New, Upgraded Gen 2 Version + Tube Power Supply
The Woo Audio WA7 Gen 2 Fireflies Amp/DAC is a combination of high performance vacuum tube headphone amplifier with a built-in USB Digital-to-Analog Converter. It is a pure tube design, utilizing 6C45 tubes in a class-A, single-ended topology, with transformer coupled outputs. The 6C45 triode acts as both driver and power tube. There are no semiconductors used in the entire signal path.
This version of WA7 Gen 2 includes the Woo Audio WA7tp power supply, using classic vacuum tube circuitry for a nice performance upgrade.
The multi award-winning WA7 Fireflies is improved and better than ever. Among the numerous enhancements for the WA7 Gen 2 Fireflies is a newly designed ESS SABRE Reference DAC that is crucial to the sound quality. The new ESS DAC reveals the elusive yet desired dynamics and details in your digital audio files. The new XMOS xCORE-AUDIO asynchronous clocking USB controller is compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. Other enhancements include improved analog circuitry, premium Teflon tube sockets, and high-retention USB connector.
One-Watt Power Output
Fireflies is a fully featured, all-tube, transformer-coupled amplifier in a Class-A, SET design, delivering up to one watt of power which is capable of driving most power-hungry headphones. The solid-state linear power supply is in a compact external unit, included in a standard package. For those wanting to take things up a notch, an optional WA7tp (tube power supply) upgrade is available. All output and power transformers are custom made — a hallmark to Woo Audio’s high-quality standard. The new WA7 Fireflies will satisfy even the most discerning listener.
The DAC is designed to be capable of up to 32-bit/384 kHz sampling rates. This maintains pure data integrity, which is transmitted via standard high speed USB 2.0 interface operating in asynchronous mode.
"Museum-grade Beauty and Simplicity"
"This is possibly the most linear DAC and headphone amp I've heard," notes Positive Feedback in a review of the original-model WA7.
"The WA7 is practically a steal in terms of sound quality and physical presentation," raves HP Soundings.
"The WA7 is a thing of museum-grade beauty and simplicity," says Ken Rockwell.
"There's No Better Choice"
"For anyone wanting a high-performance, compact and aesthetically pleasing ... head-phone audio system, there's no better choice than the WA7," says Tone Audio in a review of the original-model WA7.
The WA7 was voted the Best DAC by Lifehacker, which notes, "WA7 'Fireflies' are fully featured DACs with world-class vacuum tube amplifiers."
"The Fireflies is very highly recommended for anyone buying their first, or even possibly their last, reference amplifier," raves Dagogo.
Highest Quality Construction
The high quality construction features include a pair of Nickel Alloy core output transformers, all-aluminum chassis with no screws visible from any viewing angles, a remote-controlled linear external power supply for amplification circuitries, a custom built toroidal power transformer, and multi-layer military grade PCBs.
The dedicated port for in-ear-monitors carries a full range of volume controls ensuring minimal noise. Despite its incredibly compact size, "Fireflies" is a powerhouse with the capacity to drive almost any demanding audiophile headphones. To accommodate different system setup needs, "Fireflies" can also be used as a stand-alone D-A Converter.
A thick block of superior quality, high clarity glass is provided to protect the tubes, while maintaining a clean and elegant aesthetic.
Adventures in Tube Rolling
This Woo Audio product is perfect for tweakers who love to experiment with their gear. Changing the sound quality is as easy as trying a different set of audio tubes as an alternative to the tubes that come standard with your Woo. You'll find lots of suggestions for 'tube rolling' on the Internet on head-fi.org and other audiophile Websites. So roll your own and enjoy!
Premium Vacuum Tube Power Supply Unit
Greatly improving the already pristine performance of the Woo Audio WA7 Fireflies is the WA7tp power supply, using classic vacuum tube circuitry.
The WA7tp power supply has all of the advantages of a separate-chassis power supply, including the low noise that comes with physical separation. For an ultra-smooth power signal, it features 12AU7 / ECC82 vacuum tubes as rectifiers, and tweakers are welcome to swap them. Changing the sound quality is as easy as trying a different set of audio tubes as an alternative to the tubes that come standard with the unit. A custom-made toroidal power transformer contributes to the exceptionally quiet performance.
The WA7tp power supply looks every bit as special as it sounds, with modern aesthetic that perfectly match the Fireflies amplifier unit. The power supply plugs into a wall outlet with a standard, upgradable IEC-type detachable power cord. The included DC cord connects to the WA7 amplifier unit in place of the stock Fireflies power supply. A push button power switch gives you on/off control.
Assembled in Brooklyn, New York, USA
Woo Audio takes great pride in the fact that its products are assembled in Brooklyn, New York, USA from foreign and domestic components.
Note: AC power cord and interconnect cables are not included with this model.
