Woo Audio WA33 Elite Edition Headphone Amplifier and Preamp

What the Word Elite Actually Buys

Special editions are often a badge and a finish. This one is a parts list. The Elite keeps the WA33's circuit and its nine tubes. What changes is every piece that carries the signal. It weighs three pounds more than a Standard because of it.

The output transformers are custom-made, ultra high-bandwidth and low-loss. They are wound with Single Crystal Copper wire around a nickel alloy core. In a transformer-coupled tube amplifier, that is the part which most shapes what reaches your headphones.

Inside, the hook-up and signal wiring is Single Crystal copper throughout. Volume runs through an ALPS RK50 four-channel balanced potentiometer, housed in a brass enclosure. It is among the most expensive volume controls fitted to any audio product, and a four-channel one at that.

The Parts You Cannot Add Later

Coupling between stages runs through Mundorf MCap Supreme Silver/Gold capacitors, one per channel. Three Mundorf MTube capacitors filter the high-voltage supply. Connectors are Cardas XLRs on gold mounting plates, and WBT Nextgen RCAs. A 24k gold-plated plaque marks the chassis.

Everything else is the WA33 you already know. Two chassis, joined by Woo's Internal Coupling Architecture. Four 6C45 drivers, four 2A3 power tubes and a 5U4G rectifier. Up to 10 watts per channel into 32 ohms, and up to 3.3A in True Ribbon mode.

A front-panel switch turns it from a headphone amplifier into a balanced preamplifier. Output impedance is selectable, high or low. Two XLR input pairs and one RCA pair come in. It weighs 57 pounds, and carries a three-year limited warranty.

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• This is your last headphone amplifier — Woo does not convert a Standard into an Elite afterwards. Buying the Elite now is the only way to own these transformers, capacitors and volume control at all.
• You own hard-to-drive headphones — up to 10 watts per channel into 32 ohms, from four output sockets. A high or low impedance switch lets sensitive in-ears and demanding planars share one amplifier.
• You own ribbon headphones — True Ribbon mode supplies up to 3.3A of current rather than voltage, which is what a ribbon driver actually asks an amplifier for.
• You want one box for headphones and speakers — the balanced preamplifier output drives your power amplifier through that ALPS RK50, so the same volume control serves the whole system.
• Your sources are digital — the Elite takes analog inputs only, two XLR pairs and one RCA, with no converter inside. Add one of our digital-to-analog converters and a computer, streamer or transport feeds it properly.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Join the power supply chassis to the amplifier chassis, then bring in your source. Balanced sources take the two XLR pairs, single-ended sources the RCA pair. Leave clearance above and behind for the tubes.

Choose the headphone socket that matches your cable and set the impedance switch to suit. To drive speakers, switch the output to preamplifier mode and run the balanced XLR outputs to your power amplifier.

Pairs Well With

Building around the WA33 Elite Edition? Here are some great companions:

• Headphones: An amplifier at this level deserves the best — see our Headphones.
• DAC: The Elite takes analog in, so a converter comes first — see our Digital to Analog Converters.
• Power Amplifier: For the balanced preamplifier output — see our Amplifiers.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR into those Cardas sockets — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Elite Edition add over the Standard?

Ultra high-bandwidth output transformers with Single Crystal Copper windings and a nickel alloy core. Single Crystal copper internal wiring. An ALPS RK50 balanced volume control in a brass enclosure. Mundorf coupling and filter capacitors, Cardas and WBT connectors, and a 24k gold-plated plaque.

Can a Standard WA33 be upgraded to Elite later?

Woo builds the two separately and does not convert one into the other, so the decision is made when you order. Call us at 800-942-0220 if you would like to talk it through.

What tubes does it use?

The same nine as the Standard: four 6C45 drivers, four 2A3 power tubes and one 5U4G rectifier, fitted and ready.

Can I use it as a preamplifier?

Yes. The front panel switches the output from headphones to a balanced XLR preamplifier feed, with selectable high or low output impedance.

Which headphone connections are fitted?

A 4-pin XLR for True Ribbon mode, a second 4-pin XLR balanced, a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced, and a 6.3mm unbalanced jack.

What comes in the box?

Both chassis, the default tube set and a quick start guide. The AC power cord and audio cables are supplied separately, so budget for those.

See It in Action

Woo Audio walks through how to choose between the WA33 versions:

Woo Audio's overview of the second-generation WA33 and True Ribbon mode:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about tube amplifiers, headphone matching, or balanced connections? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.