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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

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adg101
1,063 posts
 

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.

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audiotroy
3,851 posts
 

captain

 

I owned watt puppy threes and fives a previous client had sevens so I know your speakers very well you really need to up your budget 2 to 3k will not get you the quality the speakers require a more appropriate budget is 5-6k at the minimum 

 

dave and Troy

audio intellect nj

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captainswankypants OP
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@curiousjim ​​​​​​

The Hegel looks badass 🤔

150w @8ohm. Wonder what it does @4ohm? I'll have to look through the reviews... 

Thanks!! 

 

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Spectral amps are a legendary match for Wilsons and if you pick one up second hand you can find one in your budget. See this thread:

 

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captainswankypants OP
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@kota1 Thanks for the link. I did read about the Spectral "relationship" as well. 

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