Starting from Basically Scratch. Help me power some Wilson Watt Puppys
Alright hopefully the title explains the basics. I just made a deal on some Wilson 4Ω Watt Puppys (Series 7), along with a self powered Wilson Watch Dog.
Starting from scratch for PreAmp/DAC/Amp. This is actually to use primarily Firestick, Chromecast, and PS4 (I have a bunch of consoles, but those all get HDMI combined into one HDMI port and sound is not priority these obviously). Music is pretty varied. Hip Hop, Orchestral, Jazz, etc. Will likely try to stream some Hi-Res Audio where I can, but can tackle that bridge later, but keeping that in mmind for components today...
I’m OK with all in one Integrated. I’ve been looking at the Linn Majik, which looks like it would do everything, with 43-100W of Power (power depending on generation I find). I feel like the Puppys would want more power though.
Also looking at splitting everything up with Schiit components.
I really like the look of the Devialet Expert 200-220.though I would need a pre-amp to get all the sources to that one. Can find that for $2k-$3k used
I’ve always loved the idea of McIntosh, but the budget won’t allow it here.
I have a fair knowledge background in car audio, but the more I look at home audio, I see huge differences that I haven’t learned yet. For Example High end big speakers, talking about "minimum power of 12w" etc.
Thoughts? It’s always fun to spend someone else’s money right?
Thanks everyone that reads this chapter one of my book.
Kurtis
Depends on the day. 😜 @ghdprentice Thank you for the well written and thought out post. I agree this will end up being a longer term project. In the short term I'm not afraid to spend some today. I'm making I think a great buy on the Wilson's. At this point I am leaning towards the Linn Majik DSM (Streamer/DAC/Pre-Out), likely to Schiit Vidar 2 w/ 2x200w RMS at 4ohm I can split them up more taking some of the load off Linn, and get the McIntosh Amp that I want for this dream setup. |
captainswankypants If you want to hear what you WP7’s are truly capable of you need an amp with some power, real power. I have WP’s and although my Cary tube amp sounds wonderful on them, they can’t touch what my Pass X250 does. Your Wilson’s can really move if you have the right amp. Also the Wilson’s do not hold anything back so your source components better be great or the Wilson’s will sound harsh. If you’re only looking to stream maybe look at a PS Audio S300 amp, Bluesound Node as a streamer only through a RME ADI 2fs DAC using as both a DAC and Preamp. Should be able to pull this together under $3K keeping it as separates you can upgrade components out or add a dedicated preamp if you feel the need later. Not heard a Hegel H190 but that could possibly be a contender. You have some serious speakers so if you don’t get it right you’ll know it. |
@curiousjim The Hegel looks badass 🤔 150w @8ohm. Wonder what it does @4ohm? I'll have to look through the reviews... Thanks!!
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