presents the most effortless, immediate presentation of sound I have heard from any headphone system, or perhaps any stereo system," reports Andy Schaub in his review of the original WA22 for Issue 54 of Positive-Feedback.com.
All-Tube Design
The WA22 (2nd gen) drives a wide range of full-sized headphones and in-ear monitors. And unlike many other headphone amps on the market that make partial use of vacuum tube circuitry, but otherwise are solid state designs, the WA22 (2nd gen) boasts an all-tube design. There are no transistors, ICs, or semi-conductors anywhere in the entire circuitry.
Handcrafted Excellence
The WA22 (2nd gen) is a high quality, beautifully made product inside and out. It uses a transformer-coupled design, point-to-point wiring throughout, and a pseudo-dual power supply. The casework boasts an aluminum die-cast chassis with an anodized finish.
The Connections You Need
The true balanced topology features one pair of balanced XLR inputs and one pair of single-ended RCA inputs. Outputs consist of a dual 3-pin XLR (left and right channel), 4-pin XLR, and 1/4" (6.3mm) stereo headphone outputs. A high/low headphone impedance switch ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones. The preamp output is a 50 ohm XLR jack.
Smooth, Rich, Tube Performance
For smooth, rich audiophile performance, you can't beat the sound of vacuum tubes. The WA22's tube complement consists of two 6SN7 drive tubes, two 6080 power tubes, and a 5U4G rectifier. An ALPS smooth potentiometer provides accurate and virtually noise-free amplitude control.
Adventures in Tube Rolling
This Woo Audio product is perfect for tweakers who love to experiment with their gear. Changing the sound quality is as easy as trying a different set of audio tubes as an alternative to the tubes that come standard with your Woo. You'll find lots of suggestions for 'tube rolling' on the Internet on head-fi.org and other audiophile Websites. So roll your own and enjoy!
Assembled in Brooklyn, New York, USA
Woo Audio takes great pride in the fact that its products are assembled in Brooklyn, New York, USA from foreign and domestic components.
NOTE: AC power cord and audio cables are not included
