Woo Audio WA8 Review - Head-Fi TV

[Rollnrock]

I have both and enjoy both, but ultimately I think the WA8 is better, albeit less portable.

The WA8 is warmer in the low end with it's stock DAC, which one may prefer or not. I often use mine with an external DAC if I'm looking for slightly more linearity.

For actual portability, there's a good argument for the Tube Mini as it's simply much much smaller and easy to carry around. While I move my WA8 around, I tend to listen in more static locations, whereas the Tube Mini is good for actually using while traveling.

Both the Woo Mini and WA8 handle high impedance DD cans like you want with ease. The HD800S and WA8 are an incredible combo. Wide, deep soundstage. The onboard DAC is pretty warm tuned as well.

Like @AnyDave , I use.an external DAC as well. Especially with the Mojo2, I get all the tube goodness, but better detail and (I think) better overall timbre than the onboard DAC. Portability is not an issue. Neither the Mini or WA8 are good on the go devices. I've taken the WA8 on vacation several times. No issues.

The Mini is a very good dongle DAC, and it does come close to the WA8 in sound. Ultimately, I use the WA8 90% of the time since I can use it as just an amp and is much more usable with my easier to drive HP. The Mini balanced out has incredible gain being a hybrid design and I end up at the lowest 2 volume settings to drive cans like the Utopia or Charybdis.

TLDR; If you have the means to buy the WA8, just do it. It is an underrated and wonderful portable SET amp.

Many thanks both for the answers!

I think I'm confirming I should go for the WA8...


Thanks!

 

[antanast]

Both the Woo Mini and WA8 handle high impedance DD cans like you want with ease. The HD800S and WA8 are an incredible combo. Wide, deep soundstage. The onboard DAC is pretty warm tuned as well.

Like @AnyDave , I use.an external DAC as well. Especially with the Mojo2, I get all the tube goodness, but better detail and (I think) better overall timbre than the onboard DAC. Portability is not an issue. Neither the Mini or WA8 are good on the go devices. I've taken the WA8 on vacation several times. No issues.

The Mini is a very good dongle DAC, and it does come close to the WA8 in sound. Ultimately, I use the WA8 90% of the time since I can use it as just an amp and is much more usable with my easier to drive HP. The Mini balanced out has incredible gain being a hybrid design and I end up at the lowest 2 volume settings to drive cans like the Utopia or Charybdis.

TLDR; If you have the means to buy the WA8, just do it. It is an underrated and wonderful portable SET amp.

Wow, very similar setup here.

Using the WA8 with the HD800S. It takes you to another level if you just let yourself enjoy

I do use the Mojo2 as the DAC and it *might* give you some more detail, but I agree that the onboard DAC is nice and warm and I would say I prefer it than combining it with the Mojo2. If you want crystal detail, you can simply use the Mojo2 entirely or another good DAC/Amp.

 

[roeschel]

Many thanks both for the answers!

I think I'm confirming I should go for the WA8...


Thanks!

And if you also want to listen with IEMs, the WA8 is clearly preferable.

 

[Daniel Johnston]

Wow, very similar setup here.

Using the WA8 with the HD800S. It takes you to another level if you just let yourself enjoy

I do use the Mojo2 as the DAC and it *might* give you some more detail, but I agree that the onboard DAC is nice and warm and I would say I prefer it than combining it with the Mojo2. If you want crystal detail, you can simply use the Mojo2 entirely or another good DAC/Amp.

I rotate sources often. I've used the Mojo2 without any added amplification with all my HP. Even the notorious DCA Stealth sound very good straight from the Mojo.

But I'm a certified "tube nut" and prefer tube amplification over pure SS almost always.

I agree that it is completely subjective if the Mojo2 is more resolving than the ESS DAC on the WA8. But, in general, there is significantly less mid bass bloat with the Mojo2 with the Utopias, Charybdis, and my IEMs compared to built in DAC. That extra midbass is perfect for the HD800s.

I have the Mojo2/Poly feeding a Schiit Folkvangr (absolute amazing amp) and my second WA8 using Roon. Between those two amps, I have little desire to fire up the more expensive and powerful HP system.

 

[antanast]

Hey guys. Is anyone EQing when listening via the WA8?

 

[roeschel]

Ho that is very cool. What source were you using to feed D16? D16 and DX340 are supposed to have a very similar DAC but it's always fun to have the feedback of someone who can do an apple to apple comparison. I am debating with my wallet to determine if I'll buy a D16, a DX340 or wait for the coming D17. DX340 is nice since you only need one device to feed WA8 with a great resulting sound. However I also like to use my iPhone as source so if D16 or D17 have an even better sound then I will probably go that route. Thanks a lot for any feedback you can provide on D16 and DX340.

Yesterday I finally got around to comparing the DX340 / D16 as a DAC for the WA8. The D16 is fuller in all areas, especially in the bass. The DX340 is more airy and therefore I found it to be more detailed, which my friend the D16 owner did not hear in the same way. Both are wonderful players. Depending on your taste in music, you may prefer one or the other. I find the D16 with bright IEM more suitable, the DX340 is heavenly with the EE Triton.

 

[Daniel Johnston]

Hey guys. Is anyone EQing when listening via the WA8?

I EQ with my transducers.

The onboard DAC is definitely warmer and bassier than something like the AK SP3000T or the Mojo2.

 

[antanast]

I EQ with my transducers.

The onboard DAC is definitely warmer and bassier than something like the AK SP3000T or the Mojo2.

What do you mean you EQ with your transducers?

 

[Daniel Johnston]

What do you mean you EQ with your transducers?

IEMs and headphones.

For example, if I want crisp treble and deep bass I use the IER-Z1R. If I want warm and smooth, Rai Penta.

 

[antanast]

IEMs and headphones.

For example, if I want crisp treble and deep bass I use the IER-Z1R. If I want warm and smooth, Rai Penta.

Got it. I find the HD800s nicely matching with the WA8 but I would definitely welcome some more bass. I will either then EQ via roon or simply use the Ziigaat X Jays