Blown away by a Wilson Watt/Puppy, Krell. Spectral, Nakamichi system
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Today’s system:
Spectral DMA0360 mono amps
skyfiaudio.com...
Krell KBL Preamp
skyfiaudio.com...
Wilson Watt Puppy 5 speakers
skyfiaudio.com...
I forgot to mention the Nakamichi Dragon CD Changer that was part of the system
skyfiaudio.com...
I heard this amazing system at Sky-Fi Audio skyfiaudio.com/
Sky-Fi Audio works in partnership with New York dealer Stereo Exchange stereoexchange.com
Follow me on Twitter / audiophiliacman
Going to work an hour early to listen to your favorite (and unaffordable) speakers? That’s an audiophile! 👌
Wilson Watt/Puppy was what got me into the audiophile world. Love them! Still one of the best speakers today. Still rivals modern speakers even though it’s 20 years old. Personally the caster wheels have to go through.
You have a VERY rich history, Sir, and we all benefit from it. Thanks for sharing !
I really appreciate your Audiophiliac show, I've only been an audiophile for alittle over a year now and I've learned so much from your daily show.
Some time in the late 1980s I visited Sound by Singer and heard a set of Watt+Puppys. I was sure at the time that it was the best speaker system I had ever heard, and even now I'd be willing to argue for this being the case. Every once and awhile, I browse around looking for a close-by pair. So far, I've had to make do with my Infinity RS1b system. Viva vintage gear!
Wow, glad to know you are a Wilson Watt/Puppy fan. That was the first modern day speaker I heard that blew me away. I can't remember the preamp being used in the system, but the amp was Jeff Rowland and the CD player was the $20,000 Linn. Holographic imaging was incredible. A great speaker for sure!
I listened to a system like that and it was so good I never wanted to hear it again! (It ruined everything I ever heard before or after.)
@@47Str8 I have heard only a few systems at that level. I have never been to an audio show. Another system of note was being in the Chesky Records listening room. I am surprised Steve has never mentioned it. My experience there was over twenty years ago so I don't know what play back equipment they are currently using. At the time they were using Parsifal speakers and Lamm electronics. The sound was stunning. I wish everyone had the opportunity to hear music reproduced at the level and realize what they are missing. I think the high end audio market would grow exponentially.
I like the older stuff didn't cut corners like today
As an old school audiophile, you should do a video on the best deals for used equipment on eBay. Amps don't age badly, so there are some great deals on some amazing older equipment there.
Agreed!
Ed Shull Capacitors do not age gracefullt
caps are sounding differently even after only 5 years. I wouldn't buy any audio eq older than 2 years...
@@awdadwadwad1723 Yes caps will dry up after years....but 2 years?? Talk to Steve, Paul, Zero Fidelity....theyll all say 2 years is fine ....even several years.
There are still audio equipment techs that restore and repair that kind of stuff for cheap. Not many, but I found one and recently bought a Technics turntable from him, holy shit, it sounds brand new, included a new matched cartridge of course. Also this blanket statement does not take into account usage and environment. Some equipment may have seen little if any use since the 80's and been stored in ideal temperature and humidity conditions, sometimes worth a gamble if you buy directly from someone who keeps their house museum-level clean.
$85,000 is still a lot of money to me! Whew!
I was joking!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac it's funny I am actually buying a house for 85,000 I mean not to brag but that's pretty cheap for a house, right?
Don B. That’s stupid money even now you could bye a good super car for that sort of money 🤪🤪🤪🤪
@Ian Yates
Heck ya, the new generation vette starts at 60 so 80 should get you a fully loaded one. Let’s see, vette or speakers......🤔
@@ianyates7742 The new mid-engined Corvette is under $60,000.
I listened to a Wilson Alexa and D'Agostino system at a local dealer and was blown away of how beautiful, detail and how it filled the room. Head and shoulders over my B&W and Mcintosh system. They are definitively out of my price range but if I could I would for sure.
I did the same thing! I went to the hi-fi store where I worked early to listen to a pair of Wilson Benesch A.C.T. Speakers. They sounded amazing. Brought a tear to my eye, I can tell you!
