![]() ![]() The TUBE mini offers both this balanced connection and the more traditional 3.5mm single-ended option, along with a physical switch to change between the two options. Also utilized in the name of strength and durability is a 4.4mm balanced jack (replacing the previous 2.5mm older balanced connector options). ![]() Even though the amplifier does incorporate glass tubes, the overall weight is fairly minimum, and certainly light enough to dangle slightly from a phone or computer. ![]() Some cables are specifically recommended by Woo for the best performance, with one terminating in USB-C (included in the box) and the other in Apple’s Lighting (optional, sold separately, $35) form factor. Many other USB-C sized connections in mobile devices (especially cameras) have been known to deteriorate with some regularity over time – and not something you really want to hang your hat on (metaphorically and literally). Woo chose the full sized USB-A connection due to its durability and strength. The outer shell is solid metal, and a peek-a-boo window graces both the top and bottom sides of the old school stick-of-gum sized device. In the hand the TUBE mini feels as well built as the rest of Woo’s tank-like casework. There are quite a few caveats to getting the TUBE mini up and running properly, but as with most analog listening the labor of love is usually part of the fun of the ritual – but I’ll get into those details later. It seems only fitting then, that they would parley that know-how into a modern form factor like the dongle. While they do make a few digital only products, flagship tube amplifiers for electrostatic and dynamic headphones are likely the first thing that comes to mind for many when they think of the brand. Woo Audio is probably best known for their tube amplification. Simply put, it is the first amplifier/DAC that uses tube amplification in a dongle-sized form factor. This is likely the reason for the company’s newest headphone amp called the TUBE mini ($499 shipped U.S. There is a huge sea of options out there, but NY-based Woo Audio appears to take immense effort in providing products that form a perfect fit for a given solution, even for an extremely niche audience. Quite often in audio, the question of what to buy next is ultimately an exercise in problem solving. ![]()
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