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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
ghdprentice
7,048 posts
 

Yes First Watt is still in business and producing new products. You get service through Pass Labs now. I would not be concerned about service… Pass has always been committed to long term service. About five years ago I got my 1980 Threshold 500s serviced to bring it up to original specs before I sold it.

erik_squires
16,130 posts
 

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

surlydale OP
12 posts
 

That’s great to hear that First Watt is still around. They sound like such a great company. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of amp and preamp.

Ditusa, I haven’t purchased speakers yet. In fact, these two purchases came up very suddenly. I need to save up some more, but I think I’ve decided on Zu Audio DWX Super Fly speakers. I have limited placement options, so the speaker efficiency and front port looked good for my setup. It’s hard making these decsions without hearing first, but I’m hoping this system will work well together. I’m also in Colorado, so I’m happy to hear the speakers are made just a few hours west of me. I’m hoping to go pick the speakers up and to meet the gang at Zu Audio when I make my purchase.

Thanks again for all of your input!

jl35
4,014 posts
 

TAS has referred to First Watt, as " Nelson Pass's creative playground " ...

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
177 posts
 

As long as you are in Colorado, and possibly in the Denver area, check out YG acoustic speakers. 

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