2. digital
  3. 1306109592

Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 Breakin Time

I was one of the original W4S Dac1 purchasers and just upgraded to the DAC2 and purchased a STI-500 amp. Have about 60 hours on the amp and 100+ on the DAC2.

I did find that DAC1 sounded better and better after about 200 hours of breakin time. Do the W4S STI amps work the same way?

Want to hear from STI-500 or STI-1000 owners with tips on breaking in these amps and how the quality improves with time. Has anyone used breakin CDs with these amps? Can you break them in at low volumn or do you need to play loudly?

So far, the STI-500 plays loud effortlessly but I am not hearing the detail I was with my previous Bada Amp and PreAmp. It is the amazing detail that I got from the W4S DAC that impressed me so much along with a very natural tone and realistic reproduction of acoustic instruments.
ronwills
inpieces's avatar
inpieces
199 posts
 
Try Furutech fuses instead. I've heard they're better than PS Audio high end versions (which i had in my former STI-1000.)
I would ask for the smoother sounding versions of Furutech.
You'll need 2 fuses, 1 for each monoblock. Try a new PC. Same here, look for a one with good resolving power and smooth.
I believe the Fusion Romance IC's and PC's would be a splendid approach. Email Eric, a very nice person;-)
This is what i should start off with.
Furutech fuses and Fusion Romance PC and IC (xlr ofcourse).
You can also try new feets underneath chassis of amp, not under original feets.
The SSC AS pucks is not very expensive, and give a smoother sound with a bit of weight in the mid. Try avoiding glass shelved equiptment supports.
ronwills OP
52 posts
 
Inpieces - looked up the Fusion Romance IC's but they are a bit too rich for me. I started another thread on cables that can be purchased around $500 and got some great ideas.

I think your idea about the fuses is a good one. I need to find the values of the fuses in the ST500 and then figure out how to get the cover off.

In addition, I will at some point bypass the Magnepan 1.7 fuses and go direct to the tweeter panel. May give it another few months (they are still so new!).
inpieces's avatar
inpieces
199 posts
 
Ronmills, i believe it was Torx. Don't remember sizing though. Just lose them and lift cover off. Then clip open the cable inside (open connector). No worries it is easy!
Hifi-tuning fuses might be even better. Just mail them and ask of the sonics. Remember the anti-static bracelet (cheap also.)
http://www.xtremecables.com/products.php?cat=33
dxter
5 posts
 
Hi dudes, I changed the fuses some time in February to Hi-Fi Tuning Supreme fuses. The size for the screws are Torx T-10

Reply from W4S folks then on the fuses used in the STI-500 when I asked them:
"The fuse that is utilized in the STI-500 is a 3.15A 5x20mm slo-blo."

In fact, I think the original fuses on the ice modules are pretty good ones. Housing looked like ceramic, and the contacts were good quality too.
ronwills OP
52 posts
 
Inpieces and Dxter - Very helpful! Thank you for the information. I have been very impressed with the quality of materials used in the W4S STI500 and DAC2. Quality connectors and very substantial feel of the units. Makes sense that they would use a good quality fuse on the inside.

The 5x20 fuses are what Hi Fi Tuning calls "Small" ?? I would assume a 3A would suffice rather than trying to find a 3.14A.
More to discover