{"product_id":"woo-audio-wa33-elite-edition-headphone-amplifier-and-preamp","title":"Woo Audio WA33 Elite Edition Headphone Amplifier and Preamp","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat the Word Elite Actually Buys\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSpecial 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eInside, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Parts You Cannot Add Later\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eCoupling 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEverything 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Amplifier Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThis is your last headphone amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou own hard-to-drive headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou own ribbon headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e — True Ribbon mode supplies up to 3.3A of current rather than voltage, which is what a ribbon driver actually asks an amplifier for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want one box for headphones and speakers\u003c\/strong\u003e — the balanced preamplifier output drives your power amplifier through that ALPS RK50, so the same volume control serves the whole system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYour sources are digital\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Elite takes analog inputs only, two XLR pairs and one RCA, with no converter inside. Add one of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/digital-to-analog-converters\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003edigital-to-analog converters\u003c\/a\u003e and a computer, streamer or transport feeds it properly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJoin 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eChoose 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBuilding around the WA33 Elite Edition? Here are some great companions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphones:\u003c\/strong\u003e An amplifier at this level deserves the best — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/headphones\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eHeadphones\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Elite takes analog in, so a converter comes first — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/digital-to-analog-converters\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eDigital to Analog Converters\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Amplifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e For the balanced preamplifier output — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAmplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterconnects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced XLR into those Cardas sockets — see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect Cables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat does the Elite Edition add over the Standard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eUltra 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan a Standard WA33 be upgraded to Elite later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWoo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat tubes does it use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe same nine as the Standard: four 6C45 drivers, four 2A3 power tubes and one 5U4G rectifier, fitted and ready.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use it as a preamplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The front panel switches the output from headphones to a balanced XLR preamplifier feed, with selectable high or low output impedance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhich headphone connections are fitted?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA 4-pin XLR for True Ribbon mode, a second 4-pin XLR balanced, a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced, and a 6.3mm unbalanced jack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat comes in the box?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBoth chassis, the default tube set and a quick start guide. The AC power cord and audio cables are supplied separately, so budget for those.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWoo Audio walks through how to choose between the WA33 versions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lWqkQCHFvLU\" title=\"FAQ Episode 024, Choosing the BEST WA33 Headphone Amplifier \/ Preamplifier\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWoo Audio's overview of the second-generation WA33 and True Ribbon mode:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qi8MLI42_x4\" title=\"New! Woo Audio WA33 (2nd gen) Overview, True-ribbon \u0026amp; Traditional Headphones Amplifier\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about tube amplifiers, headphone matching, or balanced connections? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Audio Advisor","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":45983037817005,"sku":"NEW-WA33E-BLK","price":16999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ New","offer_id":45982890950829,"sku":"NEW-WA33E-SIL","price":16999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/wa33-black-labeled-v4.jpg?v=1785676028","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/woo-audio-wa33-elite-edition-headphone-amplifier-and-preamp","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}