Wilson Benesch is soo much better than this overhyped US Wilsons.....
awdadw adwad well I don’t know about that, but I know the WB’s sounded great in the shop. I think we were using Audionet mono’s at the time, as Wilson Benesch was the distributer. I know them personally as our shop was in Sheffield. Really nice people!
In my view, the 80's and 90's were the golden age of high end audio.
Vintage audio rules. My Apogee Duetta Signatures are now over 25 years old - and (space considerations aside) I wouldn't trade them for anything other than maybe a rebuilt pair of 2 ohm Apogee Scintillas. You can still get fantastic bargains buying vintage audio gear - particularly speakers.
I heard these speakers years ago in a store doing a demo. The music of the guitar sounds unbelievably real.
I really, really like Wilson speakers. Heard my first one at RMAF - a Sasha 1 - and my comment at the time was; "Never heard a speaker sound like that". Amazing - playing vinyl off a Linn, Simon and Garfunkel, with an all ARC stack - commercial, off the shelf pressing. It was truly heavenly. I don't know what Wilson does - his drivers are more-or-less ordinary - but his speakers are truly out of this world.
I heard the Wilson Watt/Puppys back in 1988 when everyone was raving about them and was totally unimpressed. I always liked the Spectral sound but found them grainy. "Horowitz at Home" is one of the two best (in my limited experience as I have not heard every piano recording), piano recordings in existence. The other is Ikuyo Kamiya playing Beethoven's Appassionata on an RCA direct to disc made in 1977. It is the closest thing to a real piano in the room experience I have ever had.
To bloviate on another note, this set of videos from SkyFi Audio got me to thinking about equipment that is 25+ years old and what I would want to own. And while I can think of many electronic pieces I would like to have, nothing digital thank you very much, not very many speakers come to mind. Maggies, Quads and Sound Labs, perhaps Klipsch and Tannoy, and the list stops about there. I own the bottom of the line Sound Lab speakers from the early 1980's, and power them with a pair of Mark Levinson ML-2s made in 1977. A match made in heaven.
The Spectrals are direct coupled without a series output inductor to roll off the high end and partially isolate the output stage from highly capacitive loads. It has tremendous speed with response exceeding 1MHz. MIT or dedicated speaker cables are required. So yes they can sound grainy under a number of load conditions. Very speaker dependent and final settling in is laborious!
Those speakers look like something out of a classic sci-fi movie. Beautiful!
These guys make some trippy speakers too. www.kyronaudio.com.au/
I really like the warm sound of Wilson Watt Puppy
Lol, my friends dad had an amazing stereo set up that my friend never cared about, I used to bring my cds to his house and listen to it for hours, then when I got home I would miss his system so much!
I remember sound by singer . Omg the Conrad Johnson amps , the krells the rogues . Back then the equipment was awesome , now considered vintage high end. And thank goodness because it was built to last , not like today with all the digital crap. ❤
Came a cross this video researching the watt puppy's. Have an opportunity to purchase the watt puppy 6 speakers. Will be looking them over before purchase next week. Thank you for the wonderful video.
I love my watt/puppy 7 - I’ve never felt the need to upgrade to the Sasha. My ears love them.
Hi Steve, Your review makes me excited again to replace my B&W 802 series 80 with the Wilson Audio Watt/Puppy now that I can afford them. Now I am familiar with the Watt 3 Puppy 2 combination not with the later versions. Do you have any advice for me if I switch to the Watt/Puppy which version is the best. By the way, I can now take over a nice set of Watt 3 Puppy 2 for around $3000,-
Steve, you’re killing me! I’m dying to hear you talk about/review the Nakamichi Dragon CD system!
I screwed up by not mentioning it! Maybe because I don't know anything about it.
Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac No worries! They’re rare, esoteric beasts, which is why a few of us are curious about your take on them. Many of us Gen-X’ers are exploring the world of vintage equipment that we could only dream about in our pre-career years and are curious how these then, state of the art systems stand up against today’s equipment.
@@nakanon340 there may be a reason Nak only sold 200 of those units. Their Music Bank changer was not exactly trouble free.
I am a fan of the Watt Puupy.
I have a refurbished set of WP 6……. I simply love them… I had much more expencive speakers before, but the wp`s just do everything right 🤩
Hey Steve. You’re taking it up a notch with great production. Always something new to learn or revisit on your channel. Awesome work. 👍🏼. Waiting for “The Man Upstairs”.
