2. amps-preamps
  3. 126223-78409

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 3 responses by markkelly70

markkelly70 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks, Auxinput. Very informative. I decided on the mAmps because I put a class D - Peachtree SonaAmp - in my bedroom system and have been really happy with the sound. In the main system, everything ends up in Klipsch towers, so a little softening is not a bad thing there (I do love the speakers, but that horn can stand out at times). It's a tough choice, and it's easy to get lost in all the specs...and opinions. Thanks for your input!
markkelly70 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks guys. You've given me lots to chew on. As always, there are good arguments for both. Given what I've read about the W4S, it seems that it adds some tube-like feeling despite its lack thereof. And one would imagine that the PWD and BHK were designed to work together without coloring the source excessively, or even markedly - one would imagine. I'm gonna mull it over a few days and see if there is somewhere nearby I can hear each. Then, given my experience thus far with PS kit, the reviews, and the facts that I'm a Colorado native and have a screaming deal available, I'll likely pull the trigger on the BHK, hoping it's a lifer. If not, there's always Audiogon...:)
markkelly70 OP
7 posts
 
@tubeking1 That's great information, thank you! I definitely get the 'end game' feeling from the PS Audio components I have - they are 'lifers,' and I imagine the preamp would be the same. The scale is leaning! 

@auxinpput The horn on my speakers sits in a rubber enclosure, a feature that I think is new to this series. It's only an issue on certain recordings, and not enough of one for me to start pulling the things apart since I've no experience in that! Still, both the speakers and my ear are amenable to upchain contributions of warmth.
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