WA11 Topaz Headphone Amplifier / DAC
Overview
It all started when we were developing the WA8 Eclipse. We learned that in order to reduce the size greatly, it needs to be with transistors. Introducing the WA11, an ultra-compact high-performance headphone amplifier and DAC. Over the course of 3-years of intensive research and 9 working prototypes deployed in real-world applications. WA11 delivers an audiophile sound quality that rivals many desktop systems and with the features users dream of.
Weighing at 413g and 24mm thick, the WA11 Topaz is a battery-powered, fully-balanced headphone amplifier and DAC running in a Class-A topology. It is capable of driving the most demanding full-size headphones while maintaining an ultra-low noise floor for reference in-ear monitors. The DAC is an ESS Sabre capable of decoding PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz and up to DSD128. There is also a 4.4mm balanced input for use with balanced sources such as a modern digital-audio-player (DAP), home CD player or DAC
The future is USB Type-C port. And WA11 Topaz has two of them - one for data, one for charging (USB 2.0 compliant). Separating the two allows the user to listen and recharge the internal battery simultaneously. This feature extends the industry leading 7 hrs. of playtime immensely.
The performance and usage flexibility of WA11 will change the way we enjoy music and opens a new world for what a Hi-Fi system should be.
Highlights
Fully-balanced design, battery-operated, solid state, Class-A headphone amplifier and DAC
High power, high bandwidth amplifier
Maximum power output: 1.2W @ 30 Ohms, 350mW @ 100 Ohms, 120mW @ 300 Ohms
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 200 kHz (-1 dB), signal to noise ratio: 118dB
Output impedance: 1Ω on both headphone outputs
ESS SABRE Reference DAC (ES9018M)
Hi-Res music playback up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM, up to DSD128 support via DoP playback
Premium TKD 4-channel balanced potentiometer
Output: 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced, 1/4" TRS unbalanced for use with full-size headphones
Input: 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced, Asynchronous Hi-Speed USB Type-C port [data] and USB Type-C port [charge] (USB 2.0 compliant)
User selectable HI or LO power level output
User selectable DAC or 4.4mm analog Line-in
XMOS xCORE-AUDIO asynchronous clocking USB compatible with PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices (with Apple CCK or Android OTG adapter)
Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, up to 6 hrs. of continuous music playback*
Anodized aluminum chassis available in black
Dimensions (W, H, D): 155 x 85 x 27mm / 6.1 x 3.3 x 1 inches
Weight: 455g / 1.0 lb.
Global 100v–240v USB-C charger with detachable AC plug (U.K., EU. Australia)
In the Box
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Quick start guide
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WA11 Topaz amplifier/DAC x 1
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Soft carrying pouch x 1
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USB type-C to A cable (USB 2.0 compliant) x 1
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USB type-C to C cable (USB 2.0 compliant) x 1
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USB Charger with detachable AC plug x 1
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Wall plug adapter [UK, EU, Australia] x 3
