Wyred 4 Sound or PS Audio


Hello, My name is Mark and I am a hifiaholic. It has been 5.5 hours since my last purchase: W4S mAmp mono blocks with the wiring/post upgrades - these will replace a Pro-Ject Amp Box RS, my gateway drug and a well-loved member of the family; I'm still a bit unsettled about the separation.

I am also experiencing cravings to replace the preamp, also a Pro-Ject (Pre Box RS Dig) with something with HT bypass to once again make use of the extra speakers and (really good)HT receiver on hand. My dilemma is this: I have the good fortune of two great deals: a new PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp at 50% off retail, or a new W4S STP-SE Stage 2 modified Preamp for $1k less than the PS Audio. I know, such a sad story.

I have recently lucked into used PS Audio PWD MkII and PWT, and have a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter. Seems like I'm chasing the PS Audio dragon, and my pupils do dilate when I see the BHK, but I have read such amazing things about the W4S STP - and this passive/active preamp idea is super intriguing - that it is making the decision a tough one. Would the amps have better synergy with a pre of their own kind, or would the tubes in the PS balance perfectly with the D-Class W4S? Is the PS deal just too damn good to pass up and everything else be damned, or is the W4S really the sleeper deal of century? Does anyone have any firsthand knowledge or wisdom to impart. Shouldn't there be coffee and cookies around here...


markkelly70

Showing 1 response by islandmandan

Mark, while I don't have either a PS Audio or W4S component in my system, I do have a preamp that is a Grounded Grid kit from Transcendent Sound, that has some key upgrades, such as caps, tubes, attenuator and switching, but the main point is that it uses 12AU7 tubes.

I would in no way call it laid back, or smoothed over or rolled off in high frequencies. It replaced a very good passive line stage, and I feel there is no loss of transparency with the change.

I drive either a Class D (500 Wpc) or an SET 300B for my 12" Tannoy HPD's, and each sounds very special in their own way. I'm leaning towards the BHK pre being the best choice, it sounds like a great deal.

Regards,
Dan