THIS AMP IS FOR ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONES ONLY. AMPLIFIER AND HEADPHONES ARE IN SILVER. NO RETURNS ON HEADPHONES.
Overview
Music lovers have trusted Woo Audio amplifiers to power their headphones since 2004. Our pure tube electrostatic headphone amplifiers have served a vast number of electrostatic headphone enthusiasts around the world for 15+ years.
Introducing the all-new ES8 electrostatic headphone amplifier and preamplifier. Created with the goal to extract the most performance out of electrostatic headphones while being compact in size at an obtainable price for all music lovers.
Similar to most Woo Audio's dynamic headphone amplifiers, the ES8 utilizes a pair of custom-made output transformers. The output transformer is a crucial part in converting energy from the tubes to provide a high-voltage output required to power electrostatic headphones. We spent immense efforts in developing output transformers that are low-loss, highly efficient, and to deliver an unparalleled sonic performance.
The ES8 employs four EL84 power tubes, which are wired in triode, in a matched quad. They are driven by four low-noise, low-microphonic 8532 JAN tubes that are also in a matched quad. The tube configuration achieves a fully balanced circuit for accurate channel balance, precise imaging, and a vivid soundstage. The tubes are staggered to give the user a clear view of their warm glow enhancing the enjoyment.
The all-aluminum chassis is a precision machine-CNC with a brushed finish that is visually timeless and maintenance-free. The power and output transformers are suspended inside the chassis to reduce electrical interference and the entire circuit is mechanically-tuned for an incredibly low noise floor so you'll hear more details in your music.
ES8 is built to last. Every component is carefully chosen for the best sound. The amplifier is compatible with all PRO-bias (580v) electrostatic headphones from your favorite brands such as STAX, Audeze, HiFiMan, Dan Clark Audio and others. This state-of-the-art vacuum tube electrostatic headphones amplifier doubles as a preamplifier. Expanding your audio system to speakers is easier than ever with ES8.
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Fully-balanced electrostatic headphones amplifier, compatible with Audeze CRBN, STAX, HiFiMan Shangri-la Jr., Dan Clark Audio VOCE electrostatic headphones
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Tubes: EL84 power x 4, 8532 driver x 4
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Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube sockets
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Push-Pull direct drive, Class-A
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Partial Point-to-Point wiring
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RCA input x 1
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XLR input x 1
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XLR pre-out x 1
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Two STAX (Pro Bias) 5-pin EarSpeakers output
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Maximum output:
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ALPS potentiometer and power switch
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Anodized aluminum chassis in black and silver color
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Self-biasing with compatible tubes [chart]
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Operating AC voltage: 115v – 230v (voltage below 115v requires step up transformer)
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Power consumption: 90w
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Dimensions: 5.5"(H), 12.5"(W), 9.5"(D), Weight: 26 lbs (11.8kg)
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Designed and assembled in New York, USA
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Three-year limited warranty [learn more]
VOCE Electrostatic Headphone
VOCE® is Dan Clarks Audio’s (formerly MrSpeakers) flagship electrostatic headphone and perhaps 2018’s most awarded high-end headphone, capturing a majority of “Best Headphone” and “Product of the Year” accolades in the USA from preeminent publications such as Positive Feedback, Absolute Sound, Headfonics and Headphone.guru.
A Passion for Music Drives Everything We Do
When the Dan Clark Audio team decided to build an electrostatic headphone we started with a blank sheet of paper to create a product that improved upon all of the great attributes of previous electrostatic headphones, such as transparent midrange and detail resolution, and added a powerful bass experience and an expansive soundstage while reducing the high-frequency emphasis that we felt detracted from the experience.
The team went all in for the design of the VOCE, reinventing every aspect from the ultra-large 88mm driver to the fully custom silver plated cable we would supply with it. We even built an in-house clean room for production to ensure the highest quality and reliability. We’re truly proud of the fact that VOCE has had a service rate of <1% after almost two years in the field, an unparalleled accomplishment considering it is our first-electrostatic headphone!
Key features include:
- 88mm driver for extended and rich bass that reaches below 10Hz and a gigantic soundstage
- Advanced metal stators for enhanced resolution
- Flexible, microphonic-free round silver-plated copper cable with a solid machined Teflon connector cased in an aluminum housing
- Convenient and attractive walnut storage box with built-in headphone stand
- Durable all metal construction at a featherweight 330gr
- Fully dust-sealed drivers
The result was well worth the effort put into the design of the VOCE.
VOCE is a game changer.
You owe it to yourself to audition this amazing headphone.
Important notes on electrostatic headphones:
- Electrostatic headphones must be used with an appropriate electrostatic amplifier or energizer (energizers connect to the outputs of a loudspeaker amplifier) to operate and will not work with conventional headphone amplifiers
- Many electrostatic headphones make a "zip" sound when the headphone is put on or removed. This is the sound of the charged driver touching the stator and due to the electric fields sticking briefly to it before releasing. Due to VOCE's very large driver size, the driver may be more prone to this than some other electrostatic headphones. As the stator is insulated this will not cause damage to the driver and should be considered normal operation.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model | VOCE |
Driver Type | Electrostatic |
Driver Size | 88mm |
Capacitance with 2m Cable | 135pF |
Weight | 370 gr |
Ear Pad Material | NAPA Lamb Leather |
Shipping Dimensions | 18x14x19 |
Shipping Weight | 8 lb |