Woo Audio WA5 Integrated and Headphone Amplifier - Generation 2 - Black

The Legendary 300B, for Headphones and Speakers Alike

Ask a tube devotee to name the most revered power tube ever made, and the answer is usually the 300B. This directly heated triode has been prized since the 1930s for its rich midrange and natural presentation. The Woo Audio WA5 is built around a pair of them, in a single-ended triode, Class-A, all-tube design, and unlike its headphone-only sibling, the WA5-LE, it's a true integrated amplifier: two pairs of WBT Nextgen speaker binding posts let it drive a pair of efficient loudspeakers too.

Two 6SN7 driver tubes feed the 300Bs, with dual 5U4G rectifiers handling the power supply. Output reaches 8 watts per channel, into headphones or into 8-ohm speakers. That may sound modest by solid-state standards, but with high-sensitivity speakers, 8 single-ended 300B watts is a classic recipe audiophiles have chased for decades. For headphones, high/low switches for power, impedance, and level match the amp to anything from sensitive in-ears to demanding planars and 600-ohm dynamics.

Two Chassis, Built Like Furniture

The WA5 is a two-piece design: the power supply lives in its own chassis, keeping transformer noise away from the signal circuit. Each chassis measures 9" wide by 17" deep, and together they weigh about 70 pounds.

Like every Woo Audio amplifier, it's handcrafted in New York with point-to-point wiring rather than circuit boards, gold-plated inputs, and an ALPS volume control. The design is self-biasing, so swapping tubes needs no adjustments, and the 300B is one of the most rewarding tubes to roll, with options from affordable current production to sought-after vintage and boutique versions. A premium parts upgrade with Mundorf capacitors is available at build time. It accepts global voltage from 100 to 240 volts, and the anodized aluminum chassis comes in black or silver.

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• You want one amp for headphones and speakers — the WA5 drives both, with real speaker binding posts, not an afterthought adapter.
• You own high-sensitivity speakers — 8 watts of 300B single-ended power is the classic match for efficient designs.
• You own hard-to-drive headphones — 8 watts of Class-A power handles demanding planars and 600-ohm dynamics with ease.
• You plan to explore tube rolling — the 300B, 6SN7, and rectifier families offer decades of options, and the self-biasing design makes swaps simple.
• If your speakers are low-sensitivity or you listen loud in a big room, 8 single-ended watts won't be enough — a higher-powered amplifier suits them better.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect up to three sources: one balanced XLR pair and two RCA pairs. Headphones plug into the 4-pin XLR or 1/4" jack, with three high/low switches to dial in power, impedance, and level. Speakers connect to the two pairs of WBT Nextgen binding posts with standard speaker cable.

Plan your rack around the two-chassis layout, each piece is 9" wide and 17" deep, give the tubes generous ventilation, and let them warm up for a few minutes before serious listening.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the WA5:

• Headphones: An amp this capable deserves a reference headphone — see our Headphones.
• Bookshelf Speakers: High-sensitivity models are the classic 300B partner — see our Bookshelf Speakers.
• DAC: A balanced source makes the most of the XLR input — see our Digital-to-Analog Converters.
• Cables: Quality interconnects and speaker cable matter at this level — see our Interconnect Cables and Speaker Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the WA5 and the WA5-LE?

The WA5 adds speaker outputs, making it a true integrated amplifier. The WA5-LE is the headphone-only version.

Can 8 watts really drive speakers?

Yes, with the right speakers. High-sensitivity designs (roughly 90dB and up) are the classic match for low-powered 300B amplifiers.

What tubes does it use?

Two 6SN7 drivers, two 300B power tubes, and two 5U4G rectifiers. The self-biasing design makes tube rolling simple.

Why two chassis?

The power supply lives in its own enclosure, keeping transformer noise physically separated from the audio circuit.

Will it drive my headphones?

Almost certainly. With up to 8 watts and selectable power, impedance, and level switches, it handles 8 to 600 ohm headphones, from IEMs to demanding planars.

What's the warranty?

Woo Audio covers the WA5 with a 3-year limited warranty.

See It in Action

Woo Audio introduces the second-generation WA5:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about tube amplifiers, headphone systems, or high-sensitivity speakers? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.