Woo Audio WA33 Elite Edition Headphone Amplifier and Preamp

Premium Enhanced Version of the "BEST Tube Amplifier I Have Ever Heard"

In 2009, Woo Audio introduced two world-class fully balanced headphone amplifiers: the WES electrostatic amp and the WA22 dynamic amp. Both are preferred choices among the most discerning audiophiles. The newly developed WA33 is a state-of-the-art fully balanced headphone amplifier that raises the bar in setting a new reference in music reproduction.

The WA33 Elite Edition version of the WA33 is the result of Woo Audio's relentless pursuit of unprecedented performance. Woo's experienced engineers have selected the best internal components and materials from intensive research and development. The Elite Edition embodies a harmonious balance between sophisticated design and technological excellence to satisfy the most demanding music lovers.

The WA33 Elite Edition includes ultra-high-bandwidth, low loss output transformers custom-made with Single Crystal Copper wires and Ni Alloy metal. Premium Single Crystal copper hook-up and signal wires are used throughout the construction. The Elite Edition also boasts an Alps RK50 four-channel volume control in a brass enclosure, four Mundorf MCap Supreme Silver/Gold capacitor for interstage coupling (one per channel), three Mundorf MTube capacitors for voltage filtering, and Cardas XLR and WBT RCA connectors. Finishing the package is a handsome WA33 Elite Edition 24k gold-plated plaque.

All-Tube Design

The WA33 is both a headphone amplifier and a line-level preamp. Unlike the vast majority of headphone amplifiers on the market that use vacuum tubes, the WA33 does not rely on a hybrid tube and transistor design. Instead, for maximum sonic richness that harkens back to the best components from the Golden Age of high-fidelity gear, the WA33 glories in a gorgeous all-tube design.

"The sound of the WA33 is something to behold. This is the BEST tube amplifier I have ever heard. So much power, control, detail, speed, and soundstage," raves reviewer drbobbybones at head-fi.org.

"When the headphone amplifier geniuses from Woo Audio launch a new flagship amp, the audiophile world listens," notes reviewer Coolpep at sama3a.com. "I am thrilled by this release."

True Fully Balanced Output-Transformer Design

The WA33 employs a true fully balanced direct-heated triode, Class A, output-transformer design in a compact form factor, featuring a quad of 6C45 tubes for the driver that pushes a quad of 2A3 tubes for the power in an all-tube design. One 5U4G is used as the rectifier tube. It delivers high power to drive demanding headphones to their full potential, while maintaining a low noise floor for use with highly sensitive models. For maximum reliability, the circuitry uses point-to-point wiring.

Separate-Chassis Power Supply Raises the Performance Bar

The WA33 shares the same striking appearance of the critically acclaimed WES, where both amplifier units are independent of the power supply. This approach eliminates any interference to critical audio components. Additionally, Woo Audio's internal coupling architecture (ICA) technology allows the WA33 amplifier to merge with the power supply unit without an external umbilical cord to form a single unit in two chassis. The ICA shortens the signal path, and thus significantly reduces unwanted electrical interference and raises sound performance to a level beyond what anyone has experienced in a headphone system.

Reveals the Most Delicate Details

The WA33 reveals the most delicate detail with the highest level of refinement. Complex music passages are handled with ease and authority. The expansive soundstage, holographic imaging, and rich tones that are pristine, natural, and vivid create a sense of realism that gives the user a euphoric listening experience. With the WA33, music comes to life.

Preamp/Headphone Connections

The WA33 provides a convenient selection of versatile outputs and inputs for preamp or headphone use. It has a user selectable high impedance or low impedance balanced XLR preamp output, a user selectable high level or low level headphone output, and two pairs of balanced XLR inputs plus one pair of unbalanced RCA inputs. The headphone outputs consist of one 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS, one 4-pin XLR, and one dual 3-pin balanced XLR.

