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
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! 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I’ve done a lot of experimentation with Class A circuits. Class A is an excellent way to smooth the "square waves" from DAC and translate more bass and a more natural sound.  I have found that the best number of Class A circuits in an entire audio path is two (meaning from source CD/file all the way to speakers).  There was still an excellent amount of quickness, attack, punch and clarity.  However, once the audio path contained 3 Class A circuits, I started experiencing the slow down or laid back affect where I would lose resolution/punch in the bass/midbass and the high frequencies definitely started rolling off. Essentially, the sound started becoming a lot warmer/softer/slower. This was not an issue with power supply, as the problem still occurred if I split the Class A circuits between devices (i.e. one Class A in DAC and two in preamp).

If you combine the PS Audio PWD with a BHK, I see three potential circuits that would affect this. One Class A circuit in the DAC, and one Class A circuit + tube gain in the preamp. I suspect the 12AU7 tube stage is going to do something very similar to a Class A stage. This may or may not push your music into the "laid back" area, it highly depends on amplifier, cables, speakers, etc. I can only speak from my personal experience with pieces of equipment.

markkelly70 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks guys. You've given me lots to chew on. As always, there are good arguments for both. Given what I've read about the W4S, it seems that it adds some tube-like feeling despite its lack thereof. And one would imagine that the PWD and BHK were designed to work together without coloring the source excessively, or even markedly - one would imagine. I'm gonna mull it over a few days and see if there is somewhere nearby I can hear each. Then, given my experience thus far with PS kit, the reviews, and the facts that I'm a Colorado native and have a screaming deal available, I'll likely pull the trigger on the BHK, hoping it's a lifer. If not, there's always Audiogon...:)
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