Description
Woo Audio WA8 Eclipse Headphone Tube Amp
Overview
WA8 is NOT a portable headphone amplifier. It is the world’s smallest all-tubes headphone amplifier and DAC with performance that rivals full-size systems and can operate on AC power or on battery for the best sound quality.
Featuring SET Class-A transformer output for transparent sound quality, a built-in 24bit/384kHz DAC, and easy transportability/set-up, capable of driving high-end headphones of 8–600 ohm impedance, while its ultra-low noise circuitry is ideal for in-ear monitors.
While small, the Eclipse boasts a robust military-grade vacuum tube design rated for 5,000 hours of life. Versatile in analog and digital realms, it offers two- or three-tube operation to tailor the sound quality to a variety of headphones and in-ear monitors. The Class-A, Single-ended Triode topology uses ultra-efficient OCC single crystal copper output transformers offering high bandwidth and low loss. The Eclipse also uses an audiophile-grade ESS SABRE Reference 24bit/384kHz and up to DSD128 DAC, excelling with hi-res music files and compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.
The Eclipse operates via external DC power or battery for noise-free “off-the-grid” operation. Advanced technology provides steady and pristine power to the vacuum tubes and the DAC, offering several hours of play – and the unit is operable during charging. For the first time, high-fidelity and uncompromised sound can be achieved without boundaries. WA8 Eclipse is the ideal audio system for the home or the office.
Highlights
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Tubes: Subminiature 6S31B power x2, 6021 driver x1
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User selectable two or three tubes operation
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Single-ended, all-tube design (not hybrid), Class A
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Custom Ni Alloy core output transformers
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ESS SABRE Reference DAC (ES9018M)
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Hi-Res music playback up to 24-bit/384kHz
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XMOS xCORE-AUDIO asynchronous clocking USB compatible with PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices (with Apple CCK or Android OTG adapter), how-to video
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Asynchronous USB Type-B Input x 1, 1/8″ (3.5mm) analog Input x 1
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1/4” (6.3mm) and 1/8″ (3.5mm) headphone outputs (8–600 Ohms)
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Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
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Up to 4 hrs. of continuous music playback
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Anodized aluminum chassis available in black, space gray and gold
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Power rating (3-tube): 250mW @32Ω, 350mW @50Ω, 180mW @120Ω, 120mW@300, 80mW @600Ω
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Dimensions: 6.69″ (L) x 3.6″ (W) x 1.69″ (D) 2.4lbs.
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Global voltage (100v–240v) without a converter
In the Box
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Quick start guide
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WA8 Eclipse amplifier/DAC x 1
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Pelican hard case x 1
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AC Charger x 1
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USB cable x 1