[muffin9988]

How long is the pre-order discount pricing available? Up until official launch in the fall?

Would be great to hear any meet/demo impressions before that window closes

 

[orangefridge]

Thanks for the review. Been looking at this for partnering the HD650

 

[ccras]

What I meant was that the connection between the WA11 and a USB-C Android device should be feasible via a USB-C to USB-C standard cable without needing a special one.

No, you can't have that and it's not WOo false. For USB-C receiving it is universal. However for USB-C transporters they are not. This happens when Pixel, Huawei, HTC, Lenovo etc. release Android phones without 3.5mm, instead they bundle USB-C head phones then the problem starts coz those headphones not compatible with all those phones. You have to try it one by one. This happens with type-c OTG too. So NO C-C universal here and everywhere.

 

[elira]

No, you can't have that and it's not WOo false. For USB-C receiving it is universal. However for USB-C transporters they are not. This happens when Pixel, Huawei, HTC, Lenovo etc. release Android phones without 3.5mm, instead they bundle USB-C head phones then the problem starts coz those headphones not compatible with all those phones. You have to try it one by one. This happens with type-c OTG too. So NO C-C universal here and everywhere.

USB C has some incompatibilities due to products implementing different interpretations of the standard, in future it should converge to something that works fine with all [new] devices. If Woo is using USB C I think they should try to make it work with as many devices as possible. USB C to USB C cables are a reality, having to use an OTG USB C cable plugged to an USB A to USB C cable seems more like a work around than a proper solution.

 

[audionewbi]

Any more update about the passport?

 

[Zachik]

Any more update about the passport?

Woo Audio held a small event this past weekend (Friday and Saturday). Basically, showcasing the WA11 Passport (as well as their very high-end desk tube amps).
I attended Saturday afternoon, and was super excited that everyone else only cared about the electro stat and other super high-end stuff, so the 2 Passports were available with no waiting in line at all
I have spend a good 30-40 minutes with the Passport, most of the time feeding the Sony Z1R (Single Ended). Also, spent 5-10 minutes with the Sennheiser HD820 (also SE).
My notes and comments from Mike and Jack (thanks guys for inviting me and hosting this great little event. you guys rock!):
* Immediately, I noticed (with the Z1R) background noise and hiss. Especially when music was paused (and during very quiet passages).
* Mike and Jack told me that the units were early prototypes (that were launched a few months ago in Munich, I believe). This is a known issue that was already fixed in production revision.
* Gain is too high, and practically gave me the range of 0..2 (out of 10) on the volume knob with the Z1R. Again, addressed for the production rev of the PCB.
* The production units would include a soft case / sleeve. Not a hard case (like the WA8).
* Form factor is awesome (although production units would change slightly, but maintain similar size and weight).

OK, so how does it sound?
In a word: GREAT!!!

Using more than 1 word:
The DAC/Amp is very resolving, while having a very pleasant smooth and warm signature. According to Jack, it is the same DAC used in WA8.
I personally love that sound signature. I am sure that many, in blind testing, would confuse this guy for a tube amp...

Woo Audio is running a pre-order special (15% off the retail price). I am VERY tempted to join the pre-order!
Pre-production units (i.e. fix above mentioned issues and the new chassis design) should be showing at RMAF (Oct. in Denver).

 

[elira]

After listening to it I can say it’s a pretty solid option, where I think it could improve is by implementing more usb C features. From the audio side seems like it’s a usb 2.0 connection with a usb C connector so none of the fancy features of usb C are implemented. As for the charging port I forgot to ask if it’s compatible with the PD protocol, that would be a nice feature.

For the sound quality as I said it’s very good and detailed.

 

[Quasimodosbelfry]

After listening to it I can say it’s a pretty solid option, where I think it could improve is by implementing more usb C features. From the audio side seems like it’s a usb 2.0 connection with a usb C connector so none of the fancy features of usb C are implemented. As for the charging port I forgot to ask if it’s compatible with the PD protocol, that would be a nice feature.

For the sound quality as I said it’s very good and detailed.

Pardon the n00b question but what sort of "fancy features of USB C"?

 

[elira]

Pardon the n00b question but what sort of "fancy features of USB C"?

Like connecting it directly to another USB C device with a USB C to USB C cable. Seems like the only way it works is by using a USB A to USB C cable.

