2. amps-preamps
  3. 187099-186215

Can you provide context on First Watt?

Hi all,

I just signed up for this forum. After 30 years of enjoying my Rotel/B&W setup that I bought in college, I decided it is time for an upgrade. Yes, I know ... 30 years. Anyway, for the last two months I've gone deep down the rabbit hole trying to get caught up with the audiophile world. 
 

Long story short, after all of my reading and assessing my needs, I decided on a combination of components and speakers. This week I've made two big purchases: a Wyred4Audio STP SE pre with stage 2 upgrades and a First Watt J2 amp (both purchased used). As far as I can tell, though, First Watt (Nelson Pass) doesn't seem to be making new amps, except for the F7? I just noticed that Reno HiFi is no longer in business. 

Could someone update me on the current status of First Watt? And, if down the road I ever require a service, would I contact Pass Labs for that?

Thanks for your time in orienting a 55-year old newbie to the scene.

Tal

surlydale
unsound
7,314 posts
 

I suggest choosing amps for speakers, not speakers for amps.

surlydale OP
12 posts
 

I suggest choosing amps for speakers, not speakers for amps.

Interesting, and why is that? Is it the speaker that primarily determines the quality, or "flavor," of the music reproduction? I'm genuinely curious. I purchased my last system 30 years ago, and the salesperson essentially put the components together for me. 

Either way, I'm kind of committed at this point. I got a great deal on my Wyred4Sound preamp and First Watt amp. All the reading I did indicated that those two components would "play well" together. So at this point I'm trying to select a speaker that is easy to drive.

 

unsound
7,314 posts
 

^Speakers are amongst the most colored of all components It would be prudent to choose speakers with those colorations that offend you the least. Speakers are more influenced by one’s room, placement and listening position than any other component. 

jl35
3,936 posts
 

Each First Watt amp has a somewhat idiosyncratic sound, and all are low power - they are great amps but your choice of speakers for each model is limited...many/most amps are designed to work with a wide variety of speakers, First Watt's are not...

surlydale OP
12 posts
 

Each First Watt amp has a somewhat idiosyncratic sound, and all are low power - they are great amps but your choice of speakers for each model is limited...many/most amps are designed to work with a wide variety of speakers, First Watt's are not...

Yes, and I get that. Of the First Watt amps, the J2 seems to be the biggest crowd pleaser, or the "least offensive," as Nelson Pass described it. I live in a small apartment and typically listen to music at 60-70 db. In fact, that’s why I originally landed on the Zu DWXs. Reportedly they sound great at low volumes. Surely I can find a speaker that will sound sweet with this amp. Unlike a lot of you, I just need one set of speakers that makes me smile when I play music. My understanding is that Zu Audio and Omega offer in house trial periods, so I may need to try a few before I settle, but that’s part of the journey.

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