Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE preamp !

It's outstanding. Maybe it's a little flat at 6 or below on the volume scale. At my normal listening levels which can be 7 or above (more likely 15-16) and typically 30 maximum on the read out, I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Slightly sweet, more depth and width than I ever expected which is tremendous. An absolute keeper. This piece is such a home run that I just can not believe how good it sounds.

I only miss the Ayre because it cost more (I know, very shallow), but the Ayre felt a little more energetic at lower volumes and maybe a little more forward. At times, that's a good thing, but not always.

Overall, the STP-SE stands well on its own and is not embarrassed by the more expensive preamps out there. Mine is a keeper.

I am still trying to resist another preamp. I keep looking, don't know why. I am totally set in the amp department. I am a happy camper.

My ultimate goal was to match the Ayre KX-R Twenty with my MX-R Twenty amps. I am seriously now having a very difficult time justifying that kind of expenditure on a preamp.

Mrppv said:
Joe- have you listened enough to draw any conclusions? Is it a keeper, or do you still miss the Ayre?
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Joe

Did you try adjusting the output level on the Lumin like you did with the VAC to see if forcing you into a higher range on the volume control might resolve the flatness?
 
I've left the volume on the Lumin set to its maximum. No, I have not lowered it on the Lumin, because actually 7 is pretty much the minimum I am using now and actually 10/11 for some of the background music, so I am fine that way. Once I hit 7, there's a noticeable difference and it just opens up and and becomes more present. I may experiment this weekend, but I know that Lumin does not really want you to decrease the output on the unit for better SQ. For now, the combo is wonderful.



Jack said:
Joe

Did you try adjusting the output level on the Lumin like you did with the VAC to see if forcing you into a higher range on the volume control might resolve the flatness?
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Ha!

I know, it's such a nit-picky thing but I don't mean it to be. At my real normal levels and above, it is absolutely amazing. I love it.

I am sort of thinking about the upgrades that Wyred offers for it and am very curious. I know about diminishing returns but it might be a fun and relatively painless experiment.

Face said:
I'm not sure if my stereo is even on at 7, lol.
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I've really wanted to do those upgrades as well, but have too many other responsibilities at the moment.
 
I've been keeping an eye out for a used KX-5 twenty (they seem pretty rare), but man, maybe I should just order a STP-SE with one or both upgrades.
 
No doubt that the KX-5 Twenty is outstanding but for less than half the price with level 2 upgrades, it's impossible to fault the STP-SE. My non upgraded STP-SE gives it, the Ayre, a run for the money. I am sure the choice of amp will make a difference, but for what I have, the STP-SE is a no brainer.

Mrppv said:
I've been keeping an eye out for a used KX-5 twenty (they seem pretty rare), but man, maybe I should just order a STP-SE with one or both upgrades.
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I always set the outputs on the DAC and Spinner to -15 db. It gave the STP-SE much more flexibility and control over the volume.
 
Hi Joe,

I'm thinking of upgrading my preamp & power amp. But having read your review on the STP-SE had boosted my confidence in keep my STP-SE and instead upgrading only my power amp.
With your extensive use of a vast array of power amps, would the STP-SE be a good match for the following amps:

Pass Labs X350.8, Accuphase A-70, P7300 & Hegel H30.

Thanks in advance.

Michael
 
Hi Michael,

Welcome to the forum and thank you for joining.

Absolutely. The STP-SE is amazing. My only caveat would be that if you listen mainly to music at very low volumes, the STP-SE may sound a tiny bit hollow. Once I get above 7-8 on the volume scale and am normally at 15-25+ is sounds freaking awesome. I can easily use my STP-SE as my only preamp reference, it's that good.
 
Hi Joe,

Thank you for your prompt reply.

I believe you owned the Hegel H30 for a while. Do you think H30 will have synergy with B&W 802 Diamond and STP-SE?
 