What about the Nakamichi? Damn it. I wanted to see the Nak.
I clicked on this video to see where the Nak fit into this system. 😕
@@JacobFrey as punishment Steve has refused to show my system with the ZX-9 on top that I showed him. It's sad cause that cassette deck was more than some of the other systems.
Hi Steve, I can definitely relate to your feelings about the WATTs. I was also mesmerized the first time I auditioned them back in the nineties @ SbS. Andrew isn't the most "charismatic" person but he did leave me to enjoy them for an hour (probably knowing I couldn't afford them" and that was appreciated. I've been searching intensely for years and hopefully I'll find a used pair. The Spectrals are also a bucket list item. Thanks for sharing, it's always fun enjoying your perspective, personality and humor. Namaste.
My dream loudspeaker is Quad ESL-63 and the Gradient SW-63 sub. I heard this combo in a shop 1988 and Dire Straits have never sounded that good since.
This Horowitz recording is so wonderful. Thx Steve.
I picked up a pair on Prime Day for just $80,000.
Lol
Neighbor picked up a nice used pair for 2k.
@Rob C prob not
EXACTLY: This is what it's all about; It's not about big bass, it's not to play as loud as possible. It's about creating that magic, so you get tears in your eyes :-)
He has a very good voice!!!! Just get up and dance with it !!!
How could you forget the Dragon!
It's interesting that quality vintage audio gear is becoming more sought after at the same time there is a lot of affordable new audio gear on the market. Both offer great value.
Depends on how you define "value". Not to pick nits, but look at the prices of some of the Nakamichi vintage decks, for example. I found a wonderful DR-2 for 300 bucks, now some guy wants 790 for same? OK that's more than new, dude. Then the crazy Dragon that is just out of sight and do I want all that extra mechanical stuff to break? The new stuff sounds good for the $$ especially if you don't want truly higher end sound. Vintage gear is an interesting exercise and as another example older CD players and finding one that "sounds right". I think I am there with this Rega Planet 2000. At 195 bucks the power cord was 55 more than the player and the interconnects also 55 more. It's that sort of analog sound with real bass and a top end without that harsh detailed sound that doesn't sound realistic anyway. This player, I mean drums sound like drums and as a drummer I know what a drum is "supposed" to sound like. Anyway sorry for the lengthy rant
@@JohnDoe-np3zk you are correct, some items get popular and become overpriced but there are always "sleepers" to be had. How is the reputation of the DR3? I just picked one up grom a thrift store
@@seeburg10 well as you know it's the 2 head version of the DR-2 and DR-1. Apparently this era is about the newest Nak still considered good but maybe not "great". One reality gets to be age. I also have a Nak 350 I bought that needs some work it's a cool portable unit 12volt too.
@@JohnDoe-np3zk That's very cool!
@@seeburg10 yeah thanks. I bought it new too! Anyway you are going to like that DR-3 I bet because this DR-2 sounds really good. I've been making tapes and playing tapes and really like it. Apparently machines made in Japan like mine are a little better/more desirable so one consideration...
When you were talking about coming in to work early just to hear those speakers, it got me thinking...Do you think there might be a market for that? I mean would people pay, say by the hour or maybe a monthly membership fee, for access to a great sound system? You could bring in your own music and hear it on a world class system. I think I might pay for that! I suppose you can do it to some degree at a stereo shop with a listening room, but there would be an expectation of you eventually buying something. And I don't think you'd be able to just sit back and leisurely listen without the salesman over your shoulder.
victorsixtythree there’s a market for it but it’s very, very small. It wouldn’t work.
it's just music cafe like they have in japan...
C'MON STEVE play the DAMN system! Where is the NAKAMICHI?!
hitechburg This is a famous discussion channel only. Sound demos and measurements are kryptonite.
If you came here for any music, you are going to be sorely disappointed.
No mention of the Quads siting there. That speaker was an epiphany for me.
Raised on those stands, I bet they sound great. Still limited in dynamics for many, but wonderful.
