2. amps-preamps
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First Watt F7 owners, impressions?

Let's discuss speaker and preamp pairings you have found to work the best and why. I love this amp but maybe haven't been able to get the best out of it yet. 
  • Preamps: DIY Pass B1- great except for dynamic scale and deep bass, of course with no gain I also had to jack the volume a lot more; Manley Shrimp - better slam, more density, 12db gain helps a lot overall a better match. Want to try: microZOTL, Pass x-1
  • Speakers: Gallo 3.1 - easy to drive though only 88db sensitivity, controlled well by the F7, plenty of tuneful bass, plenty of volume using the Shrimp and impressive soundstage; Devore gibbon 8 - just acquired these and am getting used to them, definitely leaner and less bass but I like the midrange and punch a lot, soundstage is excellent too, and their look and footprint appeals. Want to try: Harbeth monitor, Spatial M4, Zu Soul, all of the speakers Srajan of 6 moons owns!
So far I agree with all the reviews of this amp I've read, their observations coincide with mine. Do you find the same?
Ron
roncagg
roncagg OP
61 posts
 
Lowrider, the F7 controls the bass very well, no doubt due to the excellent damping factor. Mark is apt to focus on the sensitivity level rather then the impedance curve, and the gallos are easy to drive. See Srajan's response to my question about the pairing (in his feedback section). He found the F7 capable of driving several speakers well that "on paper" it shouldn't have been able to.

Fritzspeaks, the Carbon 7SE is on my list to try! Partly due to that review. What amplification are you using with those? 

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@roncagg 
Thanks, Ron. Good info.
roncagg OP
61 posts
 
I wanted to update this thread because I just got the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE preamp (with stage 2 upgrades) and it brings out the best in the F7 to my ears, compared to the others I listed above. I am sure many others have this amp by now, given all the positive reviews, and I would love to hear what you have tried and your experiences!
foghorn1
13 posts
 
I have two W4S SX-1000 mono block amps [not the R version].  I'm looking for a preamp and considering the W4S STP-SE [not sure if I want the 2 upgrades, though.].

Having said the former, I am also considering an [Swiss Army Knife all in one unit]; i.e., the Musical Fidelity M6 Encore 225 [Amp (225W per channel), PreAmp, DAC, CD plus Music server.

My Speakers: Jas "Odin" 2.5-way Tower Speakers [89dB; 4ohm; 29-60000Hz; 220W (normal handling power); 1000W (transient power 10ms).

Does anyone have any thoughts between the W4S components and the Musical Fidelity [all in one unit]?
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