Update:
Well thank you to everyone who chimed in on this thread. My system is ALMOST complete. As I explained, I purchased a First Watt J2, and I placed a Wyred4Sound STP SE (2 stage upgrades) in front of it.
Well, on a recommendation from "pangeek," I did a lot of research on Omega Speakers. I was pretty much set on saving up and going through the process of ordering from Louis when a B-stock pair of Omegas dropped on his website. I jumped on them. They're "V8" monitors (RS-8 driver, 98 db sensitivity (!). Best of all, since I'm limited to setting my speakers on top of 2 1/2 foot tall bookshelves, they are front ported.
I received them today and have been listening for the last 3 hours. Unfortunately, they sound good but not great, yet: acoustic instruments are very realistic, bass is nice and controlled and the midrange is great, but the upper frequencies are a little shrill at times. Now, I've read, and Louis recommended, that they need 100 hours of break in. But quite frankly, I think the culprit is my streamer/DAC. I've assembled a beautiful system, but on the front end I'm using an inexpensive Wiim Pro Plus (a $200 streamer/DAC".
So ... once I recover financially, I'm going to find an external dac downstream from the Wiim. I think a Chord Qutest could be a good call, but I need to do the research. I live in western Colorado, and I don't have access to audio stores to test drive equipment. I may need to visit my buddy in Denver and shop around.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts. It helped a lot.
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Replying to the OP's original question, what I have read is that First Watt makes 100 of each and then provides the design to the DIY community. There are not many originals out there but many clones. They may have changed this 100 amp limit-not sure.
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@surlydale , I feel your pain waiting for a shipment. It’s nerve wracking for sure. I agree with your assessment that your current speakers will work with the J2. Also,since you will have some time with the new amp and your current speakers, this may give you a chance to figure out what you really need to check all the boxes, speaker wise. Hopefully your J2 shows up tomorrow! Enjoy!
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The easier the load the better. I am currently running a pair of Nola Boxer II’s, 90db sensitivity, and an 8ohm load without the J2 breaking a sweat.
I checked out those Nolas. Yes, I've been keeping my eye out for speakers with a sensitivity in the 90s and up.
My J2 was supposed to get here today, but USPS tracking indicates that it is still "Moving in the system." I was hoping to fire it up tonight, but I may have to wait until Monday. I'm several months out from buying my speakers, but the B&W DM 560s that I'll be replacing have a sensitivity rating of 90db, so they may be a good enough speaker for the interim.
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FYI, The Music Room in Boulder is advertising a good stock of the PS Audio Directstream DAC
Thanks for the info. The Music Room may be the end of me. They have a lot of great deals, it seems. I bought my Wyred4Sound preamp from them for a great deal.
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DIYaudio is a great place to ask about FirstWatt products, since it is essentially a kit.
that is completely false, they are finished products just like all Pass products
There’s absolutely nothing “kit” about a FW amplifier
nothing
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I think you’re on the right track with high-sensitivity speakers for low-volume listening. Whenever I hear a speaker with a cone tweeter I like it’s often a highly efficient speaker, like a DeVore Orangutan. Also, you sound like a careful listener, so don’t scrimp on your source. FYI, The Music Room in Boulder is advertising a good stock of the PS Audio Directstream DAC, which was recently replaced by an updated version. For $2,000 it’s an outstanding choice. Enjoy.
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@surlydale , I also don’t listen very loud. Loud for me is about 85db peaks.(Using an iPhone app). I occasionally run a pair of Graham Chartwell LS3/5 using my J2. These are not very sensitive speakers at 83db,however are a pretty easy 9ohm. The J2 has no issues driving these to the higher end of the volume I listen. The easier the load the better. I am currently running a pair of Nola Boxer II’s, 90db sensitivity, and an 8ohm load without the J2 breaking a sweat.
The one piece of advice I’ll give is, let this amp breath it definitely runs hot. I don’t recommend putting it in a rack. Other than the heat,I don’t find any negatives for the J2. Like others have stated,synergy with speakers and your listening habits mean everything. Enjoy!
Ray
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agree, there are lots of good speakers for your setup...and the journey is a big part of the fun...
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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...
Yes, and I get that. Of the First Watt amps, the J2 seems to be the biggest crowd pleaser, or the "least offensive," as Nelson Pass described it. I live in a small apartment and typically listen to music at 60-70 db. In fact, that’s why I originally landed on the Zu DWXs. Reportedly they sound great at low volumes. Surely I can find a speaker that will sound sweet with this amp. Unlike a lot of you, I just need one set of speakers that makes me smile when I play music. My understanding is that Zu Audio and Omega offer in house trial periods, so I may need to try a few before I settle, but that’s part of the journey.
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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...
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^Speakers are amongst the most colored of all components It would be prudent to choose speakers with those colorations that offend you the least. Speakers are more influenced by one’s room, placement and listening position than any other component.
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I suggest choosing amps for speakers, not speakers for amps.
Interesting, and why is that? Is it the speaker that primarily determines the quality, or "flavor," of the music reproduction? I'm genuinely curious. I purchased my last system 30 years ago, and the salesperson essentially put the components together for me.
