Woo Audio WES (2nd Gen) Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier

Overview

WES (2nd gen) is the ultimate electrostatic headphone amplifier for use with STAX headphones. The new 2nd gen uses a matching quad of output loading chokes utilizing Single Crystal Copper wires (the purest form of copper) with our proprietary winding scheme. The results are a significant improvement in clarity, sound space, dynamic range, and control. WES is a two-chassis system comprising a power supply and a fully balanced amplifier and innovative dual power switch that treats the tubes more gently when starting the unit from cold. Turning on just one of the power switches provides low voltage to the heaters while the WES remains in standby mode. Turning on both power switches allows the unit to operate at full power. WES will reward the listener with reference quality sound without fatigue.

Highlights

• Updated to 2nd generation in April 2017

• Tubes: EL34 power x 4, 6SL7 driver x 4, 5AR4 rectifier x 2, 12AU7 phase inverter x 2

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube sockets

• ALPS RK27 4-channel balanced smooth potentiometer

• Two 12AU7 phase splitter (unbalanced input to balanced input conversion)

• Fully-balanced design, Class-A

• Transformer-coupled, Point-to-Point wiring

• Pseudo-dual power supply

• STAX Pro Bias 5-pin EarSpeakers output x 2

• maximum output 1300Vrms

• Compatible with all STAX, HiFiMan Shangri-la Jr., Dan Clark Audio VOCE electrostatic headphones

• XLR input x 2, RCA input x 1

• Auricap capacitors for interstage and output coupling

• Mills and Kiwame resistors

• Anodized aluminum chassis, available in black or silver

• Self-biasing with compatible tubes [chart]

• Global voltage (100v–220v) without converter

• Dimensions: Amplifier: 7½”(H), 16½”(W), 12″(D) 20 lbs., Power supply unit: 4½”(H), 16½”(W), 12″(D) 20 lbs., DC cord length: 18” (end to end)

• Designed and assembled in New York, USA

• Three-year limited warranty [learn more]

The Audiophile-grade premium internal parts upgrade adds the following. * Available exclusively at the time of build.

• V-Cap Teflon Film Tin Foil reference grade audio capacitors – V-Cap TFTF 0.22uF/300V (12 pcs)

• V-Cap Oil Impregnated Metallized Polypropylene reference grade audio capacitors – V-Cap OIMP 2uF/600V (4 pcs)

In the box

• Quick start guide

• WES (2nd gen) electrostatic headphone amplifier x 1

• WES (2nd gen) power supply unit x 1

• EL34 vacuum tubes x 4

• 6SL7 vacuum tubes x 4

• 5AR4 vacuum tubes x 2

• 12AU7 vacuum tubes x 2

• Umbilical DC cord x 1

*AC power cord and audio cables are not included

SPECIFICATIONS

Color: Black, Silver

Build: Standard build, With premium parts

Maximum Output: 1300V P-P

Stax Pro Bias: 580V

Sennheiser HE90 BIA: 500V

Signal/Noise: >100 dB

THD: <= 0.3%

AC Voltage: AC 110/220 – 240V, 50/60 Hz, Selectable

Power Consumption: 118 W