 

[koven]

Woo Audio held a small event this past weekend (Friday and Saturday). Basically, showcasing the WA11 Passport (as well as their very high-end desk tube amps).
I attended Saturday afternoon, and was super excited that everyone else only cared about the electro stat and other super high-end stuff, so the 2 Passports were available with no waiting in line at all
I have spend a good 30-40 minutes with the Passport, most of the time feeding the Sony Z1R (Single Ended). Also, spent 5-10 minutes with the Sennheiser HD820 (also SE).
My notes and comments from Mike and Jack (thanks guys for inviting me and hosting this great little event. you guys rock!):
* Immediately, I noticed (with the Z1R) background noise and hiss. Especially when music was paused (and during very quiet passages).
* Mike and Jack told me that the units were early prototypes (that were launched a few months ago in Munich, I believe). This is a known issue that was already fixed in production revision.
* Gain is too high, and practically gave me the range of 0..2 (out of 10) on the volume knob with the Z1R. Again, addressed for the production rev of the PCB.
* The production units would include a soft case / sleeve. Not a hard case (like the WA8).
* Form factor is awesome (although production units would change slightly, but maintain similar size and weight).

OK, so how does it sound?
In a word: GREAT!!!

Using more than 1 word:
The DAC/Amp is very resolving, while having a very pleasant smooth and warm signature. According to Jack, it is the same DAC used in WA8.
I personally love that sound signature. I am sure that many, in blind testing, would confuse this guy for a tube amp...

Woo Audio is running a pre-order special (15% off the retail price). I am VERY tempted to join the pre-order!
Pre-production units (i.e. fix above mentioned issues and the new chassis design) should be showing at RMAF (Oct. in Denver).

Did you try it w/ any other cans like Utopia? I'm curious how it sounds vs the WA8.

 

[Zachik]

Did you try it w/ any other cans like Utopia? I'm curious how it sounds vs the WA8.

Out of the 40-45 minutes I spent with the WA11, it was all Sony Z1R other than 5 minutes with Sennheiser HD820 (the new closed back version of the HD800).
Personally, I do not own any of those 2 cans. None of my cans was represented there (and I did not bring any cans with me).

As for comparison to WA8 - I did not do any direct comparison (mostly due to time limit I had due to other plans I had).
From memory - the WA11 is not as warm, but is as detailed as the WA8. WA11 is very pleasingly warm and smooth, but I would say a notch less warm and less smooth than WA8.

Others - feel free to chime in with YOUR opinions on WA11 and how it compares to WA8...

 

[audionewbi]

I loved the sound WA8 has to offer and if WA11 has the same sonic characteristics it will be of a great value. My main issue with WA8 was its size and certainly, local pricing wasn't making the purchase easy.

WA11 seems to be a stand-alone amp too. Curious on whether the lush sound of WA11 is thanks to its DAC/amp design or is one able to have a similar tonality having it paired to something like WM1A?
I ask as I have amps which have their own distinct sound and when paired with the subpar sources they still have their sonic characteristic however only scale up when source improves.

 

[ayang02]

Hi, I have a question about the 4.4 mm output port. Is the GND on the 4.4 mm utilized in the WA11 and connected to a separate ground?

As far as I know, most 4.4 mm output devices only utilize the 4 terminals and the GND is really intended for single-ended plugs where the L and R's ground are shorted together with the GND. The reason I ask is because some aftermarket cables are using two plugs, one plug is used for exclusive ground shielding and I wonder if that GND could be used for shielding purpose only. Then it's possible to utilize all 5 terminals on the cable using a single 4.4 mm plug instead of having two plugs.

 

[ayang02]

Hi, I have a question about the 4.4 mm output port. Is the GND on the 4.4 mm utilized in the WA11 and connected to a separate ground?

I briefly auditioned the WA11 today in Taiwan using 64 Audio U12 Adel and boy that sound is so full & smooth and the details are great! I immediately placed an order after listening to it for 10 minutes. Like many have said, the gain on this prototype unit is way too high and must be adjusted on the production unit. Hope this product ships within a few months from now!

I've also been told that the GND on the 4.4 mm output is not utilized by the WA11, oh well no biggie. Can't wait to see what the final product looks like!

 

[audionewbi]

How does WA11 deal with balance analog in if the ground isn’t utilised ?