They looked like Dahlquists, but totally different tech. www.ebay.com/i/202865158008?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=202865158008&targetid=809744039985&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9030447&poi=&campaignid=6470742440&mkgroupid=80119806400&rlsatarget=aud-622524042878:pla-809744039985&abcId=1141156&merchantid=6296724&gclid=CjwKCAiAx_DwBRAfEiwA3vwZYjDFW7sHM4KEJvHrv6CRjfpWIC5Vju2URfVytVkgMDeeRlAgtH8xXhoC9NgQAvD_BwE
I just got to sit down for a listen with the Wilson Master Chronosonics. Nothing sounds like a wilson and the Watt/Puppy is such a great entry into the world of wilson
@Steve Guttenberg, being you like the Watt Puppies so much (And who wouldn't?) I believe you would also like the Wilson Sasha and Sasha 2 lines. The upper frequency range was extended even further, and they look almost identical to the Puppies. The overall sound is said to be even more refined. I sure wish I could afford these, I would purchase them in a heartbeat. P.S. I love all your videos!
I had the Krell Pam 7 preamp which was very good.
I was using a Carver Lightstar amp, Vimak Dac and Vimak Transport and JM Lab 920.1 speakers. It was a really good sounding system
i always loved vintage krell
I remember clearly going into this hi fi store, pretending to need this or that......just on the chance those speakers would be playing. Fun times!!
Wilson Audio makes great speakers! What everyday Joe Blow can afford them?!
I'm a joe blow and I have a pair of wilsons. Keep your ear to the ground and you'll find a deal out there.
$5,999 on that shop’s link you posted, Steve. Why not get them and call it the final speakers you ever own? But, please don’t stop reviewing. Your channel is my fav on YT!
Great..thank you..
Which version do you think was and still is the best of watt puppy?
Definitely my dream system!
$85,000 is still a lot of money!
Parabéns muito bem conservadas estas caixas watt puppy show
Completely agree.
Hey, Steve, you mentioned that during your brief stint as a piano tuner you were privileged to hear some really professionally tuned instruments. Were those nuances you heard could be captured on on a well done recording? ( and assuming you have decent gear to play it back on.)
Great audio adventures continue Steve.
Yeah I second the Dragon review but would love to hear about the Drago TT with the centering servo-now that's tech if you think about it makes sense just like the Azimuth correction on the CR7A -maybe played back on some of those Nak Stasis amps
Also, one of the best, if not the best preamp around back then, except for maybe the Cat or DNM Series 3
Classic audiophile system. Nice.
I'm curious how the Watt Puppies would do compared to Sabrina X's, which are very similar in price.
Ha I said Wilson was missing from your list of favorite speakers in the last video. Will watt puppies beat horns?
Personally speaking I didn't buy into the whole Watt Puppy craze. Back in 1998 I could afford the those Wilson speakers. IMHO they made my ears bleed after about a half hour of listening. I ended up with Genesis 300 that absolutely loved and just as a reminder I had been to Sound By Singer back in 1984 where your old boss was a total tool with me so I never went back, because I wasn't a doctor, lawyer or Indian chief and didn't fill the clientele Andrew catered to and never met you. I am still in the hobby regardless. And again in my humble opinion it wasn't till the Wilson Sasha that the lower priced Wilson models finally stopped making my ears bleed. Steve I think you're a great guy so please no offense to you in my comments.
Same experience at that shop.
Upon walking in Andy looked at my blonde hair and then into my blue eyes. He made a sound, turned around and walked away from me. Later someone explained it all to me. He could have made a killing off of me. Every other dealer did.
Great older review… mine was in 1885… Hafler preamp.. GAS power amp and AR9LS speakers With a VPI table…. Wilson were too expensive at that time…
Love your channel my friend 👍
Great video. One of my favorites too
Nice set up!
hey steve, these speakers driven by the jadis defy 7 was spectacular, better than ANY other amp i have heard it with including krell and sutherland. every time i heard the w/p with ss, it ran out of steam, with jadis, arc, and vtl, wonderful.
...hifitommy
I would add EAR to your list, an exceptional audio equipment.
WHAT A GREAT SALES PERSON!!! He sure knows how to sell you all the BULL Crap
All that and no music ? Cmon man!
@OCD HF-FI Guy , hey man I ❤️ And subscribe to your Chanel , I strongly value your opinion on anything HiFi , could u giv an opinion on the Watt Pup
Watt are ok but i bought the NHT 3.3 Reference and way better sound to me higher highs and just the clarity at the time in the 80 was off the charts. Even the B&W nats are like 20g a pair and they were awesome as well
Sasha daw sound nice!
