You didn't mention your budget so frankly, I would just call Hoover Dam and have them run a dedicated 100 KV, 3 phase line out to your house along with a step down transformer to three split phase lines of 230VAC each.  Use one leg for the stereo, one leg for the home theater, and one to run the rest of the place.   :-)  J/K

Take a look at Parasound Amplifiers, I have a couple of those now and I am quite impressed with them.  For the 4 Ohm speakers, I would look at an amp that specs the 4 Ohm output power and is also stable into a 2 Ohm load.  You want headroom in spades at lower impedances.  The Halo models are the top of their line, and the Classic series are very hard to beat in sound quality.  I think they are on a factory dealer wide sale at the moment. 

I am not familiar with their new preamps, so I won't comment on those.  I have an older one that is quite nice although I don't use it much since I bought a Conrad Johnson preamp.  They are John Curl designs, so obviously they are going to be good.

I am probably being too low on my budget now. I did say before $2k-$3k. The Parasound does look nice. 👍

Puppies.

Hehe, yeah I know. It felt weird every time I typed it. 

You can get a use Hegel H190 for around $2500.

@captainswankypants interesting name

Question:

Exactly how swanky are your pants?

First just a high level perspective. As a rule of thumb, to get the most out of your equipment you need to balance the sound quality of each of your components. To do this, you have to do a lot of research and carefully choose compatible and appropriate equipment. Assuming you are doing digital only then you need a streamer, DAC, preamp, and amp. Typically the ideal balance would be 35% speakers, say 15% streamer, 15% DAC, 15% preamp, 20% amp. Then later you can worry about cables and interconnects. So, Watt Puppy 7 were $22K, so, the appropriate budget would about $10K / component. This is a rough number to give you an idea of how to put together an optimal system around your speakers.

Not to say you can’t have a great sounding system for a lot less… but this is what it would take. I have heard outstanding systems centered around Rowland components, and I am sure others. Personally, I do not think you would get the most of them out of McIntosh.

So, the question is. Do you eventually want to have a spectacular system? One that these speakers are capable of? If the answer is yes, then you want to buy individual components and upgrade them over time as you learn about this pursuit. It is not a matter of just plunking down the cash, if you want a great sounding system, careful choice is required. 
 

You can get great sound out of those speakers with $2 K components… maybe less. But they have to be very carefully chosen because high end speakers like Wilson can be very revealing of budget gear. Home audio is completely different than car. With automotive all nuance is covered by road noise.. leaving a cartoon characterization of the music. Home audio exposes layer after layer of detail and nuance.

We can carry on the conversation from here if you like. That is just a quick comment. You can see my system under my UserID. I have been pursuing great sound for over fifty years. The one thing I can say is, you got your hands on some great speakers. 

@thecarpathian 

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. 

captainswankypants

If you want to hear what you WP7’s are truly capable of you need an amp with some power, real power. I have WP’s and although my Cary tube amp sounds wonderful on them, they can’t touch what my Pass X250 does. Your Wilson’s can really move if you have the right amp. Also the Wilson’s do not hold anything back so your source components better be great or the Wilson’s will sound harsh. If you’re only looking to stream maybe look at a PS Audio S300 amp, Bluesound Node as a streamer only through a RME ADI 2fs DAC using as both a DAC and Preamp. Should be able to pull this together under $3K keeping it as separates you can upgrade components out or add a dedicated preamp if you feel the need later.

Not heard a Hegel H190 but that could possibly be a contender. You have some serious speakers so if you don’t get it right you’ll know it.

captain

I owned watt puppy threes and fives a previous client had sevens so I know your speakers very well you really need to up your budget 2 to 3k will not get you the quality the speakers require a more appropriate budget is 5-6k at the minimum 

dave and Troy

audio intellect nj

@curiousjim ​​​​​​

The Hegel looks badass 🤔

150w @8ohm. Wonder what it does @4ohm? I'll have to look through the reviews... 

Thanks!! 

Spectral amps are a legendary match for Wilsons and if you pick one up second hand you can find one in your budget. See this thread:

@kota1 Thanks for the link. I did read about the Spectral "relationship" as well. 

I see a DMA-50 and matching pre available for a reasonable price if you check the for sale posts.

Capn’ Swanky-

I don’t know anything about the Vidar- I actually haven’t heard of it. Believe those who say you’ll want/need power- it’s good advice.

With your budget range and hookup needs you may be better off starting with an integrated. I’ve used the larger Yamaha integrated receivers in the past and they did the job for a while. Another integrated that I was impressed with was Plinius, although you would definitely have to pick one up used. Here’s an example-

Plinius Integrated

+1 on the Hegel. It'll be a good starting point for sound comparison. 

