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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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captainswankypants's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
captainswankypants OP
14 posts
 

Well the wishful budget got thrown in the trash. We're going to to try to stick to $5-7k.lol Thats not trying to find connections in that figure either lol

Leaning towards Cambridge CVX V2 for Streamer/DAC/Pre Amp. This can get broken up into 3 piece down the road (Separating with individual components) or sent in to ModWright for improvement. 

The Amp? No need for integrated now, so the question I'm running into now is just how big to go... 

I keep getting excited for older used things like Bryston 7B ST, or BAT VK-500, but those amps are going to be 25 Years old... I know the Watt Puppies aren't new either... 🤷‍♂️

Also on the short list 

Musical Fidelity M8s-500s (800w+ @ 4ohm)

Musical Fidelity M6 500i (500w) (Integrated, rethink the Cambridge/Linn Streamers)

Hegel H190 or H390 (500w)  (Integrated, rethink the Cambridge/Linn Streamers)

Linn Klimax Solo 500 Monoblocks (used pair for 20% of original)

Thanks EVERYONE for your input! The research and hunt continues. Gotta admit, I'm excited! 😎 

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,364 posts
 

If you now just need an amp, look up Odyssey Audio.

kennyc
1,472 posts
 

Hegel integrated with a built in DAC - consistently many positive reviews, the DAC is very good unlike many other integrated amps at this price point.

While the H190 is good, the H390 is significantly sonically superior - worth the extra $.  Buying used can save you significant $, maybe the older model H360 w DAC used may be a good option.

In high-end audio, the entire audio chain matters.  The performance capability of your speakers are way above the $2-3k level for pre+amp+DAC.  Agree that $5-6k is minimum.  

Don't put retreads on a sports car :)

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,926 posts
 

I would not consider Cambridge. It’s not on the level of your speakers and will be a bottleneck. 
 

Go the integrated route with higher quality integrated. 
If you need HDMI capabilities consider Bryston BDA-3 DAC. Used should be well under $3k. Pair it with a used Lumin U1 Mini streamer and Hegel H390 integrated and it will be a solid system. 
Pros - great flexibility, good external DAC, dedicated quality streamer.
Cons - slight compromise on amplification with H390 vs the H590 but you make up for it with better source components. 

Another option, Hegel H590 and use internal DAC. You get a bigger and better amp but compromise on source. 
 

As for separates, I wouldn’t bother with 25 year old amps. You’ll be sitting on a time bomb. With newer components you won’t be within $7k budget with separates that will be on the level with your speakers. 

 

 

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