Amp for the new Watt Puppy speakers


Haven’t seen much info on these speakers since they came out. Upgraded my Yvette’s with the new Watt Puppy’s. Currently using a McIntosh MA12000 and looking for recommendations on new power. Would like to go separates but not sure if I should go mono blocks or stereo. Going to try D’agostino. What else? Open on budget. 

Ag insider logo xs@2xbrandan

I bought my DAWs after auditioning them on D’agostino integrated at a dealer.  They sounded good enough to buy obviously but for me the combo was a little exaggerated on top and kind of fatiguing especially on digital sources. Your mileage may vary. 
If I were to add another to your audition list, I would consider Passlabs.  All his amps are biased to stay in class A as long as possible which is more involving and addictive. In your price range you can easily snag mono versions with tons of wattage that provide awesome soundstage. If you can handle the space heater aspects, he also makes 1 and 2 chassis pure class A amps. 
I don’t own Passlabs after blowing my fun money budget on the DAWs, but they are on my list. If like me, you are on a budget for the moment, I can suggest a much less expensive alternative that punches way above its weight. Just let me know.

I recently acquired an Audionet PRE G2 and Amp 1, I highly recommend you give this brand some consideration. 

I have the new WP and they are amazing.  You’re going to love them. I bought a D’Agostino S350 to go with them and I’m very happy with how they work together.  I’m using McIntosh C2800 preamp which I already had.  Again, sounds very good but I think the C2800 is the bottleneck.  I like the sound of a tube preamp with a SS amp.  So I’m on the hunt for a good preamp.  That being said the D’Ag is an exceptional amp paired with the WP.  Others to consider would be Pass, Burmester, and AR.  Good luck and have fun!!

You should only consider solid state. The best I have ever heard the Wilson speakers were with a lower watt tube amp, but as they turned the system up it turned into a mess. I dont understand why Wilson doesnt make more an effort to make their speakers easier to drive.

I just heard them with VTL TL6.5 Series II / S-200 and Transparent cables. I thought it was wonderful.

If I had an open budget I would audition Boulder , CH Precision and Dartzeel. Great problem to have. Good luck! 

Like you, I was an owner of Yvette’s before I became a dealer by trade three years back. I paired them with T+A electronics (who I now deal for), and the pairing was very good. Wonderful harmonics from the T+A, and exceptional control of the speakers. The stack used in particular is the T+A A 3000 HV amplifier and optional PS 3000 HV power supply. I owned these amps before becoming a T+A dealer, and they are still my reference amplifiers to date. 

Wilson is often paired with Audio Research at shows, and the pairing typically sound great. But if you ask me, I’d pick Simaudio over Audio Research. The Simaudio has a really nice and silky top end to their amps that work really, really well with Wilson. Just a bit less harmonic than T+A, but the tonal balance is quite beautiful. 

I heard a pair of WP8s im August. I was amazed. To my ear they sounded better than the Alexx V which I also auditioned.

The WPs were driven by a Mac tube amp (I know, I know but that was how the dealer presented them).  The Alexx Vs were driven by a Burmester that looked like a dorm room refrigerator. They sounded so cold and analytical I thought it may snow in the listening room. :)

 

If you’re cool with the money part give a listen to the 5 years in the making Audio Research 330m units. I heard them here in the Carolinas and they were stunning.  I want to get a pair of WPs driven by the 330ms.  
 

That’s just one man’s opinion but I’m a critical listener. 
 

Have fun with the discovery process! 

Ive heard Rowland Mono Blocks running thru Watt/puppy's

Sounded great. Blew my B&w 801#3 and Krell ksa 250 away in every way.

Id mate those Wilsons up with a smooth Musical amplifier over hyper detailed, type amp.  For sure.

My friend,

With the new technology incorporated in the new WATT / Puppy’s any high end amplifiers will do just fine. In fact, part of the Philosophy of Wilson, Audio is to design speakers for the best audio equipment. Instead of asking many of us for the best amp to pair with your new speakers, you may want to focus on what the experts say is the best amplifiers. Robert Hartley has a video highlighting his reference system in which he goes into detail expressing why his choice of components works best for him. He does this without mentioning his Wilson Audio Speakers. 
 

Best regards,

East

Well have seen photos of the Wilson Living room,

Looks like Vtl for tube and D’agostino. for Solid

Congrats on great speakers and amp! For any future upgrades consider Boulder. I’m running Wilson Sabrina with Boulder 866 integrated but if I were to go separates, Boulder 1160 would be on top of the list. 
How do you like the new Watt/Puppy? Placement and room acoustics is critical with Wilsons. 

@brandan 

I visited WA a few months ago and they had them playing with D'Agostino and were amazing.  I am an Audio Research fan so would also think they would work well.  

What color were your Yvettes....I have been thinking about getting some.  I am guessing you traded them so your dealer has them for sale??  

What is DAG. Dan Agostino amp? Dan Agostino amp works well with Wilson speakers.

Thank you. Yes! Delivery is today!! I’ll add some photos in my profile once everything is set up!! My WPs i custom ordered in classic orange. My Yvette’s were silver so I needed something exciting this time. I went with the D agostino momentum HD pre amp and the Progression S350 stereo amp. As well as cable upgrades from transparent.