Wyred4Sound - W4S STP-SE UPGRADE (STP-SE UPGRADE)

joeinid

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[h=1]W4S STP-SE UPGRADE (STP-SE UPGRADE)[/h]
Send in your STP to have all of the critical components upgraded and get performance you need to hear to believe!

For many years, the STP-SE has been our best selling preamp. Despite the extraordinary design of the stock unit, we have found yet another reason to fall in love again. We've always wondered how we would top this preamp and the answer is finally here with the Stage 1 and 2 upgrades. Introducing the factory direct upgrade path for the best preamp on the market! If you thought the STP was transparent and open sounding before, wait until you experience what the Stage 2 has to offer.
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As the basis for the 'must haves', the Stage 1 upgrades will offer the most critical changes to be appreciated in any system. Like any audio product, it all begins with the power supply and why not start with the most critical current limitation -the fuse! Opting for the smoothest overall character, we employ the Furutech Rhodium plated fuse to control the necessary current feeding the upgraded Schottkey diodes. To further improve the preamps triple ripple reduction circuit, we are also adding premium decoupling inductors for an increased signal to noise ratio in addition to enhancing channel separation.
So now we have the foundation for a great start to the power supply, but we can't stop there! It's time to include our W4S discrete regulators which you can also find inside our DAC-2 DSDse. Proving to be more than 100 times quieter than the stock regulators, the upgraded circuit will help lower the background noise even further...and yes, it is possible! Now we have a preamp with the perfect power supply and it is time to focus on the signal path. This is where we are finally able to use our custom made naked Z-Foil resistors in 24 critical locations.

Regulators.jpg
The stage 2 upgrade takes a larger leap into another level of perfection. Already benefitting from the advancements listed in the stage 1 upgrade, we have decided to expand the perfection. Our attention was first directed to the resistor ladder volume control which is a feature that sets this treasure apart from the competition. Determined to optimize transparency and space, we replace 48 of the most frequently used resistors with our custom Z-Foil’s where the accuracy becomes increasingly evident. Naturally, we can’t resist from proceeding with the exchange of the 16 high frequency signal filtering caps to further enhance the tube-like nature of this distinguished pre-amp. With refinements down to the last detail, we install a Furutech rhodium plated IEC inlet to compliment the upgraded fuse and maximizes the connection to your upgraded power cable. Now that the internal circuits are for the better input to output, we save the final touch for improving the visual experience. A green OLED display aids legibility with low light or long distance situations to help keep you in tune with the current settings of the upgraded preamp!

The STP-SE is an outstanding product that has an incredible foundation and great value in the
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stock configuration, this upgrade path elevates the STP to a new level. For those interested in hearing what strategic upgrades we have developed for this fantastic product, this is the proper course for you!
















Stage 1 Upgrade Features:



  • Rhodium plated Furutech Fuse
  • 4 Schottkey diodes
  • 4 premium inductors
  • W4S discrete regulators
  • 24 Vishay Z-Foil resistors
[FONT=trebuchet ms, geneva]Stage 2 Upgrade Features:[/FONT]
The stage 2 upgrades are in addition to the upgrades listed above.

  • Furutech rhodium plated IEC inlet
  • 48 Vishay Z-Foil resistors located in the resistor ladder volume control
  • 16 upgraded high frequency filter capacitors
  • Green OLED display
The procedure to upgrade an existing STP-SE to the new Stage 1 or 2 standard is listed below:

  • Purchase the upgrade by adding this item to your cart.
  • Next, complete the order form and submit payment information.
  • After receiving your order and payment information we will create a sales order and that will be sent to the email address provided on the order form. This is separate from the automatic order confirmation generated by our website. DO NOT send your STP-SE to our facility until you have received the sales order via email. The sales order number will start with SO#W...
  • Pack your unit in the original factory packaging and write the sales order number clearly on the outside of the box. Include a copy of the sales order that was emailed to you inside the box. You do not need to include accessories such as the power cord, remote control, manual, etc. If you do not have the original packaging we can ship a complete set to you for a fee.
  • [FONT=trebuchet ms, geneva]Send the package (fully insured with freight prepaid) to our facility. (Check the [FONT=trebuchet ms, geneva]Service[/FONT] page for our current address)[/FONT]
  • Once your unit is received it will be modified by our technicians on a first come first serve basis. You can check on the status of your upgrade by emailing - [email protected]
  • After the unit is upgraded and fully tested it will be returned to you at the address provided on the order form. We will email a completed invoice and tracking number so you can follow the progress of your upgraded STP-SE!
Now available for order!
**Limited quantities available. You will be given an approximate lead time by email once your order is placed.**

[SUP]Product Code:[/SUP]STP-SE UPGRADE

[TD="class: productPricePrompt"][SUP]Price:[/SUP][/TD]
[TD="class: productPricePrice"]US$ 1,950.00 EA[/TD]
 
Has anyone had this upgrade done to their STP-SE? I also see Wally is doing a non-factory upgrade on this pre as well.
 