Either way, I'm kind of committed at this point. I got a great deal on my Wyred4Sound preamp and First Watt amp. All the reading I did indicated that those two components would "play well" together. So at this point I'm trying to select a speaker that is easy to drive.
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I suggest choosing amps for speakers, not speakers for amps.
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+1 for adding Omega Speakers to your list.
Yes, I'm happy that I posted a thread about this. Before posting I had not heard of Omegas. Now, they are a front runner for my net speaker. I'm still several months out from making a speaker purchase. When I get close, I'll definitely contact Louis and have a chat.
Thanks
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+1 for adding Omega Speakers to your list. Louis makes a beautiful speaker, hand made & designed by himself. If you call Louis and let him know what your room is like, the gear you have and what you want out of the speakers he’ll make some recommendations. The build quality, service and pride Louis takes in each speaker is amazing. Oh, and he specializes in single driver, high sensitivity speakers that are a match made in heaven for your amp.
Good Luck!
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Here is my journey with First Watt F5v2.....Totally one of the best sounding amplifiers I ever owned...And in the article is the GoTo guy to help fix the First Watt DIY products.... http://rvbprecision.com/stereo/nelson-pass-first-watt-f5-turbo-v2.html
Oh good. I thought I'd read everything online about First Watt amps before making my purchase. I look forward to checking it out.
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The Colorado audio society is having a club meeting this Friday the 17th at YG acoustics at 5:30 pm. Might be a great time to go check out their speakers and have a listen.
That sounds like fun, but I'm 3 hours west of Denver, and I'll be listening to the great Jeffrey Foucault performing in my neck of the woods Friday. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
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Also try to look into Omega Speakers. I’m super happy with my Alnico Super 6 XRS that I bought used. Sounds amazing and since they are single driver and high efficiency speakers, they will pair well with your first watt amp. Luis Chochos makes them in the USA.
I think my Youtube algorithm heard you. There is a review on Omega speakers as a Zu Audio alternative in my feed. I'll check it out.
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Enjoy your Wyred preamp 👍
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@surlydale
The Colorado audio society is having a club meeting this Friday the 17th at YG acoustics at 5:30 pm. Might be a great time to go check out their speakers and have a listen.
regards
Ron
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Also try to look into Omega Speakers. I’m super happy with my Alnico Super 6 XRS that I bought used. Sounds amazing and since they are single driver and high efficiency speakers, they will pair well with your first watt amp. Luis Chochos makes them in the USA.
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Pass Labs service is outstanding, possibly the best in the industry. I emailed Nelson a question about dimming bulbs on my SIT-2 and he shipped out replacement bulbs to me without my even asking. He even followed up to make sure I received them. I have a SIT-2 and a SIT-3 and I've owned a couple others. That J2 amp may outlive you. Enjoy.
Nelson is designing new First Watt amps, I believe SIT-4 is next up, which appears to be a reissue of the SIT-2 but with differently sourced SIT transistors.
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As long as you are in Colorado, and possibly in the Denver area, check out YG acoustic speakers.
YG makes great speakers, but they’re not suitable for First Watt amps given their sensitivity and impedance specs just fyi, but by all means go listen if at all possible. You also have Boulder and Ayre in the Denver area I think so go play if you can, and welcome to A’gon!!!
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Rocray, thanks for the testimony. I’ve read a lot of happy First Watt customers. Can’t wait!
gkelly, thanks for the recommendation. I’ll look up YG, for sure.
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You won’t be sorry with First Watt. I’m a happy owner of two First Watt amps. An F5,and J2. Nelson Pass also participates on diy Audio forums.
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As long as you are in Colorado, and possibly in the Denver area, check out YG acoustic speakers.
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TAS has referred to First Watt, as " Nelson Pass's creative playground " ...
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That’s great to hear that First Watt is still around. They sound like such a great company. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of amp and preamp.
Ditusa, I haven’t purchased speakers yet. In fact, these two purchases came up very suddenly. I need to save up some more, but I think I’ve decided on Zu Audio DWX Super Fly speakers. I have limited placement options, so the speaker efficiency and front port looked good for my setup. It’s hard making these decsions without hearing first, but I’m hoping this system will work well together. I’m also in Colorado, so I’m happy to hear the speakers are made just a few hours west of me. I’m hoping to go pick the speakers up and to meet the gang at Zu Audio when I make my purchase.
Thanks again for all of your input!
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DIYaudio is a great place to ask about FirstWatt products, since it is essentially a kit.
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Yes First Watt is still in business and producing new products. You get service through Pass Labs now. I would not be concerned about service… Pass has always been committed to long term service. About five years ago I got my 1980 Threshold 500s serviced to bring it up to original specs before I sold it.
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@surlydale Wrote:
And, if down the road I ever require a service, would I contact Pass Labs for that?
Yes!! See below Pass Labs: What speakers did you buy?
Mike
https://www.firstwatt.com/
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Excellent! Thanks for your time.
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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...
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