Cross-hairs on W4S STP-SE

[tsv_1]

Hi Guys,

Just a note to share how my pre-amp search has been going. After a very long search, tons of online research, and critical analysis of at least two solid preamps (modright LS100 and Sanders Pre) - I finally, just yesterday, pulled the trigger on a W4S STP-SE. It literally has everything I want in a pre-amp. It is SS (so I can leave it on 24/7). It has been extremely well reviewed and presents a bit of a tube-like midrange while still retaining rock-solid lows and airy extended highs. It has balanced and SE ins and outs, remote control, properly implemented volume control, and exceedingly low noisefloor (in fact, it's genuinely passive at low volumes)

The only non-stellar aspect as far as I can see is that the thing is fugly as hell. However, I'll be stacking my W4S-DAC2 on top of it and if basic math holds true, two nagatives make a positive . Actually... both the units are black and will be placed in a lower shelf... so they won't draw too much attention to themselves aesthetically. Frankly, while I'm a bit fussy about aesthetics (though not quite as anal as say Phil Hartman's Anal Chef character on SNL a while back), I view the cosmetically challenged W4S visage as a minor trade off to excellent performance and very high value. In fact the STP-SE is appx half the price of the other two units mentioned above, and far less than many others as well - yet with high performance components and top-notch engineering. That said, one has to wonder just how much more successful W4S would be if they hired, say, Nate Berkas to design their exteriors. Oh well

Anyway, assuming the STP-SE is a hit once it lands here at Chez-Todd, then the final puzzle piece will be a great SACD player. I mentioned in another thread that, while I loved the Oppo95's analog output sound, especially with well recorded SACDs, the darn fan was just a show-stopper. I could hear it every time is switched on. I envy those that either don't hear it or filter it out. I'm not so fortunate in that area. That said - the rationally priced SACD search continues (with the venerable Oppo93 filling in for the time being).

Cheers all!

(I'll post pics after the pre arrives and has been installed)

[joeinid]

Congratulations! Looking forward to your impressions. It seems like a great preamp and I've recommended it to a few friends. Please keep us posted.

ps I like the way it looks.

[Jerome W]

Congrats !
When it comes to sound I'm more interesting in sound than aesthetics. Aesthetics is a bonus.
Your math analysis of 2 negatives made me laugh !
Enjoy it in great health.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[-E-]

The STP-SE has also hit my radar; I am very interested on all of your impressions once it gets plugged in.

[slowGEEZR]

Great choice! I bet it will sound great. It seems like an amazing value.

[tsv_1]

Thanks guys! I will definitely follow-up once the STP-SE has acclimated (or is it me who has to acclimate?).

Cheers

[bzr]

Todd, congrats on finding a gem. That company just keeps hitting homers

[chessman]

tsv 1, it is a great choice. I ran a W4S STP-SE prior to the current BAT preamp and I really liked what the W4S STP-SE did for me. Take a look here:

http://www.audioaficionado.org/gener...nd-stp-se.html

It took a massively more expensive preamp to better it. And to be honest, the STP-SE might have controlled the bass a tad better.

[tsv_1]

Originally Posted by bzr

Todd, congrats on finding a gem. That company just keeps hitting homers

Thanks Kev! I swear they'd have 3X the business if they just cleaned up the aesthetics and (I hate to say it) boosted the price a little. Honestly, I overlooked it for the longest time because I thought it just wouldn't play in the same ballpark with the big-boys. Glad I saw the light.

How's that MSB treating you? Breaking in nicely I assume?

Cheers

[tsv_1]

Originally Posted by chessman

tsv 1, it is a great choice. I ran a W4S STP-SE prior to the current BAT preamp and I really liked what the W4S STP-SE did for me. Take a look here:

http://www.audioaficionado.org/gener...nd-stp-se.html

It took a massively more expensive preamp to better it. And to be honest, the STP-SE might have controlled the bass a tad better.

Thanks Randy for sharing that thread! Seems like quite a few people are fans of W4S. I feel as though I'm in great company - even with former owners such as yourself