Watkins Audio Generation Four Bookshelf Speakers ?

I tested and matched every resistor and capacitor and wound every coil in every WE-1 speaker to ensure a matched pair. But I don’t believe that 230 were built; if I recall it was considerably less than that. But it was a long time ago.

I to have a pair of Watkins Gen 4s, amazing speaker and Bill Jr is certainly a very professional and generous man with his time. I stop by his place of business ever so often, he always has time to talk music and equipment.

Bill emailed me a few months ago about a pair of WE-1s for sale, the gentleman has owned them for 37 years and in that time Bill Sr went through them and updated, also Bill Jr did the same about 2 years ago. Bill said they are mint inside and out and he game me the name and number of the gentleman selling them. After a call and a visit to his home I brought home the WE-1s. Everything ever said and reviewed about these speakers a true. I'm lucky to own a pair of the 230 built.

I use a REL T-5 but only because I had it before the Gen 4's. You are right; you don't need a sub with the Watkins but I typically use mine anyway with volume and crossover dials at 9 o clock position.

Somewhere around noon I turned off the REL T/7i sub.  I'm not sure if I like things better, but they are clearer, crisper and these don't really need a sub.

I just got mine. They are supposed to get better with break-in. Right now - super happy. Replacing Martin Logan XT35s which are fine. I have a hard time telling the difference between the overpriced stuff I buy. These are different. I had a physical reaction to them - I just smiled big like wow - I’m not sending these back. I am teased by friends I send stuff back often. Sure, you say you are great, the best I heard, and you are not - I send you back. I do not claim to be very experienced, although I do listen at Best Buy Magnolia (B&W, Ks, ML) and stay at nice hotels. These are keepers.

bsmg....because my last name is Watkins and because I'm on the brink of buying the Harbeth P3's...I'm wondering if you can elaborate
on your comparison. I am not familiar w/ the Watkins line except
by name. The two week trial adds to my interest.I have auditioned
the P3 and liked them very much. I play B&W dm303's w/ B&W
asw 300 sub in 12x20 living room....McCormack DNA1 amp.
Hope you see this and thanks for any info

reference999, these are without doubt the best sounding bookshelf 
speakers I've ever heard. I have had Watkins speakers for over 30 years and was involved in the manufacture of the WE-1 back in the early 80's. The new Generation 4 I have compared with Harbeth P3ESR and there is just no comparison; the Watkins is better by far. And those little Harbeths cost a couple hundred more!

reference999, I have heard these new Watkins speakers and they are incredible. The factory currently has a two week home trial and if you decide they're not for you, you can ship them back at your expense. I have been using these speakers exclusively for about 18 months; they replaced a previous Watkins model that I had had for over 30 years.