Product Features

Elite Edition Special Features

Ultra-high-bandwidth, low loss output transformers custom-made with Single Crystal Copper wires and Ni Alloy metal
Single Crystal copper hook-up and signal wires throughout
Alps RK50 4four-channel volume control in brass enclosure
Mundorf MCap Supreme Silver/Gold capacitor for interstage coupling, one per channel (4pcs)
Mundorf MTube capacitors for voltage filter (3pcs)
Cardas XLR and WBT RCA connectors
WA33 Elite Edition 24k gold-plated plaque

Overview

Fully Balanced Direct-Heated Triode, Class A, Output-transformer design
Point-to-Point wiring
The Internal Coupling Architecture (ICA) merges amplifier and power supply without an external umbilical cord to form a single unit.
Amplifier unit mounted permanently on the power supply
User selectable high impedance or low impedance XLR output
User selectable high level or low level headphone output
User selectable inputs: XLR or RCA

Tube Complement

Four 2A3 power tubes in matched quad
Four 6C45 driver tubes in matched quad
One 5U4G rectifier tubes

Connections

Two XLR inputs, one RCA input
One XLR preamp output
Headphone outputs: one 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS, one 4-pin XLR, one dual 3-pin XLR

Product Specs

Headphones impedance: 8-600 Ohms
Frequency response: 10Hz- 70kHz, -2dB
Preamp maximum output: 10V + 10V balanced
Preamp output impedance: 50 ohms
Power output: up to 10 watts per channel
Signal/Noise: > 95 dB
THD: < 0.05%, 1kHz
Voltage: AC 120/240V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 150 watts
External dimensions: 17.5"(W), 12"(D), 7.5"(H), add 5" to 6" with tubes installed
Weight: 53 lbs

Product Warranty

Parts & Labor

1 Year Warranty on Product and New Production Factory Tubes | 3 Years for Purchases After January 1st, 2021

30-Day Warranty on NOS Tubes

Woo Audio Warranty Information

Product Manual

	Woo Audio WA33 Elite Edition Manual (PDF Format)

2019 Editors' Choice Award – The Absolute Sound

"Worthy of pairing with the finest headphones, as it offers," says Jim Hannon. “Lots of fine detail, as well as exceptional clarity, dynamic headroom, and bass extension and control."

- The Absolute Sound, March 2019

"The sound of the WA33 is something to behold. This is the BEST tube amplifier I have ever heard. So much power, control, detail, speed, and soundstage."

- drbobbybones, head-fi.org

"When the headphone amplifier geniuses from Woo Audio launch a new flagship amp, the audiophile world listens… I am thrilled by this release."

- Coolpep, sama3a.com

"I can imagine other audiophiles using the WA33 as a balanced linestage in their reference systems. It’s that good!"

"The Woo Audio WA33 is a terrific headphone amplifier, as well as a balanced linestage preamplifier suitable for use in the finest audio systems. It should drive any dynamic or planar-magnetic headphone without a problem and the overall sound is glorious with a rich, but naturally detailed tonal balance, explosive dynamics, and powerful extended bass. Better still, its superb performance will keep you listening late into the night."

– Jim Hannon, The Absolute Sound, December 2018

"This balanced headphone amp is mighty—it weighs over 50 pounds and it’s built like a tank. It features a pushpull Class A topology that creates 10 watts per channel, which means it can drive even the most stubborn cans. The WA33 may be the most expensive headphone amp we’ve tested, but it might just be the best."

- parttimeaudiophile.com - 2018 Editors' Choice Buyer's Guide, December 2018

Audio Advisor occasionally has fantastic deals on clearance items that are in excellent condition and we happen to have just one or two of.

Demo: Photo samples, gear we auditioned, items returned for wrong color/wrong size, etc.

Open Box: Contents briefly examined or inspected for promotional or internal purposes

Factory Refreshed: Original-condition items repackaged by the manufacturer

Cosmetically Blemished: A few dings or scratches, but functionally in original condition

Used: May show some signs of use

All clearance products are carefully inspected by our technicians before we offer the item for sale. All clearance products except Used items come with the original manufacturer warranty and are guaranteed to work and sound like new.

RETURN POLICY & PROCESS

NOTE:
You may only return a product purchased within 60-days of the receipt date.
The product must be in like-new condition and shipped in the original packaging (So SAVE THOSE BOXES!!!)

Call 1-800-942-0220 to request an RMA number.
Print the RMA number on the return shipping label.
Please make sure the return shipping name and address are written in a note on the inside.
Ship package to…

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Grand Rapids, MI 49512
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NOTE: If a coupon was used in the ordering process, then the final value (recorded during payment) will be the price refunded.

Returned products are inspected by our warehouse and refunds are issued within 24 hours of inspection. Please note: it may take 7-10 business days for your bank to show the refunded amount. If you do not see it then, please reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-942-0220.

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Woo Audio

Woo Audio WA33 Elite Edition Headphone Amplifier and Preamp - Silver

Color