I am amazed no-one have made a compairson with the Nuforce amps and pre's towards W4S's dito's. I have never heard W4S amp or pre. I am building a system from start again. I have pre-ordered the STI-1000. Looks like a good deal. Might aswell ask away, no-one here that have listened to the STI-500/1000 units? |
Seems though, as most class D amps is leaner in the lower mid, upper bass. Might be, that some speakers suits better and some worse. |
Well, you forgot JRDG with (inbuilt) power factor correction. If separates, bought and used on side. Personally, i prefer the C-500 in case of sound and looks. W4S is maybe a better buy looking at expenses. If i should take a pick, i would still take the Continuum 500. Slightly smoother than W4S, still a little better resolution.
However i've heard W4S been working on a Ref series:-) |
I have only read that all modules are fed from the PFC-1 (2 pcs 501 monoblocks and the internal Capri (pre)..
From what i were told, the PFC-1 uses incoming AC, pumps it up to 385v DC, further feeding the modules (Continuum 500 only).
There are more to this, which i do not know how to write in English sadly.
I understand it very well though, but to go on here writing i could not as i know not how to explain.
I have a friend who is well understood in audio-schematics and electrical in general.
He explained, but is no JRDG dealer or user.
There are advantages which obviously is known, even for W4S resellers (i've talked to one without mentioning name)
But doubt is always wise. It proves one wishes to understand. I still do not claim anything is equalizes a certain value/ asking price.
Most things are very much too high priced when it comes down to audio.
An example of this and has really nothing to do with this thread, but anyway!
I was at a demo yesterday. For a system, mainly a newly released loudspeaker.
Price, near double of my own. Better, no!
On the contrary!
If they've been, i had gladly admitted so and released a sneak preview.
This is weird (pricing) , but seems to work in audio out of some reason.
W4S is very good priced. Who could or can argue!?
I have owned them, and can say they might ask a bit more tweaking (which also cost) but it is very nice pieces and they are very nice people and stand fully behind their products.
I'm jumping a bit but again. The C-500 is substanitailly better looking than W4S units and has another feel and slightly different way of doing things (music).
I was actually told, you might need to jumps separates W4S to get closer to C-500.
Again, value (asking price) is subjective.
But i could easily bow head when the Ref series arrives from W4S. I think they could be a potential blast and fact is. Before the C-500 i was waiting for them.
So, the Ref has been postponed. I guess due to the dacs etc.... |
As mentioned, i could not answer on the PFC. Have you looked at JRDGs product sheet?
Anyway, i measured my speakers at minimum 6.5 ohm at the high (tweeter/mid) and 8.5 ohms at low (bass). In my setup the C-500 offers a smoother top but still with slightly enhanced dynamical contrast and resolution than my W4S STI-1000 with PS Audio high end fuses. The W4S sounded slightly more forced and also a bit sharper in the top. I prefer the C-500.
I won't argue, i could easily use a combo of pre/pow (none class D).
I did however find this unit neat and i need not use more inputs than 1, lesser cables etc.
C-500 work very well with Wadia 381. As a system, i think it performs well. I have been at a few private demos. All system setups has been more expensive than mine, but neither offered any all in all improvements to my sadness. |
To clear things out regarding PFC:
http://jeffrowland.com/knowledgemanager/questions.php?questionid=144
http://jeffrowland.com/knowledgemanager/questions.php?questionid=180 |
I agree. Having owned Krell FPB 600c + KPS 25sc and changed to FPB 700cx, KCT and KPS 28c, i say do not comapair A/B.
Had you the option to pay same for teh 700cx as the W4S, atleast me would take the Krell directly.
The integrateds from Krell,(might not be the FBI), but the others, are not even nearly close to the separates. Forget that! A W4S and or Bel i would never compair to a 700cx.
That is just too big of jump. |
Lets say you entered your dealers store and told him.
You'd won some serious money and then asked him.
How much better is the Krell separates?
Do you really believe he would answer you the same?
You know, one thing a good dealer do, is seeing to it, to sell you what you possibly can afford. If he told you the separates would make the S300i sound broken.
How would that turn out?
I know it is big difference. I started off with many different integrateds, just to enter separates.
But don't believe the S300i is nearly as good. It is not!
But i do not say one need to buy speakers that require huge amps. But if you had the possibility to borrow a combo for 2 weeks, after those 2 weeks put in S300i. Well, i'd say you'd probably end up unhappy. One smart reviewer once wrote, don't listen to things you understand you'd love if you can never afford them.
That is a hard thing, but it is some truth to this.
I put an end to my hobby a few years ago, sold all things off because it was just eating my life away.
I started a new system 2010 and sold it quite fast and begun another system build. I try to keep things sane. I admit, it is difficult. |
I believe you'd find a difference in the class D amps and class A or A/B.
I had Krell FPB 600c when i got my 700cx. I also had W4S STI-1000 when i got my JRDG C-500.
The Krell 600c compaired to 700cx differ. The later is darker, smoother. All is changed except for bass which i found same.
The 700cx is less proned to sound grainy or harsh.
The C-500 is also different compaired to STI-1000. It is smoother, has inspite of this, a slightly better depth and resolving power. For STI i would change monoblock fuses for warmer, also PC towards more full weighty sound. Both these amps, IMO, suits best with speakers that is rather full in sound. I would not use them with bright sounding or thin sounding cdp or speakers.
PL 300 sound very good with C-500. PL 300 sounds sharper and little less full sounding with STI. But they are not night and day. |
Sorry Dsper, i meant power chord (PC).
Fuses, yes, do your self a favour, ask for Furutech and with the option for smoother - warmer, same with PC.
If i might suggest, do not go for extended top end (it will also affect the weight and warmth in the mid towards leaner).
If you buy fuses, just use anti-static bracelet (as used when you work in a computer.) Fuses are cheap, easy to install and helps you when you try better power chords and interconnects.
Fuses tweaks the sonics and readability. It's even better with better cables, so you got nothing to lose. I would actually try mailing Eric, (behind Fusion Audio cables) and ask of the Romance series power chords and interconnects. Maybe you can try them home?
I think this is a very good choice for W4S.
http://www.audiosurroundings.com/catalog.php/Ericlove/dt92124/Fusion_Audio_Romance_Series
Please, let me know how it works out for you. I hope and believe he can help you with a deal. |