I think Wally was 'picking up the low-hanging fruit' with his upgrades and the factory decided they wanted a piece of that action.

Don't know if these are worthwhile, I do know the base STP-SE is a great little preamp.
 
I've had my STP-SE for a while now, but those Stage 1 upgrades are an additional $850.00 and the Stage 2 is $1,750.00 on top of the $1,995.00. I do not have the Stage1 or 2 upgrades. I think the pre- sounds pretty darn good as it is.
 
Bump for any updates.

At this price point looks like a great alternative to the crazy thoughts running through my head :)
 
Bump for any updates.

At this price point looks like a great alternative to the crazy thoughts running through my head :)


Still mulling it over. A bit torn between the W4S upgrades which cost more, but could be done quicker since I live in California or the Underwood HiFi upgrades that are less expensive, but would mean at least a 2 week down time for me because the mods are done in Ontario, Canada. Also contemplating the Red Wine Isabella battery preamp, however it does not have balanced inputs and my modded Oppo 95 seems to sound better using balanced outputs. I would also lose other features like LED readout, balanced and phase controls. (the W4S really does offer a lot of features!) The thought of having a tubed preamp though intrigues me since I have of bunch of 6922 based tubes lying around that I could "roll" occasionally to alter the sound. It's not easy finding preamps that have low and/or variable gain to match the 225's high sensitivity and output. The Red Wine Isabella has a switch for 0 or 12 db of gain.
 
Decisions, Decisions. I totally understand.

Just to maybe help or confuse more, my best preamp with the Job was the Dartzeel preamp. It was battery powered and totally quiet. Perfect pair.
 
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Decisions, Decisions. I totally understand.

Just to maybe help or confuse more, my best preamp with the Job was the Dartzeel preamp. It was battery powered and totally quiet. Perfect pair.

Thanks Joe. The battery part would be convenient because it would free up an outlet on my PLC. Right now, all the outlets are being used. BTW- The Dartzeel is waaay out of my pay grade! :S
 
I realize, but maybe on my experience the Isabella might be perfect but the output ompedance on it might be a little high at under 1k vs under 100 for the Dartzeel.

Impedance wise, the W4S STP is a better match.

Thanks Joe. The battery part would be convenient because it would free up an outlet on my PLC. Right now, all the outlets are being used. BTW- The Dartzeel is waaay out of my pay grade! :S
 
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Thanks Joe. The battery part would be convenient because it would free up an outlet on my PLC. Right now, all the outlets are being used. BTW- The Dartzeel is waaay out of my pay grade! :S

Another "off the grid" option is the Dodd pre using a single 6H30, it also has adjustable gain, 0/6/12 db I believe, @$1895 sounded great at 2013 & 2014 CAF.
 
Another "off the grid" option is the Dodd pre using a single 6H30, it also has adjustable gain, 0/6/12 db I believe, @$1895 sounded great at 2013 & 2014 CAF.
I have a pair of these in balanced, stereo configuration with a 12v power supply as I'm not comfortable with a battery in my home. Great sounding preamp!
 
Another "off the grid" option is the Dodd pre using a single 6H30, it also has adjustable gain, 0/6/12 db I believe, @$1895 sounded great at 2013 & 2014 CAF.

I owned a Dodd battery pre several years ago and while it sounded very good, the battery kept running down and the associated low battery alarm beeping drove me nuts, so I sold it. I know there is a new version of it out now, but Gary's health has been an issue over the past year and I am reluctant to invest my funds in something that may or may not be built or supported over the long-term! I have experienced that first hand last year when I ordered (with a sizable down payment) an amp from another individually owned company and waited over a year with nothing to show for it. Health issues eventually played a key role for the delay and I was forced to take the matter to small claims court and I was fully reimbursed shortly thereafter. "Once bitten, twice shod'!
 
Hi Chris,

No I don't have one. For the money, I think it seems like a great value. I know one of the members here who has one. I trust his ears and he loves his standard STP preamp.

How do you like your preamp?

Joe, just wondering do you have a W4S STP-SE ?
 
I found this on another forum. Note that the Stage II resistors are only in the circuit at level 14 and above. That more or less knocks that upgrade out of contention for me since I do a lot of listening below that level. I typically listen around 12, given the sensitvity of my speakers and room size. Sure hate to pay the extra money and not be able to utilize the new resistors. : (

Stage 1 - $950
-Rhodium plated Furutech Fuse
-Discrete regulators
-24 Custom Vishay Z-Foil resistors which are always in the circuit

Stage 2 $1950
-Furutech IEC inlet
-Rhodium plated Furutech Fuse
-Discrete regulators
-72 Custom Vishay Z-Foil resistors through out the circuit and the volume control. These are in the circuit at levels 14 and above.
-16 audio grade caps upgraded throughout the circuit.
 
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