Woo Audio WA-8
Jul 25, 2015 at 12:56 AM Post #61 of 838
Really is a beautiful amp...

 
Think there's still a little bit more finishing touches to the aesthetics of the amp. But It's nice...volume knob was firm but smooth.
 
Jul 25, 2015 at 1:40 AM Post #62 of 838
We've completely reworked the circuit from the time we showed it at Newport High-end show.  The prototype at S.F. Head-Fi meet has the new circuit and new DAC.  Before we work on the external, we need to get the new DAC inside WA8.  At this time, we're shooting to launch it in Oct., but we're not going to rush it.  The sound is our primary goal, then the look.  
 

 
Jul 25, 2015 at 2:06 AM Post #63 of 838
Good, good...very good! Glad this thread is alive again. Really looking forward to the finished product.
Sounds like the perfect companion for a lean headphone like the T1!
 
Jul 25, 2015 at 8:57 AM Post #64 of 838
Wow, the I thought the DAC was stunning when I heard it back in November.  What does the new variant bring to the table?
 
Jul 25, 2015 at 11:22 AM Post #65 of 838
  Wow, the I thought the DAC was stunning when I heard it back in November.  What does the new variant bring to the table?

 
significantly more detail, wider soundstage, blacker background.  I don't want to announce the chipset yet because we're testing a couple of USB controllers.  Let's just say that the chip is an audiophile favorite.  :wink:
 
Jul 25, 2015 at 4:53 PM Post #66 of 838
Is there DSD support?
 
Jul 25, 2015 at 5:13 PM Post #67 of 838
Whatever was in the magic white box sounded great at the SF meet. The clear competition for this unit is the ALO Continental, can't wait to read some head-to-head reviews come October.
 
Jul 27, 2015 at 3:24 PM Post #69 of 838
The size is intended to make the W8 more "transportable" than "portable."
Indeed it is too heavy to carry around (except perhaps in a backpack or briefcase). To me, it seems more like an attempt to make a WA7 that you can take with you from place to place.  I think it will be a fantastic addition to the already formidable Woo Audio lineup.
 
Jul 27, 2015 at 8:14 PM Post #70 of 838
I talked to Jack about that (strangely started off about leather cases & with pouch to hold the transport/source). If I didn't misinterpret him, he actually intended the WA8 to be used stationary rather than walkabout (pardon my Aussie-ness) - sitting in a coffee shop, traveling, etc. It generates quite a bit of heat so not practical to put it in a case & use whilst in transit.
 
Jul 27, 2015 at 9:40 PM Post #71 of 838
I talked to Jack about that (strangely started off about leather cases & with pouch to hold the transport/source). If I didn't misinterpret him, he actually intended the WA8 to be used stationary rather than walkabout (pardon my Aussie-ness) - sitting in a coffee shop, traveling, etc. It generates quite a bit of heat so not practical to put it in a case & use whilst in transit.

 
The outward design isn't so different from the Analog Squared Paper amps I see pictured with a purse-like carry case.
 
But the Squared's tubes appear much more exposed, probably to vent the heat while the WA8's clear protective cover, while tougher, no doubt keeps more heat in.
 
 
D1-32.jpg

 

 
f17d52495bcd1546b89f8b444ede2c31_zps8d1f0348.jpg
 
 
EDIT: the 2nd pic is by AnakChan. Big up!
 
Jul 27, 2015 at 9:59 PM Post #72 of 838

I'm dying to get a tube amp but the "transportable" ones have the same relative heat issues as desktop versions. Even ALO's CDM gets too hot for a case (although I hear they're working on a possible case for it).
 
Then I read tubes aren't allowed on planes and worry they could be restricted elsewhere due to ignorance. Starting to think I should just get a desktop version or something smaller/cheaper for home only use.
 
Would rather have one with a built-in dac like the WA8 (lost some interest in the CDM after seeing its internal board) but also looking at the few older amp only ones like the GoVibe Portatube and Fostex's HP-V1.
 
Can anyone who's heard a demo WA8 (despite being a prototype) and the HP-V1 chime in on how much of an improvement the Woo might be?
 
 
Jul 27, 2015 at 10:42 PM Post #73 of 838
   
The outward design isn't so different from the Analog Squared Paper amps I see pictured with a purse-like carry case.
 
But the Squared's tubes appear much more exposed, probably to vent the heat while the WA8's clear protective cover, while tougher, no doubt keeps more heat in.
 
 
f17d52495bcd1546b89f8b444ede2c31_zps8d1f0348.jpg
 

 
The geek factor on this picture is off the roof! I love it! Imagine the scared/dirty looks you will get on the go :)
 
Jul 27, 2015 at 10:50 PM Post #74 of 838
   
The outward design isn't so different from the Analog Squared Paper amps I see pictured with a purse-like carry case.
 
But the Squared's tubes appear much more exposed, probably to vent the heat while the WA8's clear protective cover, while tougher, no doubt keeps more heat in.
 
 
[Snip!]
 

 
[Snip!] 

 
You know that is my picture that you quoted right :wink:? That was pretty much what I had in mind when I was talking to Jack about a pocket for the transport/source. He's well aware of the Analog2Paper transportable amps. And actually it's hard to use the A2P on-the-go too as the tubes "ping" when there's any movement/vibration.
 
Jul 28, 2015 at 12:01 AM Post #75 of 838
   
You know that is my picture that you quoted right :wink:? That was pretty much what I had in mind when I was talking to Jack about a pocket for the transport/source. He's well aware of the Analog2Paper transportable amps. And actually it's hard to use the A2P on-the-go too as the tubes "ping" when there's any movement/vibration.

 
Apologies. I edited the post with proper notation for photo credit.
 
Thought about who owned the pics after I posted, but got them from other head-fi threads thinking it'd minimize any fallout.
 
Nice rig btw.
 

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