2. amps-preamps
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Wyred 4 Sound or PS Audio

Hello, My name is Mark and I am a hifiaholic. It has been 5.5 hours since my last purchase: W4S mAmp mono blocks with the wiring/post upgrades - these will replace a Pro-Ject Amp Box RS, my gateway drug and a well-loved member of the family; I'm still a bit unsettled about the separation.

I am also experiencing cravings to replace the preamp, also a Pro-Ject (Pre Box RS Dig) with something with HT bypass to once again make use of the extra speakers and (really good)HT receiver on hand. My dilemma is this: I have the good fortune of two great deals: a new PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp at 50% off retail, or a new W4S STP-SE Stage 2 modified Preamp for $1k less than the PS Audio. I know, such a sad story.

I have recently lucked into used PS Audio PWD MkII and PWT, and have a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter. Seems like I'm chasing the PS Audio dragon, and my pupils do dilate when I see the BHK, but I have read such amazing things about the W4S STP - and this passive/active preamp idea is super intriguing - that it is making the decision a tough one. Would the amps have better synergy with a pre of their own kind, or would the tubes in the PS balance perfectly with the D-Class W4S? Is the PS deal just too damn good to pass up and everything else be damned, or is the W4S really the sleeper deal of century? Does anyone have any firsthand knowledge or wisdom to impart. Shouldn't there be coffee and cookies around here...


markkelly70
tubeking1
15 posts
 
I have I have both the P.S. Audio BHK Preamp and a W4S STI 1000 integrated. The W4S has a similar preamp to the separate unit, but not exactly the same. Do yourself a Big favor and get the P.S.Audio BHK preamp, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

 I am now retired and because time is limited I have purchased some equipment in the last few years that I felt would make my life complete before it's to late. Several purchases have been off the charts, Pass Labs xa160.5 mono blocks, BSG QOL and now the BHK preamp. WOW!

I have the good fortune to have two major systems with my other system centered around Tannoy Westminster Royals with tube electronics but if I only had one system it would have the P.S. audio BHK preamp in it.

Hope this helps.

Mark

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
@markkelly70 - I have had Klipsch speakers before.  I don't know if this is possible with your model, but see if you can take out the horn and apply dynamat to the backside of the horn material/plastic.  This will calm down the resonance/vibration of the horn plastic and will calm down the effect of the horn itself.
markkelly70 OP
7 posts
 
@tubeking1 That's great information, thank you! I definitely get the 'end game' feeling from the PS Audio components I have - they are 'lifers,' and I imagine the preamp would be the same. The scale is leaning! 

@auxinpput The horn on my speakers sits in a rubber enclosure, a feature that I think is new to this series. It's only an issue on certain recordings, and not enough of one for me to start pulling the things apart since I've no experience in that! Still, both the speakers and my ear are amenable to upchain contributions of warmth.
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Mark, while I don't have either a PS Audio or W4S component in my system, I do have a preamp that is a Grounded Grid kit from Transcendent Sound, that has some key upgrades, such as caps, tubes, attenuator and switching, but the main point is that it uses 12AU7 tubes.

I would in no way call it laid back, or smoothed over or rolled off in high frequencies. It replaced a very good passive line stage, and I feel there is no loss of transparency with the change.

I drive either a Class D (500 Wpc) or an SET 300B for my 12" Tannoy HPD's, and each sounds very special in their own way. I'm leaning towards the BHK pre being the best choice, it sounds like a great deal.

Regards,
Dan



















minkwelder
255 posts
 
I have the W4S STP SE, and was immediately struck with how transparent it sounds. I originally paired it with a Musical Design D-140 and Maggie MG-12's. I now have it paired with a Son of Ampzilla II and Maggie 1.7i's. The combination is the best system I've ever had.

The STP is a VERY nice preamp that reminds me of the best qualities of a tube pre with great bass handling. It may lack slightly in high end extension, but that could be the Audioquest Type 4 speaker cables.

I have no problems with enough gain, and it's nice to finally have a remote volume control that is actually usable for a change! 
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