About the new Wilson Audio Watt/Puppy 8

As a former customer of Wilson Audio and owner of Watt/Puppy 7's, I have nothing but good things to say about them. I've always found the bashing of Wilson Audio amusing. It's human nature to want to hear good things about your "stuff" even if it comes from someone whose only qualification to comment is that he/she has access to a computer and can type. Audiogon is certainly one valuable tool to use when looking to purchase but be it still comes down to what it sounds like to you.

Two thoughts....as for electronics for Wilson (presently have Sophia 2...but moving to WP8 when available)...I don't care for the Audio Research sound....or for that matter most tubes....they make records sound great....but very far removed, at least for me, from live sound...be it a Jazz combo, classical or rock...on the other hand I also agree that many, if not most solid state amps aren't particularly musical....but there are some nice ones out there....I enjoy Spectral....and presently use Ayre...waiting for the new mono blocks to arrive...I have been very impressed with what Ayre does....and feel its a great match with Wilson...

John

Hikejohn

not sure where you live however if you are ever in the Bay Area I would love to give you an audition to not only dissuade you about your notion of tubes and Audio Research. It is about as real as it gets

John- i spoke with Ayre about Wilson compatibility, and it is one of the references I believe they use (with others, of course). From the room i heard at the show, i think it would be an awesome combo (the new monos)although i would still prefer a tube pre I think.

I'm not a huge ARC fan either, although Oneobgyn has been dying to prove me wrong on the Ref 3 :) My general feeling about ARC is that it is a tad too SS-like for my tastes (and therefore, why not get SS)

KeithR

"I'm not a huge ARC fan either, although Oneobgyn has been dying to prove me wrong on the Ref 3 :) My general feeling about ARC is that it is a tad too SS-like for my tastes (and therefore, why not get SS)"

Keith, I do intend to prove you wrong about the Ref 3 when you are next up here in the SF Bay Area.

IMO, it is the best preamp that I have ever owned.