2. amps-preamps
  3. 1237646891

ss amp synergy w/wilsons

i am in the process of making amp changes and would like some input on synergy with wilson watt puppy 7's. i have ruled out tubes for many reasons and another agon member (big thanks to mike!!) has spent allot of time helping me narrow down to a couple of ss options...rowland 302, levinson 436 and maybe pass 350.5 although a little too big.
my current krells (fpb 600c and 3250) are incredible amplifiers but, as i have come to understand, are not the best match for wp's. i thought it would also be a good chance to get something more manageable than 200lbs.
the amps will have to be multipurpose as the system is both my 2 channel and theater. not concerned much about the rears but the center is important. it is used often and i listen very loud (don't all wilson owners)...
i am using a theta casanova for pre and mit cables.
input on synergy you guys have found with wilson/ss would be great...also love to hear if anyone is running rowland 302/312 + wp's...
need to make some decisions because i listed my krells.
richard_stacy
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
spectral is sort of hard to find. i suppose dma 180 and maybe dma 50 for the center? i did audition wp's with spectral so i have heard the combination years ago.
theo's avatar
theo
2,664 posts
 
My local wilson dealer uses both Audio Research and Ayre to drive his Sophia and Maxx and in another system Naim to drive Duettes. I think the Wilson speakers will sound great with just about any amp. But I am partial to the sound he gets with the Ayre on the Sophias as a opposed to ARC tubes. The bass and mid just seem to step out of the corner and join the rest of the sound.
gerrym5's avatar
gerrym5
286 posts
 
Halos JC-1 monos by John Curl are still one of the best and tere at great prices on the Gon.
rcprince
3,061 posts
 
The Ayres sounded very nice with the WP7s and other Wilsons I used to listen to at my dealer's, as did the Accuphase 50 watt integrated, a surprisingly sweet amplifier. I'd say you wouldn't go wrong with any of the amps you mention as well, just don't go for something too lean or the speakers might get a little too analytic.

While Spectral often is paired up with Wilson and I have heard it sound quite good at a dealer, I would not suggest it without an audition unless the preamp was also a Spectral unit. As good as the amps are individually, they are intended to sound their best in an all-Spectral system. Not sure how the Spectral amps would sound with your preamp.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Every once in a while somebody asks the exact question I have had on my mind. I own the Soph;2's. I would guess my speakers might be a tad more forgiving than the 7's or 8's. ( of amp selection)
I also don't think I could handle the big Pass's w/o a chain pulley.
The Roland 312's are tempting but costly;but at least lighter. Plus I can't afford the Opus wire I'd like to own. Those retail for only 34k,the pair.
So I stay with my CJ 350 ss amp. My pre is the AA Prestige se--the one box thing.
Anybody have a clue what my next move is???
More to discover