Speakers that copied the Wilson Watt Puppy look

For the record, Bud Fried was offering his "C" satellite, same shape as David Wilson's "Wilson Audio Tiny Tot", back in 1979. Wilson Audio didn't come out with their "WATT" til 1985. Who copied who?

Fried's "C" satellite used a first order series x-over, transmission line loaded mid/bass driver, and had quality bass below 60hz. They could easily be used on their own but Fried offered them as a "Super Monitor" system by adding a pair of subs with 12" drivers that were also transmission line loaded. The "C" satellite sat on top(think WATT/Puppy) providing a system with true 20hz to 20khz response.

The WATT, like most designs, used a more traditional x-over(think easier to implement), was ported, and had almost no bass. Without a sub, the WATT was pretty much useless so those with the necessary funds usually added an Entec LF-20 or LF-30 sub. At the time, they were considered the best mate for the WATT. Those with money to burn often went with two Entec's providing a nice platform for the WATT to sit on. Seeing money to be made, it didn't take Wilson long to introduce the Puppy; Duh, pretty much an Entec clone.

For the record, I owned the WATT3/Puppy3 and in my opinion, they were way overpriced and a huge sonic disappointment. I couldn't wait to get rid of them! On the other hand, I still own a couple variants of Fried's "C" satellite which continue to give me pleasure.

Hope you enjoyed the history lesson.

Peace!

Csmgolf, Yep, Bud did call it the "Valhalla System" and by then the sats were C/5's. I owned the C/3L's(still do) and borrowed a pair of D2's from a dealer friend for an audition. No big surprise, the D2's really added a lot of power and weight to the music plus the soundstage expanded in all directions.

In the end and after many conversations with Bud, I decided to go with his larger "O-4" subs using 10" drivers transmission line loaded. Bud used them in his own system, and having heard a friend's "Super Monitors" many times(12" driver in transmission line), I knew they'd be great; they are.

It wasn't long before I added a pair of C/5's to go with the O-4's, both done in furniture grade Honduras mahogany and finished in hand rubbed Tung Oil. Besides sounding wonderful, they're beautiful to behold!

Now years later, I still have the C/3L's, C/5 & O4's, plus I've added a couple more Fried inspired systems to my collection. Needless to say, I'm still a fan of Bud Fried and his enthusiasm for first order series crossovers and transmission line loading. Most of the other yin yangs designing speakers these days don't have a clue.

Salectric: I have a good friend who still uses the "H" sub in one of his systems. It looks like a large coffee table and houses two separate transmission lines, each with it's own 12" driver. Serious bass indeed! Now picture this, it's used in a surround system with five highly modified "C" satellites, four of which sit on D2 subs; two front L,R and two rear L,R. He actually has four systems, three of which use Fried inspired speaker designs.

Soundcomponents:, Back in the mid 80's, I used to see Bud pretty regularly at Jemstone Audio in East Lansing, MI. He'd come to town and give seminars for the owner, Jeff Morris. Jemstone was one of the few high end shops in MI back then and they carried some really nice stuff; Fried, Celestion, Apogee, Quad, Krell, Meitner, and much more.

You're right, Bud did often mention his Harvard background and was actually a lawyer by trade. He was quite brilliant and very opinionated, telling me on more than a few occasions that the only two speakers worth listening to were Quads and his own(those using 1st order series crossovers and transmission line loading). He was friends with Peter Walker of Quad and had nothing but good things to say about him and his speaker.

I used to call Bud at his home in Philadelphia to "pick his brain" and every single time, I'd hear classical music playing in the background. The phone would ring and he'd answer, "hello". I'd say, "Bud"? He'd always come back with, "who's this?" I'd laugh and say, "are you dodging bill collectors?" I really enjoyed those conversations.

Salectric, you're right about the "H" using two 8" drivers. As I was typing, I was still thinking about another friend's Super Monitors which did use 12" drivers.

Regards