2. amps-preamps
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Can you provide context on First Watt?

Hi all,

I just signed up for this forum. After 30 years of enjoying my Rotel/B&W setup that I bought in college, I decided it is time for an upgrade. Yes, I know ... 30 years. Anyway, for the last two months I've gone deep down the rabbit hole trying to get caught up with the audiophile world. 
 

Long story short, after all of my reading and assessing my needs, I decided on a combination of components and speakers. This week I've made two big purchases: a Wyred4Audio STP SE pre with stage 2 upgrades and a First Watt J2 amp (both purchased used). As far as I can tell, though, First Watt (Nelson Pass) doesn't seem to be making new amps, except for the F7? I just noticed that Reno HiFi is no longer in business. 

Could someone update me on the current status of First Watt? And, if down the road I ever require a service, would I contact Pass Labs for that?

Thanks for your time in orienting a 55-year old newbie to the scene.

Tal

surlydale

Showing 4 responses by jl35

jl35
3,943 posts
 

TAS has referred to First Watt, as " Nelson Pass's creative playground " ...

jl35
3,943 posts
 

I think the First Watt website will answer many of your questions. You can call Pass Labs for all issues and service, they answer the phone and are very helpful. Reno was essentially a sort of in-house dealer, not sure if there is a replacement among the other dealers. I

have Pass mono blocks, and had an F7...all great gear and great service...I usually went through Mark at Reno, but Kent at Pass is awesome too...

jl35
3,943 posts
 

Each First Watt amp has a somewhat idiosyncratic sound, and all are low power - they are great amps but your choice of speakers for each model is limited...many/most amps are designed to work with a wide variety of speakers, First Watt's are not...

jl35
3,943 posts
 

agree,  there are lots of good speakers for your setup...and the journey is a big part of the fun...

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