You need a very stable amp for your new speakers. I‘d look at getting the best used Accuphase integrated you can afford

You need high quality electronics with Wilson Audio speakers as they will show you what every upstream component is doing right and wrong. With the older Wilson speakers you want to be on the warmer side of neutral when selecting associated equipment. Also an amplifier needs to be stable into 2ohm load as these speakers will most likely dip into that territory.
So the Hegel is probably your absolute minimum starting point.

@captainswankypants 

Hegel says it puts out 250 watts at 4 ohms and is solid down to 2 ohms.

All the best.

@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? 😉

@curiousjim Hegel is looking better and better. Thanks!

I am driving a pair of WATT/Puppy 6's in my home theater system with a pair of Bryston 7B ST monoblocks, rated 500 W at 8 ohms with a high current configuration of 800 W at 4 ohms or lower.

The W/P 6 can be a difficult load with an impedance dip at certain frequencies, so I opted for the Bryston monoblock, a gutsy amp with enough clean power and tolerant of difficult impedance loads.

Granted they are an older design, but I see a pair for sale NOS for $2850.

Your sources are a problem. A Firestick, Chromecast and a PS4 are HDMI and all of the above suggestions short of the Linn piece aren't compatible with HDMI. That being said, if those sources are going into a TV and you plan to use the optical out of the TV into the Hegal for instance then that would work. Otherwise your current sources need to be figured out first since there's no information you mention on how you plan to get audio out of those.

I would not buy the used Spectral as you are limited on the cableing and most likely would need a matching Spectral preamp as well.  There is better for far less $$$. There are plenty of high powered, high amperage amps available on this site. 

@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. 

🤷‍♂️

@captainswankypants 

In my humble opinion and for future upgrades, I would run all your sources into the TV and run optical back to whatever integrated. Once you get rid of/upgrade your current sources that Linn would basically be useless since it's main focus is HDMI sources and seems to be the only connections. 

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.  

@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. 🤦‍♂️

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...

Sanders Magtech?

@tomcarr Yikes! 900W @ 4Ω might be excessive lol

Musical fidelity M6 500i

You may want to look at the Musical Fidelity M6 500i on usaudiomart.com. It’s rated 500 watts into 4 ohms and is selling for $3000. 

@captainswankypants Nonsense!

Nothing is excessive for captainswankypants!

Buy two monos!!!

Blow the roof off!!!

Live dangerously, captainswankypants!

I have the W/P 7's.

Recommend the Parasound A21+ in your price range.  Slightly warm but good sounding and powerful amp.  The Wilson's like current, would stay away from the smaller class D or British units.  Used Pass might work too but more costly.

Make sure your sources are not bright or thin sounding.  Same with cables - recommend Transparent, Cardas or similar.  I'm using Purist Audio with good results.

Good luck!

Mr. Pants,

Have you looked into Class D amplification?

@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.. 

Don’t understand why not as they’re 93db efficiency, and can be run on a minimum 7 watts. Sounds like they'd also love tube amplification.

I’d suggest separates, but your budget is nowhere near enough for that.

Most are correct, whatever you buy now will need to be sold and upgraded at some point…..so I’d buy used, you’ll lose less in resale. The Hegel H190 is an excellent all in one unit, that does have some grunt; might be a good solution while you save your pennies

Wilson pups, wow. Heard them at a show way back. Tremendous.

You need best power with watts. 300 watts with McCormack DNA Revision versions would deliver if you get ahold of one.

RME ADI-2 as preamp and DAC, yes that is another great idea.
Throw in Wiim Pro wi5h 5v LPS, you’re cooking. No need to do more expensive Bluesound.

What a journey, enjoy

The Vidar run as a monoblock must be run balanced.  You’ll need a balanced preamp. Also,they only show power ratings at 8ohm in mono. 

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! 😎 

If you now just need an amp, look up Odyssey Audio.

Hegel integrated with a built in DAC - consistently many positive reviews, the DAC is very good unlike many other integrated amps at this price point.

While the H190 is good, the H390 is significantly sonically superior - worth the extra $.  Buying used can save you significant $, maybe the older model H360 w DAC used may be a good option.

In high-end audio, the entire audio chain matters.  The performance capability of your speakers are way above the $2-3k level for pre+amp+DAC.  Agree that $5-6k is minimum.  

Don't put retreads on a sports car :)

I would not consider Cambridge. It’s not on the level of your speakers and will be a bottleneck. 
 

Go the integrated route with higher quality integrated. 
If you need HDMI capabilities consider Bryston BDA-3 DAC. Used should be well under $3k. Pair it with a used Lumin U1 Mini streamer and Hegel H390 integrated and it will be a solid system. 
Pros - great flexibility, good external DAC, dedicated quality streamer.
Cons - slight compromise on amplification with H390 vs the H590 but you make up for it with better source components. 

Another option, Hegel H590 and use internal DAC. You get a bigger and better amp but compromise on source. 
 

As for separates, I wouldn’t bother with 25 year old amps. You’ll be sitting on a time bomb. With newer components you won’t be within $7k budget with separates that will be on the level with your speakers.