Starting to think more on the NAD M33, is it overkill? Can Optical or HDMI ARC into that from the TV and call it a day...
Starting from Basically Scratch. Help me power some Wilson Watt Puppys
Alright hopefully the title explains the basics. I just made a deal on some Wilson 4Ω Watt Puppys (Series 7), along with a self powered Wilson Watch Dog.
Starting from scratch for PreAmp/DAC/Amp. This is actually to use primarily Firestick, Chromecast, and PS4 (I have a bunch of consoles, but those all get HDMI combined into one HDMI port and sound is not priority these obviously). Music is pretty varied. Hip Hop, Orchestral, Jazz, etc. Will likely try to stream some Hi-Res Audio where I can, but can tackle that bridge later, but keeping that in mmind for components today...
I’m OK with all in one Integrated. I’ve been looking at the Linn Majik, which looks like it would do everything, with 43-100W of Power (power depending on generation I find). I feel like the Puppys would want more power though.
Also looking at splitting everything up with Schiit components.
I really like the look of the Devialet Expert 200-220.though I would need a pre-amp to get all the sources to that one. Can find that for $2k-$3k used
I’ve always loved the idea of McIntosh, but the budget won’t allow it here.
I have a fair knowledge background in car audio, but the more I look at home audio, I see huge differences that I haven’t learned yet. For Example High end big speakers, talking about "minimum power of 12w" etc.
Thoughts? It’s always fun to spend someone else’s money right?
Thanks everyone that reads this chapter one of my book.
Kurtis
Showing 14 responses by captainswankypants
@curiousjim The Hegel looks badass 🤔 150w @8ohm. Wonder what it does @4ohm? I'll have to look through the reviews... Thanks!!
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@kota1 Thanks for the link. I did read about the Spectral "relationship" as well. |
Depends on the day. 😜 @ghdprentice Thank you for the well written and thought out post. I agree this will end up being a longer term project. In the short term I'm not afraid to spend some today. I'm making I think a great buy on the Wilson's. At this point I am leaning towards the Linn Majik DSM (Streamer/DAC/Pre-Out), likely to Schiit Vidar 2 w/ 2x200w RMS at 4ohm I can split them up more taking some of the load off Linn, and get the McIntosh Amp that I want for this dream setup. |
@sunshdw You're spot on with some of my hurdles. I can buy a CLEAN used Linn, and basically use it to combine the HDMI Sources, and either go Analog out using the DAC of the Linn, or go out digital optical, and use different DAC or a seperate or part of an integrated. Also send everything to the TV and HDMI ARC or Optical out is an option. 🤷♂️ |
@curiousjim Hegel is looking better and better. Thanks!
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@kota1 Thanks. I'm thinking the DMA-50 is going to be a little underpowered for the end goal here, but it's looking like Spectral or Hegel are going to be the best route. |
@designsfx That Plinius looks gorgeous, One I have never heard of though.... 🤔 @audiotroy and others with experience with puppies...At what point am I looking at too much power. I am coming across some things like the NAD M33, that has power @ 4Ω neighborhood of 400w... When is too much? I know I said $2k-$3k to start off with, but I'll be honest. This ENTIRE endeavor started with me thinking the new Devialet Mania was kind of cool (A freaking $800 wireless speaker), and it's turned into looking at Self Powered/Contained Devialet Phantoms, and now a well over a $10k ordeal. 😂 🤣 I don't know about you, but I've never seen a Hearse being followed by and armored car. Can't take it with me right? 😉 |
@sunshdw "I’d buy something with as much power that you can afford (the Hegal is a good option) that has a optical input and those Wilsons will thank you for it." I somewhat thought the same thing, just don’t know what to trust. A 10 Year old Sharp TV, or something designed moreso for the job (Linn specializes in this stuff).But Digital in = Digital Out Right?. The other thing I left out, and can be done slightly differently is I am also receiving a Wilson Watch Dog (Powered) Sub. It is configurable for Analog in, with crossover out to the Puppies. Oh What to do. 🤦♂️ |
@tomcarr Yikes! 900W @ 4Ω might be excessive lol
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@ditusa I was looking at the Schiit Amps and components. I like the simplistic nature and beint pretty much 100% US made. The TYR looks great, though We're $3200 for a pair of em...Can get more at a similar price point. Open Box NAD MR33 for $600 more... Just saying... @thecarpathian I've liked class D amps, though one W/P owner posted and gave a warning about small Class D stuff for the puppies just a couple posts above yours.. |
Well the wishful budget got thrown in the trash. We're going to to try to stick to $5-7k.lol Thats not trying to find connections in that figure either lol Leaning towards Cambridge CVX V2 for Streamer/DAC/Pre Amp. This can get broken up into 3 piece down the road (Separating with individual components) or sent in to ModWright for improvement. The Amp? No need for integrated now, so the question I'm running into now is just how big to go... I keep getting excited for older used things like Bryston 7B ST, or BAT VK-500, but those amps are going to be 25 Years old... I know the Watt Puppies aren't new either... 🤷♂️ Also on the short list Musical Fidelity M8s-500s (800w+ @ 4ohm) Musical Fidelity M6 500i (500w) (Integrated, rethink the Cambridge/Linn Streamers) Hegel H190 or H390 (500w) (Integrated, rethink the Cambridge/Linn Streamers) Linn Klimax Solo 500 Monoblocks (used pair for 20% of original) Thanks EVERYONE for your input! The research and hunt continues. Gotta admit, I'm excited! 😎 |