Upgraded Vacuum Tube Headphone Amp and Preamp with USB DAC
Updating its hugely popular Fireflies Gen 2, Woo Audio's WA7 3rd gen Fireflies combines a high performance vacuum tube headphone amplifier and preamp with a built-in USB Digital-to-Analog Converter. It is a pure tube design, utilizing 12AU7 tubes in a class-A, single-ended topology, with transformer coupled outputs. There are no semiconductors used in the entire signal path.
Nearly a decade ago, Woo Audio set out to create an attractive, high-performance vacuum tube amplifier that would delight the eyes and ears of music lovers. The original award-winning WA7 Fireflies headphone amplifier/DAC was born. And now Woo Audio is proud to introduce the improved 3rd generation version of this highly acclaimed component. It is sure to satisfy even the most discerning listener.
Built-in Linear Power Supply and High Performance DAC
Keeping the same elegant look that makes WA7 Fireflies unique, the new 3rd gen features a built-in linear power supply, making the set-up a breeze and a one-box solution. In addition, the 3rd gen version employs a balanced headphone output (plus a standard 1/4" headphone output) driven by a pair of 12AU7 vacuum tubes. The user-replaceable vacuum tubes can be upgraded to customize the sound to your personal preference.
The power output of the WA7 Fireflies is over 1.5 watts per channel at 4 Ohms, compared to 1.0 watt for the Gen 2 Fireflies. The power boost is ideal for a wide range of IEM (in-ear monitors) as well as power-demanding full-sized headphones.
The class-leading, high performance ESS SABRE Audiophile DAC provides up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM, and 128DSD/5.6MHz. It allows you to enjoy music from streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, and Amazon Music HD in lossless resolution.
It's a Tube Preamplifier, Too
You asked for it and Woo listened. The new 3rd gen is also a tube preamplifier enabling you to easily integrate WA7 fireflies with your home speaker system. Or use it to drive a pair of desktop-powered speakers for more ways to enjoy the uncompromised sound.
And you get your choice of preamp outputs, too. A rear panel switch selects a 4.4mm 5-pole by Pentaconn by NIPPON DICS balanced preamp output, which is the preferred output to use for no-compromise sound. You can also select the 6.3mm (1/4”) stereo preamp output and also enjoy the highest quality sonic output from your WA7 Fireflies.
The high quality construction features include a pair of Nickel Alloy core output transformers, all-aluminum chassis with no screws visible from any viewing angles. A thick block of superior quality, high clarity glass is provided to protect the tubes, while maintaining a clean and elegant aesthetic.
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.
