Review: Wyred4Sound's STP-SE ....

:heart:

You guys are too funny. It won't happen until late next month. But I really want to do the update.
 
The full review of Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 is up. In summary, "twice" in a Blue Moon Award.

Now I'm really tempted to sent my STP-SE for Stage 2 upgrade. :rolleyes:
 
Well I have decided, I am going back to a Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE pre-amplifier! When I had one in the past I really liked it but I was just relearning this crazy world and needed to experiment some. But now that I have gotten the system more stabilized and more completed I can't think of a better pre-amplifier to add in without going a ton more money!

I think I will keep the Benchmark as the DAC for now. I know the Oppo new one is about to be released but for my use the Benchmark makes more sense for a couple reasons. It has the new generation ESS, and I know the Oppo has the 9038. I do not believe there will be a huge difference from the 9028 to the 9038, but most important is I already have it and it is paid for :).... however what is actaully more important is that it has a top notch headphone amplifier that drives my Sennheiser HD800S perfectly (whihc is a requirement for me). Having it as a backup pre-amplifier is also a pretty good thing to!
 
Joe.......Thanks for the link to the 6Moons review of the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE2 preamplifier. It was an interesting review and points out that the Stage 2 upgrade is the only way to go with this preamplifier. From Srajan Ebaen's comments the Stage 2 upgrade takes a good preamplifier and turns it into reference preamplifier. Even more interesting is the price still manages to remain under $4k. Quite an audiophile bargain for that level of performance.
 
Thanks Dan, I agree. I love the stp-se and am eager to have the upgrade done. It's one of those pieces that you get, install in your system and forget about. Meaning that it does its job, sounds great and does not call attention to itself. A piece that satisfies and now with the stage 2 upgrades, should be amazing.
 
I think I will play around with the STP-SE and maybe in another six months or so have EJ upgrade it for me. Got to save for a bit after getting the classic little ARC and getting the STP-SE back in my system (tomorrow!!!!!!)...
 
STP-SE in the house... one smooth pre-amplifier... setting the Benchmark at about 2 o'clock position gets me up into the 40's on the W4S level display with the ARC amp at medium levels. So I should have a much better range then I used to have. The internal jumpers on the Benchmark are still set at -20 dB on the XLR outputs... but I think that works nicely because it gives a much better range of control on the STP-SE?
 
So happy for you Randy. It's an awesome preamp. Very under-rated for sure.
 
Thank you Joe... it really is a great unit.

I just found the HT mode on the Benchmark, designed for when using with a pre-amplifier... bypasses the volume control section on the DAC :)... so will simply turn it off when using it as a headphone amp!
 
Wow no one has posted on this thread for a while, so here goes.
The STP-SE is excellent, the only negative, I wish the display was bigger. I got spoiled with the display on my Simaudio i7
I have the STP-SE feeding a pair of Red Dragon Audio S500s with awesome results!! I hooked up the 12volt in and out triggers...excellent!!

I decided to do a DIY IEC upgrade on the STP-SE with a Furutech AC-1501 R
The cover has LOTS of TORX not hex screws (I almost stripped a screw) so they are very small TORX!! (very important)LOL
When you pop the cover be careful there is a ribbon cable for the display and volume, there is also a ground (just left it attached)
I had planned on front mounting the AC-1501R, but you cant. The factory IEC mounts from behind on 2 threaded studs.
You have to make the hole cutout in the chassis slightly bigger to accept the AC-1501R
So you just have to do some filing. Use a flat file and probably be best to have some small needle file on hand.
Don't go over board with filing. Just file what you need taken off...test a few times to get a nice fit.
The new Furutech AC-1501R IEC has male spades so the factory wires hook right up, put the cover back on and you are done.
You need a 1/4 inch (or a small wrench, I guess) deep socket for the small stud nuts that hold the IEC in place.
The torx driver needed for the cover screws is a T10

Its not a difficult project, take your time anyone can do it. The Furutech AC-1501R is a EMI filter with rhodium contacts
I asked EJ Sorento at W4S if he thought it would make a difference. He said yes and to go for it and recommended it.
Putting my ear up to my speakers tweeter I could hear a faint noise before, but I think its quieter now...hey its a reasonably cheap mod

Next I am going to replace the fuse, I ordered one, but it wasn't in at the time I received the AC-1501R and I couldn't wait LOL The fuse size is 1amp slow blow 5mm x 20mm 230volt fuse

So just a quick recap for tools needed flat file, needle files, 1/4 inch deep socket maybe a 1/4 inch wrench, Torx T10 screwdriver or T10 driver
space is little tight in there so when initially I use the deep 1/4 inch and used a pair of pliers to loosen the nuts...improvise right


I will add when my fuse comes in. The fuse I ordered is a Hi-Fi Tuning Supreme...if you got the bucks go for a Synergistic Black or Blue fuse, but if your wife finds out you might be Black and Blue LOL​
 
Ya I read that review at 10audio too. A 10LP rating, hard to argue with that.
New they are an excellent value. I bought mine gently used, the value is well, forgetaboutit lol.
I would love to get the stage 2 upgrades for mine, but in Canadian bucks it would cost me more than double what I paid for the STP-SE
There was that place in Canada to get mods done. They use op amps and I am not sure how I feel about that.
I wouldn't want to change the sonic signature too much, maybe my concerns are unwarranted.
I am not into electronics, but I figured I can change the IEC and put in a fuse myself on the cheap...and EJ said go for it.

Oh incidentally I wanted to give a BIG THANKS to EJ at Wyred4Sound, he answered all my dumb questions...nice guy too.

I cant believe how great the STP-SE is for the money, heck it is great period. The STP-SE/Red Dragon S500s combo is awesome!!
My S500s are probably still improving, the sound is getting better and better.
You know even if I had bought the STP-SE brand new, Id still be totally happy.​
 
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