Hi Michael,

I like a slightly softer/sweeter sound although the H30 balanced with the STP-SE could actually be a great combo. A friend who has and loves B&W speakers had a Classe amp with McIntosh preamp (?) and still talks fondly of that system. I am more of an Ayre/Pass Labs/PS Audio/Accuphase type of guy. If you can borrow an H30 to try with your STP-SE you might very well be surprised that the combo will actually be great. The STP-SE is smooth and slightly sweet as it is, so my gut tells me that it will be a great match. I don't know what your overall preference is but balance between them could be what you are looking for in your system.
 
Hi Joe,

Like you, I also like softer/sweeter sound. Although I don't find my B&W 802D2 sounding bright at all with W4S ST-1000 mkII, I just find this pair to be lacking in the midrange and high band. However, I especially like the iron grip the ST-1000 mkII has on the bass response of B&W 802D2.

If I may ask, do you think if the new Pass Labs X350.8 is better matched? I also like the Accuphase A-70, but I worry that the 60W Class A may not be enough to drive the 802D2. What do you think?

Please enlighten.

Michael
 
The Pass X350.8 is a SUPERB amp. Two friends own them and they are destination amps. Big 3D sound stage, depth and width with a wonderful tone. I'd pick the X350.8 in a heartbeat over the H30 to be honest. The Pass X350.8 is one of those amps that only come around once in a while. The funny thing is that they both came from H30's and now have the X350.8.
 
Hi Joe,

Wow. Pass X350.8 will be high on my list. Thanks.

While on the subject of Pass, have you had any experiences comparing XP-30 or 20 to the STP--SE?
 
I've owned the XP-10 once and the XP-30 twice. I personally am not a fan of the Pass preamps, but we have many here that love them. They were just too solid state sounding for my taste, if that makes any sense. There are many other preamps that I'd buy before them. Would you consider a tube preamp? I'd stay with the STP-SE for a while unless you've already narrowed down a choice or price range.


lowviz_mcc said:
Hi Joe,

Wow. Pass X350.8 will be high on my list. Thanks.

While on the subject of Pass, have you had any experiences comparing XP-30 or 20 to the STP--SE?
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joeinid said:
It's outstanding. Maybe it's a little flat at 6 or below on the volume scale. At my normal listening levels which can be 7 or above (more likely 15-16) and typically 30 maximum on the read out, I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.
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I almost never drop below volume 10 (even for loud pop music) of STP-SE from Lumin XLR output. If you find that STP-SE is not as good at really low volume, perhaps lowering the Lumin volume a little, such that the STP-SE can be set at a moderate level may be better - this becomes a tradeoff of sound quality degradation at the source vs the pre-amp.

Since you're using Lumin S1, if you turn off the digital output, the Lumin volume will be using the 32-bit ESS volume that ESS is proud of and has a whitepaper to explain why it's so good:
http://www.esstech.com/files/3014/4095/4308/digital-vs-analog-volume-control.pdf

If you go with the STP-SE upgrades, be sure to check what volume levels they improve - I believe the low ranges of volumes are not upgraded by the better resistors that came with the Stage 1/2 upgrades.

In my region people don't know or don't care about the STP-SE - the guy I purchased my unit from had been trying to sell it for a year without success. My local W4S dealer also recently closed down its business...
 
joeinid said:
I've owned the XP-10 once and the XP-30 twice. I personally am not a fan of the Pass preamps, but we have many here that love them. They were just too solid state sounding for my taste, if that makes any sense. There are many other preamps that I'd buy before them. Would you consider a tube preamp? I'd stay with the STP-SE for a while unless you've already narrowed down a choice or price range.
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Hi Joe,

No, I don't prefer tube preamp. So I'll probably stick with my STP-SE.

Thank you so much for your knowledgeable advice. I'll let you know in due course. :rolleyes:

Michael
 
Hi Peter,

The STP-SE is outstanding and truly gets no respect. In my normal listening range, it's superb and a real window to the music. I may consider the upgrades next year just for the fun of it. I may be surprised but don't feel it will be a waste of money. I am glad you love yours and Lumin rocks. Looking forward to seeing more gear from you guys.


Hi Michael,

Are you in Hong Kong too? Wow! Very cool.

Once you hook up the STP-SE to a Pass X350.8, thoughts of other gear will go out the window. Concentrate on sources and other system upgrades and enjoy. Life is too short, enjoy the music.
 
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