The awkwardly named Woo Audio WA7 ‘Fireflies’ looks like it has dropped into Australia earlier than expected. There aren’t too many DAC/head-amp combos that really tickle my fancy but Jack Wu’s (picture above, right) latest is surely one of them. A matched pair of Sovtek 6C45, Class A, single-ended headphone stage married to a 32/192 asynchronous USB DAC. Not only that but the WA7′s cubic, glass-metal appearance ticks ALL the boxes for this aesthetically-conscious audiophile.

woowa7

I recall hearing a pre-production version of this at last year’s RMAF CanJam driving a pair of Hifiman cans (pictured above) and the sound was super-sweet with an good amount of attack and air.

The WA7 ‘Fireflies’ can also be deployed as a standalone DAC. Chip trainspotters note that the USB Audio Class 2.0 receiver is C-Media’s 6631 and the digital-to-analogue convertor is Texas Instruments’ PCM5102A.  I’m pretty sure the WA7 will run direct-connected to an iPad + CCK.

Lastly, note the twin output jacks on the front: there’s one tailored specifically to IEMs.

wa7-3

I’ll be pencilling this in for further investigation later in the year. In the meantime, you can grab one in silver or black finish for AU$1098.

Technical specifications:

  • Single-ended, class-A, transformers output
  • Linear external high-performance power supply
  • Two 6C45 driver/power tubes
  • Headphones impedance : 8-600 Ohms
  • Input impedance: 100 Kilo-Ohms
  • Sampling rate: up to 32-Bit, 192kHz
  • Inputs: 1 Asynchronous USB2.0, 1 RCA
  • Outputs: 1 1/4″ and 1 1/8″ headphone outputs, 1 RCA (same connector as the input)
  • Max output: approx 1 watt @ 32 ohms
  • Frequency response: 11Hz to 27kHz, +/-0.5dB
  • Distortion: <0.03%
  • S/N: 95dB
  • Mains supply: 100-120V, 220-240V, 50/60Hz, user selectable
  • Finish: Anodized aluminium
  • DC cord length: 4.25 ft or 1.3 m
  • Dimension: AMP: 4.8″ L x 4.8″ W x 5.1″ H with glass
  • PSU: 7.5″ L x 3.5″ W x 2.2″ H
  • Weight: AMP – 5.3 lbs / 2.4kg, Glass – 3.3 lbs / 1.5kg

wa7-2

Further information: Woo Audio / Addicted To Audio