Woo Audio has announced the TUBE Mini DAC/Headphone Amplifier in cable dongle format. In a compact aluminum case, there was a place for a USB input connector on one end and 3.5 mm (unbalanced) or balanced 4.4 mm output connectors on the opposite end. On the side panels are volume and playback controls. Inside is an unnamed ESS Saber DAC chip. However, PCM up to 24 bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256 are announced.
The name TUBE Mini draws attention to the analog part of the device: a pair of miniature tubes work in its input stage. As expected, the output is MOSFETs. And the output is promised 1 watt into 8 ohms. Despite the miniature size, the manufacturer does not recommend using the device on the road. The fact is that although the lamps are installed in a spring-loaded suspension system, the microphone effect can still be noticeable.
Mini DAC/Hybrid Headphone Amplifier Woo Audio TUBE Mini
As a result, Woo’s TUBE Mini is quite portable, yet still designed to work in a stationary position, which will easily fit into a compact, alternatively, desktop system. Possible colors of the aluminum housing are black, silver, red or blue.
In the US, the Woo Audio TUBE Mini DAC/Headphone Amplifier was priced at $500.
