Description: Line-level integrated amplifier for headphones and loudspeakers. Tube complement: 300B x2, 6SN7 x2, 5U4G/274B x2. Inputs: 2 pairs RCA, 1 pair XLR (all single-ended). Outputs: 1 pair speaker terminals, one ¼" headphone jack; one 4-pin XLR headphone jack. Output power: 10Wpc into 8 ohms (10dBW), loudspeaker output; 500mW into 32 ohms, 750mW into 60 ohms, 8000mW into 120 ohms, 6000mW into 300 ohms, 4000mW into 600 ohms, headphone output. Frequency responses: 10Hz–60kHz, –2dB (headphone amp), 16Hz–38kHz, –2dB (speaker amp). Input impedance: 100k ohms. Input sensitivity: 2V. Signal/noise: >95dB (headphones), >90dB (speakers).
Dimensions: WA5 & power supply, each: 9" (230mm) W by 8.5" (215mm) H by 17" (430mm) D. Weights: WA5, 35 lbs (15.9kg); power supply, 40 lbs (18.1kg).
Finishes: Black or Silver brushed aluminum.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 1115288.
Price: $5899. Approximate number of dealers: 10; also sold direct. Warranty: 1 year.
Manufacturer: Woo Audio, 2219 41st Avenue, Suite 502, Long Island City, NY 11101. Tel: (872) 222-9667. Fax: (718) 764-6393. Web: www.wooaudio.com.
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COMMENTS
Actually "Be My Husband" is a feminized version of a prison work song called "Rosie."
Alan Lomax made a recording of it in the field back in the '40s.
https://youtu.be/LOOWcnOrqaA
Was surprised to hear it pop up some time back in the David Guetta song "Hey Mama."
https://youtu.be/uO59tfQ2TbA
se
Interesting name. From Wikipedia: Wu Wei,is an important concept in Taoism that literally means non-action or non-doing. In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu explains that beings that are wholly in harmony with the Tao behave in a completely natural, uncontrived way.
Do you think Woo had that in mind when naming the device?
It's a bad design throughout. 6SN7's driving 300B's is flawed. The 6SN7 can't drive the 300B properly. Get the cheaper WA22 which with decent tubes sounds better than the WA5 and has a decent balanced design. Or wait for the WA22SE when Woo might show they've learnt from previous designs.
I own both the WA5 and the WA22. While the WA22 sounds great with balanced sources, the WA5 easily bests the WA22 using a range of headphones, from LCD3 to Sennheiser HD650 to HiFiMan HE350. The WA5 is more extended, more dynamic, and more tonally pure than the WA22 (both were using NOS tubes and upgraded 274b rectifiers). The WA22 is very tube finicky - it sounds very different using different tubes, whereas the WA5 is more consistent.
My experience with Woo amps is extremely positive - I've also owned the 6SE. Woo customer service is fantastic and quick - they upgraded my WA5s. The WA5 also drives a pair of ProAc Super 50 Tablette Signatures to loud levels, and they sound wonderful. Having a world class headphone amp that can play speakers too is bonus.
The XLR input it for convenience only, not truly balanced on the WA5. The WA22 also has XLR inputs and is a fully balanced design.
Not surprised at the measurements, nor discouraged. While I look for great measuring gear, my experience with SET and triode tube designs is that they usually measure poorly - case in point my prior Air Tight ATM3s which if memory serves were adored by Dick Olsher whereas JA labeled the measurements as "broken".
YMMV but the WA5 is my "off the merry go round" headphone amp.
Checked out Mr.Reichert's "Flesh and Blood" article. Appears he knows a thing or two about tube amp design. Seems he likes the 6SN7 with the 300B. Some other people appear to believe anything that isn't balanced topology is junk... Oh well.
Was wondering if any other tubes were rolled for this review. Reichert recommends GE 6SN7GTB for his amp design. Does that recommendation hold for the Woo also. I put the Takatsuki 300B and the VT231 Tung Sol 6SN7GT in my WA5 and it smokes the stock tubes. Would like Mr Reicherts impressions of the WA5 with some premium tubes if possible.
Thanks.
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