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new member, some questions, need help please

Hi, my name is Jaime.  I've been lurking this site more intensely over the past few months as i'm at the end of my career and would like to assemble a very nice, better than mediocre equipment and listening environment.  I was heavily into audio and considered myself an novice audiophile for a few year back in circa 1988.  Got into med school, married, children, mortgage, fast cars, fine wines and, well, you know how it goes thereafter.  fast forward onto the current epoch, a few lbs heavier, tinnitus in one ear and still have the bug and still covet some equipment that I could not afford back then.  Well, don't hear too much of Mark Levinson, Wilson Audio is still around, cassette player are out (remember Nakamichi :-) ), now there's so much digital this and digital that, servers, streamers.... I've got much to learn.  But, for now, I just have one question regarding one piece of the audio chain...... speakers

I've alway wanted to own Wilson Watt puppy ever since I first heard them in 1990 paired with Jadis amp and preamp.  Wow, still remember back then the music was palpable and haunting (remember i was and still am a novice).  I"d like to return to Watt puppy and a great amp, but here's my question:  Specifically regarding Watt puppy series 8..... are they too old to be meaningful in 2024? Do speakers lose their magic to an extent that renders them less capable to a significant extent after 15-18 years (assuming proper physical condition condition for their age) or do they still have enduring quality sound after all these years?  I know that my ears and temporal lobes of my brain ultimately have to please me, but I do have to start somewhere with some knowledge moving forward, hence my ask for help.. thank you very much in advance.

Jaime

jaimeromero
soix
9,549 posts
 

I don’t think those older inverted-dome metal tweeters are competitive with today’s better designs and will likely need to be tamed by electronics/cables. I’d go listen to some of Wilson’s more recent designs with a silk dome tweeter and see what you think. For someone in your position I strongly second the recommendation to go to an audio show or two and listen to some speakers from the likes of Sonus Faber, Joseph Audio, Vandersteen, ProAc, Rockport, Magico, Usher, YG, etc. in addition to Wilson to get a better idea and perspective on what else is out there today. Best of luck.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,804 posts
 

jayctoy yes in some cases.

 

I owned wilson wp 3 and fives when

I opened my shop We brought in usher and dali loudspeakers these models were way less expensive and outperformed the older wilsons

 

at axponna the alta audio adam at 20k sounded as good as a 40k wilson daw

 

dave and Troy

audio Intellect NJ

dali alta dealers 

12many
274 posts
 

Similar spot as you but maybe a year or two ahead. I will parrot back the good advice I received from this site. I suggest listening to different systems as much as you can. Different speakers and equipment will present different sound or sound different. You will want to match the equipment you buy to the type of sound you like and the type of music you listen to. Read and listen, read and listen. Don’t hesitate to listen for a long time. If you can learn before you buy, it will be a big benefit. Finally, you may be presented with systems at first sound good, but after long term listening/owning are not so great. I was told new listeners look for treble details, big bass, and chase specs. I was guilty of this. Instead focus on the emotion the music brings out, your involvement with the music, and the mid range. Finally, there are great deals used if you get to know the market and can find a seller you trust. Good luck and enjoy.

ghdprentice
7,027 posts
 

I helped assemble a system for a friend. They include a set of used Puppies 8, I believe. They sound fantastic coupled with. New ARC preamp and amp. The woofers have just been re-taped. A great combination. You get the natural warm sound of the ARC and highly detailed sound.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,117 posts
 

Audiotroy annually I attended axpona, Alta room always sounds musical. For many yrs I wasn’t impress with Wilson until last year I heard the Wilson and Dan Agostino gear with them. Quintessen audio finally got it  right. I was floored. I believe now with the right gear , cabling, and room? Wilson Watt puppy will shine. 

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