Woo Audio Amp Owner Unite

[ZigsterB33]

@gimmeheadroom

I actually just found it after scanning a dedicated WA2 thread on Headfi. They just blocked off the RCA outputs, I saw a user post a photo and I confirmed with the website, 2017 I believe?

Can’t say I’m not bummed, would have really pressed to find a used unit although they do run scarce. After referencing so many threads I didn’t think twice until I zoomed in on the unit featured on the Woo’s site.

I guess reality still goes that the WA2 is a killer amp. The added bonus of preamp would have been sweet down my audio journey line, though. Really wonder why they decided to move backwards, has to be profits?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Thanks, I looked at the Woo site after I read your first post and indeed the outputs are blocked. I guess I missed the fact if it was 2017. I wanted to buy one recently and I didn't even realize the change.

 

[ZigsterB33]

Thanks, I looked at the Woo site after I read your first post and indeed the outputs are blocked. I guess I missed the fact if it was 2017. I wanted to buy one recently and I didn't even realize the change.

Although it isn’t labelled a Pre-amp as well as an amp on the website, the official manual on the website that I have referenced still clearly shows and mentions the use of the pre-amp RCA out ports. Without any due reasoning I think that comes in poor taste especially with the popularity I have read online with its preamplifier prowess.

Alas, I didn’t have plans to utilize that function for at least a few years anyways, that time would have come when I’d really get a nice speaker set up going. So in reality, it doesn’t change much for me. I think they responded that they removed it to develop an even better dedicated pre-amp, so screw my wallet, looks like maybe I’ll be forced to enjoy music of a finer quality than I would have planned on. Lol.

ZB

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Although it isn’t labelled a Pre-amp as well as an amp on the website, the official manual on the website that I have referenced still clearly shows and mentions the use of the pre-amp RCA out ports. Without any due reasoning I think that comes in poor taste especially with the popularity I have read online with its preamplifier prowess.

Alas, I didn’t have plans to utilize that function for at least a few years anyways, that time would have come when I’d really get a nice speaker set up going. So in reality, it doesn’t change much for me. I think they responded that they removed it to develop an even better dedicated pre-amp, so screw my wallet, looks like maybe I’ll be forced to enjoy music of a finer quality than I would have planned on. Lol.

ZB

I believe Woo is somewhat active on the forums, I hope they will explain the decision. If the manual stills shows the function that needs to be corrected.

I don't have a pressing need for a tube preamp right now either. But it would definitely be a nice thing to have.

 

[ZigsterB33]

I believe Woo is somewhat active on the forums, I hope they will explain the decision. If the manual stills shows the function that needs to be corrected.

I don't have a pressing need for a tube preamp right now either. But it would definitely be a nice thing to have.

I just shot an email over suggesting an update to the manual, as well as any reasoning behind the decision.

Anyways, can’t wait to hear this WA2 T1.2 combo when I get home!

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I just shot an email over suggesting an update to the manual, as well as any reasoning behind the decision.

Anyways, can’t wait to hear this WA2 T1.2 combo when I get home!

That's super. I will be interested in your impressions. I expect to get one eventually to run my HD 600s and 800s out of.

 

[CaptainFantastic]

I just shot an email over suggesting an update to the manual, as well as any reasoning behind the decision.

Anyways, can’t wait to hear this WA2 T1.2 combo when I get home!

Usually they answer quickly, looking forward to hearing what they say.

 

[ZigsterB33]

I'm back with news, and it's all great.

With just about 24 hours in on the WA2, I'm really digging it with the T1.2. It does get a little bright, although I have heard some tube rolling can fix that (and take the amp to the next level). It is a huge step up from my Magni Heresy, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I will share a more detailed account of my impressions once I get to spend some more time jamming. I also have a Schiit Multibit on the way to replace my Fiio Q1 Mark 2 as DAC, so I am curious what that will add to my listening experience. I was advised by Michael of the 150+ hour burn in period, so only up from here I suppose.

Regarding the removed pre-amp out, (I almost think this should become a thread?) this is the response I got from Michael:

"Our customers love that our products are well designed, well built and can be enjoyed for many years without the need to upgrade just to keep up with the Joneses on features. WA2 has been in production since 2004 and we make minor changes to improve the product throughout the years. Based on the feedback we received from customers, most of them did not use the pre-out so we dropped it to shorten the signal path and improved the headphone output performance.

You can simply use the 1/4" headphone output as preamp out. It works the same way."

So not only did they improve the output performance, they didn't even remove the pre-amplifier function. Not even listing this function on their website to me seems to be cutting themselves short, perhaps just directing attention at the WA22. Regardless, I am happy to know that when the time comes, I will be able to run the WA2 as a pre-amp.

Misleading? Yes. Bad? Nope.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Well, I'm not sure the headphone out is the same as pre out. That's kinda hard to understand. But glad you like the sound!

 

[ZigsterB33]

Well, I'm not sure the headphone out is the same as pre out. That's kinda hard to understand. But glad you like the sound!

He linked me to the cord required, it would be a 1/4” jack to RCA inputs. So instead of RCAs on both ends, the headphone input acts as the pre-amp out.

Don’t have such a cord in my arsenal right now, or noteworthy speakers in need of pre-amplification. But it is a great to know it is there nonetheless.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

He linked me to the cord required, it would be a 1/4” jack to RCA inputs. So instead of RCAs on both ends, the headphone input acts as the pre-amp out.

Don’t have such a cord in my arsenal right now, or noteworthy speakers in need of pre-amplification. But it is a great to know it is there nonetheless.

Oh I didn't mean how to connect it, sure the Y cable is obvious. I just meant a signal that is supposed to drive headphones is not preamp level. This sounds far from an optimal solution. Maybe I am missing something.

 

[ZigsterB33]

Oh I didn't mean how to connect it, sure the Y cable is obvious. I just meant a signal that is supposed to drive headphones is not preamp level. This sounds far from an optimal solution. Maybe I am missing something.

I definitely agree. I guess there’s only one way to find out how it sounds

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I definitely agree. I guess there’s only one way to find out how it sounds

Start with the volume all the way down

 

[thecrow]

i have the wa2 with the pre amp.
I never enjoyed the preamp with my jbl monitors
maybe a bit too coloured
though i love the amp, particularly with my hd800

ended up buying (and easily preferring) this and going straight from my dac (no volume knob)
https://www.tcelectronic.com/product.html?modelCode=P0D71

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I don't like active monitors so I control the volume on an integrated amp into my passive monitors. That volume control looks kinda cool, nice solution for active monitors.