Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE preamp !

I loved the STP-SE when I owned one. But being that I am just starting out I am not able to keep multiple pieces, hence why I no longer have mine. From what I hear EJ's other line is very big in the far east. That line is the SST lineup. It appears as if W4S is bigger here in the states and SST (their step up line) is bigger in Asia, from what I have read...
 
With SST being the "step up line", it might mean Thoebe II is the step up from STP-SE, as reflected in the pricing. Although it gets a resistive ladder volume control, it is not a no-gain design. I'd argue that having no gain (for volume levels <=63 in usual setups) is the most distinctive feature of STP-SE, but Thoebe II is different in this respect.
 
I was thinking about getting a Thoebe II, but just don't think I can afford one right now.
 
Randy

I think the Thoebe would have been a sideways step at best from the STP-SE and to get an all in one like you want in the Thoebe you would be looking at $4000. The STP and a different DAC would have been a better bet. Like Peter I think the Thoebe is different and not better.
 
Someone asked EJ Sarmento about the volume level sweet spot of STP-SE, and got this reply:
On every preamp, there are sweetspots and this is normally based on the signal integrity through the circuitry. On the STP, this sweetspot is quite large because of its’ design. You will notice that even at background levels, it will maintain proper image and staging. I can assure you that the majority of other preamps will not offer the same! Despite what I mention above, it is still natural to ‘prefer’ a certain level of any recording as certain instruments or vocals will achieve the desired prominence.

I would say that any setting from 13-63 would be beneficial and the higher the better because the signal would be more dominant with higher level. This doesn’t mean that lowering the level of the DAC would cause an improvement because the loss on the DAC side would be more significant to the gain on the preamp side (it would be a step backwards).
Click to expand...

I interpret this as: from volume level 13 and up, it's not recommended to decrease the volume at the source digitally.

By the way, old forum posts said that the stage 2 upgrade improves volume (from?) above level 14.
 
I'm still itching to send mine in for the upgrades. I'm sure that diminishing returns may apply because it's already outstanding. But, even taking it up a notch a little more could make it even more amazing.
 
Jack said:
Randy

I think the Thoebe would have been a sideways step at best from the STP-SE and to get an all in one like you want in the Thoebe you would be looking at $4000. The STP and a different DAC would have been a better bet. Like Peter I think the Thoebe is different and not better.
Click to expand...

Hey Jack, This is also my dilemma... :) For now I think the benchmark is outstanding, and honestly, with my other equipment and my old ears I doubt I could hear a difference anyway. All will probably be put on hold for now anyway, until after we make the move and get settled in. This will probably take some considerable time because we will have to wait for the house to be built...
 
joeinid said:
I'm still itching to send mine in for the upgrades. I'm sure that diminishing returns may apply because it's already outstanding. But, even taking it up a notch a little more could make it even more amazing.
Click to expand...

Send it in Joe , this way you can get another pre while its out ....
 
Looking at getting a STP-SE stage 2 or a Parasound JC2 since they are about the same price here. Has anyone compared these 2? Will pair them with a Nord One UP amp.
 
I have not heard the Parasound, but I can tell you the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE is a very very good preamplifier... It may very well be one of the best values, performance for the dollar in the audio industry!
 
gtl

I have no experience with the Parasound but I have tried the pairing of the STP and the Nord One Up and still own both. The STP-SE is pretty hard to beat in it's price range. I have used it with SS, tubes and Class D and it worked well with all of them. I am sure the Parasound is very good too as Mr. Curl doesn't design bad gear.
 
I've had my (preowned) STP-SE (stage 2 upgrades) for just a few days now and love what it does with my First Watt F7, I think I am now hearing what the amp is capable of. Having a remote is great for a change! I appreciate how cool it runs and all the input options. I am running it at volume 80 right now (vinyl rig) for peak levels around 80db with a scofield/Medeski jazz record. With CDs I rarely get above 63 but it still sounds great when I do get into the added gain stage. A keeper piece of gear!
 
Excellent Ron... I am happy with my STP-SE and the First Watt F6 combination. I do not have the Stage 2 yet, but probably will down the road. I just added the DAC-2v2SE which really makes the STP/FW combo shine!!!
 
Sounds great Randy, I have the older Metrum octave so that is on my upgrade list next! (though I am still listening to CDs and vinyl, no hires streaming yet...). Gotta love the First Watts! Srajan at 6moons has a really good handle on how they all sound, and if you read Nelson's papers and see his posts on diyaudio you can get his take on them too. Fascinating stuff for sure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top