nuforce Ref 9 SE V3 vs wyred 4 sound STI 1000

I cannot comment on the W4S amplifier but I have owned both the Ref 9V2 SE as well as the Ref 9V3 SE and they are fantastic amplifiers.

The RFI issues were resolved with the Ref 8 or 8.5 iteration. I have never had any RFI issue of any sort.

The V3 SE is best described as nimble and smooth in my opinion. It is extremely extended on both ends of the frequency spectrum, and VERY revealing without becoming fatiguing (at least with my associated components).

The sound stage certainly became larger with the V3 SE over the V2 SE as alluded to by Vicdamone. The V3 presents music in a more integrated manner than the V2 SE, which is to say it's more musical in my experience.

Good luck with your decision.

Never used or heard Nuforce in my own system, but i've had W4S STI-1000 fitted with high end fuses.
I used the STI in two systems, with sorted PC's and IC's.
I decided to try JRDG C-500 or W4S separates. I went for the C-500 which is way more expensive than the STI.
The C-500 is more refined and in a sense calmer in it's way of coming on. It is smoother but at the same time more detailed. It has better 3-d (depth). In direct A/B with STI-1000 (PS Audio high end fuses equipt), the STI sounded slighly forced, sharper and more pronounced in the top end. This affects the whole tonal spectrum.
I suspect the PFC-1 unit, inbuilt in the C-500 has alot to do with the results. Oh, PFC is a Power factor correction unit.
For tech spec, look at JRDG's info page.

The W4S is a good amp and i agree it offer much for the money.
However, changing powerchord(s) and/or platform etc, can not do what the C-500 do.
Even though, it helps. I would, if trying diffent fuses, try Furutech instead of PS Audio.

I expect, next step (upgrade) would be Vitus SS-101mk2 (;-) or darTZeel CTH-8550.
Or JRDG Corus + 625. These are completely other prices though:-(
I have heard from a friend, doing A/B of C-500 and Mcintosh MA7000. The MA7000 is quite good, but it can not match the 3-d and transparency of C-500.
Talking W4S amps, when is the Ref series expected to be released?

Hi Inpieces. Did you notice if the C500 is sensitive to PCs? When I upgraded my amp from a Plinius integrated to the C500 I just continued using the "Lessloss" PC that fed the amp without bothering to explore other PCs.

Hi Noelpastor,

i don't think it's sensitive in the way of night and day.
I guess due to the PFC-1 unit inbuilt in C-500.
It is small shiftings. If compaired to my Wadia, the Wadia is perhaps 8/10 and the C-500 2/10.
I think it was almost same with other feets/damping/isolation devices. Wadia needs careful matching with PC and damping. It can yield very different results.
I think you are pretty safe what the PC you have.
Better work with IC or loudspeakers wire/ cable, if you find need of anything!?
If anything, i would avoid bright sounding PC's.
I did find the PS Audio Perfectwave AC-12 to work splendid.
I also would like to try the Lessloss PC's out of curiousity;-)

Thanks. I was hoping to try the new Shunyata Anaconda CX on the C500, mostly out of curiosity. But you may be right about the C500 being not so PC sensitive and best to leave the Lessloss alone and look to spend the money elsewhere. When you get a chance you should try it they come up 4sale here every so often and it is easy enough to unload. It went toe to toe with my old Shunyata Anaconda PC when I compared it on the Plinius years ago.