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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
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

@surlydale , I also don’t listen very loud. Loud for me is about 85db peaks.(Using an iPhone app). I occasionally run a pair of Graham Chartwell LS3/5 using my J2. These are not very sensitive speakers at 83db,however are a pretty easy 9ohm. The J2 has no issues driving these to the higher end of the volume I listen.  The easier the load the better. I am currently running a pair of Nola Boxer II’s, 90db sensitivity, and an 8ohm load without the J2 breaking a sweat.

        The one piece of advice I’ll give is, let this amp breath it definitely runs hot. I don’t recommend putting it in a rack.  Other than the heat,I don’t find any negatives for the J2. Like others have stated,synergy with speakers and your listening habits mean everything.  Enjoy!

    Ray 

jfuquay
104 posts
 

I think you’re on the right track with high-sensitivity speakers for low-volume listening. Whenever I hear a speaker with a cone tweeter I like it’s often a highly efficient speaker, like a DeVore Orangutan. Also, you sound like a careful listener, so don’t scrimp on your source. FYI, The Music Room in Boulder is advertising a good stock of the PS Audio Directstream DAC, which was recently replaced by an updated version. For $2,000 it’s an outstanding choice. Enjoy.

herman
2,215 posts
 

DIYaudio is a great place to ask about FirstWatt products, since it is essentially a kit.
 

that is completely false, they are finished products just like all Pass  products

There’s absolutely nothing “kit” about a FW amplifier

nothing

surlydale OP
12 posts
 

FYI, The Music Room in Boulder is advertising a good stock of the PS Audio Directstream DAC

Thanks for the info. The Music Room may be the end of me. They have a lot of great deals, it seems. I bought my Wyred4Sound preamp from them for a great deal.

surlydale OP
12 posts
 

The easier the load the better. I am currently running a pair of Nola Boxer II’s, 90db sensitivity, and an 8ohm load without the J2 breaking a sweat.

I checked out those Nolas. Yes, I've been keeping my eye out for speakers with a sensitivity in the 90s and up. 

My J2 was supposed to get here today, but USPS tracking indicates that it is still "Moving in the system." I was hoping to fire it up tonight, but I may have to wait until Monday. I'm several months out from buying my speakers, but the B&W DM 560s that I'll be replacing have a sensitivity rating of 90db, so they may be a good enough speaker for the interim.

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