Woo Audio WA11 Topaz Headphone Amplifier and DAC - Black

"Recommended" Award – headfonia.com

Sound Quality That Rivals Desktop System

It all started when Woo Audio was developing the WA8 Eclipse. Woo designers learned that in order to reduce the size greatly, the circuitry needed to use transistors. Introducing the WA11 Topaz, an ultra-compact, high-performance, solid-state headphone amplifier and DAC. It was developed over the course of three years of intensive research with nine working prototypes deployed in real-world applications. The WA11 Topaz delivers an audiophile sound quality that rivals many desktop systems and includes the features users dream of having.

The performance, capability, and flexibility of the WA11 Topaz will change the way you enjoy music and change the definition of what a hi-fi system should be.

Award-Winning Performance

The WA11 Topaz earned a "Recommended" award from headfonia.com. "The WA11 is one of the rare portable products that really knows how to handle the more complex to drive cans. It brings a performance to the table that’s in the class of desktop gear."

"The Topaz is an impressive DAC/Amp that has been a pleasure to explore. If you’re in the market for an excellent transportable solution that drives any headphones under the sun, you have to give the WA11 serious consideration. If you can, go to your closest dealer and try it for yourself and let it convince you."

Fully Balanced Headphone Amp Design

Weighing one pound and measuring one inch thick, the WA11 Topaz is a battery-powered, fully-balanced headphone amplifier and DAC running in a Class-A topology. It is capable of driving the most demanding full-size headphones while maintaining an ultra-low noise floor for reference in-ear monitors.

For superb sound quality, the Topaz uses a premium TKD four-channel balanced potentiometer. The headphone outputs consist of a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced jack and a 1/4" TRS unbalanced jack for use with full-size headphones. User selectable HI or LO power level output ensures compatibility with the widest range of 'phones.

"Extreme High-End Sound in a Portable Size"

"The Woo Audio WA11 Topaz demonstrates extreme high-end sound in a portable size is possible," notes Steve Guttenberg, CNET.com, February 16, 2019. "At least for audiophiles who've already invested in top-quality headphones they would like to enjoy on-the-go, at home or office. Wherever you go, the WA11 will bring out the best in your headphones."

"Woo Audio’s WA11 is the little amp/DAC that could. While the Topaz is not fully the equal of Woo’s own ultra-high-end electronics, it conveys so much of their overall sound and feel for such a sensible price that it is surely destined to be a winner," reports Chris Martens, The Absolute Sound magazine, October 4, 2019.

Powerful DSD-Capable ESS Sabre DAC

The DAC is an ESS Sabre ES9018M capable of decoding PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz and up to DSD128. There is also a 4.4mm balanced input for use with balanced sources such as a modern digital-audio-player (DAP), home CD player, or DAC.

The future of USB connections is the USB Type-C port. And WA11 Topaz has two of them - one for data, one for charging, and the ports are USB 2.0 compatible. The separate charging and data connections allow you to listen to music while simultaneously recharging the internal battery. This feature extends the industry leading figure of seven hours of playtime immensely.

The XMOS xCORE-AUDIO asynchronous clocking USB is compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices (with Apple CCK or Android OTG adapter).

"Delivers Clear, Clean Sound Quality"

"The Woo Audio WA11 Topaz delivers clear, clean sound quality," observes Rob Boffard, themasterswitch.com, March 21, 2019.

"The design and build quality of the WA11 Topaz is outstanding, with sensible controls and a real premium feel."