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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
gkelly's avatar
gkelly
170 posts
 

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

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

You won’t be sorry with First Watt. I’m a happy owner of two First Watt amps. An F5,and J2.  Nelson Pass also participates on diy Audio forums.  

surlydale OP
12 posts
 

Rocray, thanks for the testimony. I’ve read a lot of happy First Watt customers. Can’t wait!

 

gkelly, thanks for the recommendation. I’ll look up YG, for sure. 

soix
9,549 posts
 

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

YG makes great speakers, but they’re not suitable for First Watt amps given their sensitivity and impedance specs just fyi, but by all means go listen if at all possible. You also have Boulder and Ayre in the Denver area I think so go play if you can, and welcome to A’gon!!!

whoopycat
169 posts
 

Pass Labs service is outstanding, possibly the best in the industry. I emailed Nelson a question about dimming bulbs on my SIT-2 and he shipped out replacement bulbs to me without my even asking. He even followed up to make sure I received them.  I have a SIT-2 and a SIT-3 and I've owned a couple others.  That J2 amp may outlive you. Enjoy.

Nelson is designing new First Watt amps, I believe SIT-4 is next up, which appears to be a reissue of the SIT-2 but with differently sourced SIT transistors.

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