Would love to hear a system like that!
You didn’t talk about the Nakamichi
Question is what Wilson offers most for money?V to Sophia say what model offers the most.Haven't heard Spectral which everyone say's "Fast" I have heard the V with KSA300 Krell.Would be great if you made a list of of top pre's from say 1980-2000 and would Spectral,Threshold,and Krell,Levinson make a top 10 list of solid state amp and preamps.Maybe one seperate list of top pre's tube or solid state.Not only sound but sound for dollar for those in hunt that think maybe todays msrp's have gotten out of hand
Oh and if such a list were perfect might include something for low power speakers like say Pioneer M22
Love it....
Is Krell names after the characters from Forbidden Planet?
Im guessing yes ...
Yes it is named after the planet in said movie.
Steve get a room with your watt puppies😃😃😃✌
I am somewhat surprised you such are a Wilson Watt Puppy lover only because I do not ever remember seeing any Wilson video reviews from you. You should do some if Wilson will send you product?
I’d love a pair of of Alexia 2’s ($52,000) or even Yvette’s ($25,000) in sage green but at these prices, not in this life.... Nonetheless, it’s fun to dream....
Retire with those & where to put them. You'd have to move Steve. Vid on spkr size vs. Room size?
I used to feel that way about Martin Logans.
Hey Steve, did you forget to show us the Nak? What the heck?
The Nakamichi was that DAC below the TT?
You see! Vintage, but not Paleolithic, is as good as present gear. This is a business and makers must make us believe just new ones are percetivelly superior to what they made before. Is a nonsense. An Spectral amp should be considered a lifetime purchase.
Well said, just pick up a pair of these amazing loudspeaker last week, at a bargain! Love them! @laboratoiredubonsonaudio Spectral Amp+Pre next on the list
Great upload :)
Wouldn't it be great if you could do a high quality sound demo and post it on SoundCloud or something so we could get a good quality sample of what you're hearing.
Joe Ike will never happen.
@@JEG6919 I've seen other UA-cam channels do it but I'm not going to hold my breath for this one great content anyway.
Speaking of brick and mortar, have you been to 'The Schiitr' yet?
I heard they let you throw their stuff against the wall to see if any of it sticks.
Steve, keep it coming. Enjoyed this video, I also have had "profound audio moments" with all sorts of gear, moments like these to true audiophiles are remembered for a lifetime.
I don’t get Wilson either. I can think of at least 5 speakers I like better than Wilson, and at lower prices. But everyone has subjective tastes and that’s ok.
Especially those Watt Puppys (5s???).
hmmm - odd i saw a full spectral kit set up in the basement of sound by singer in 98 or so - im sure of it.
What about those Quads??
Just play it!
Cool.
Fun to look at that stuff..still spendy
$85.000 in 1980 adjusted for inflation is equal to $278.419,88 today.
It seems to be a rule with these Watt Puppy. Who listens to these Speakers is blown away
Wow, you are good. You can sell ice to eskimos...in a good sense. People trust you.
Steve, I do respect that you love the sound of the watt puppy's. But I have to tell you my opinion of the look of them, they look ugly as Sin :-) I'm all about great performance and something that looks nice at the same time. Honestly I don't know how you could sit there and look at those things and enjoy them.
they look retro sci-fi = pretty darn cool!
@@awdadwadwad1723 To each their own...boxy and old looking, i like sleek and modern
Krell on Spectral amps? Omg what a mismatch. Spectral power amp should always have spectral preamp if you want access to 70% of the rest of the music.
'That's when $80-85K was a lot of money." I don't know how much you are earning now but apparently we were separated by a wealth gap for a VERY long time.
I was joking, but back then few speakers sold for more than $85K, now many more do. Just as exotic cars, boats, private planes do. The wealth gap is wider than before, but the Watt/Puppy speakers in the video are being sold for $6K, certainly a lot more affordable by high end standards of 2019.
85,000.00 is STILL a lot of money...lol!! I guess you're saying you've come along way. :-}
By the way, I've just bought a TASCAM DR-100MK3.
Caster wheels are literally the worst for bass quality. Get those puppies anchored to the floor and be amazed at the improvement!