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

Hi Chris,

Thank you so much for the offer but will not need it. I don't have the STP preamp. I have to say that I bought a Pass XP-30. I used to own one and loved it but unfortunately sold it. I think I'll be happy again with the Pass.

CPP said:
Joe, just wondering do you have a W4S STP-SE ?
Click to expand...

CPP said:
Joe, you want to borrow one, send me a PM
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Well, I sprang for the Underwood Hi Fi Level 2 mod and I am a very happy camper! The mod has improved virtually ever parameter of an already fine preamp. My wife said that music sounds more "vibrant"! I find the sound is more involving and seems to "flow" more from the speakers. Transients seem faster and there is more impact to the mid and lower bass. Highs are very smooth and the midrange is more "present". BTW - I also had a Furutech fuse added to the works, since that is what W4S adds to their mod. I went for the Underwood mod instead of the W4s mod becuase it was less expensive, even with shipping the preamp to Canada from California. This resulted in about a 3 week turn around time and I had no spare preamp to use. : ( The upside is that I used USPS to send it with a guaranteed delivery date, that was missed by one day. I subsequently asked for a refund and I received a check for $122.00 within 10 days of my request, so it worked to a free delivery to Canada! : ) I highly recommend the Underwood mod. From their website:


"The following details the Level-1 modification:

a) We add 1 DEXA Technologies “discrete” DUAL op amp module to the input buffer.
b) We upgrade 4signal path resistors with KIWAME 2-watt 1% Carbon Film resistors

c) We upgrade the power supply regulators with 2 DEXA Technologies “discrete series” regulators (+ & - 15V)

d) We replace the inexpensive AC connector with a FURUTECH Rhodium-plated AC inlet

e) 10 feet of WBT Solder is used throughout the mod

f) 4 hours labor are required to complete the mod


Sonic changes of our Level-1 mod:
Better low-level detail and 3D ambiance retrieval
Macro dynamics are improved
It seems to play louder, with improved microdynamic contrasts

Midbass is improved to add weight to voices and make them sound more real

The midrange is a little more liquid than the stock machine's
Imaging is more defined, soundstage depth is enhanced

Bass extension and impact are improved with more weight and authority

The high frequencies are a little smoother


Prices

The Level-1 modification to your preamp is $750.00 + freight

New modified preamps are available for $2,595.00 + freight

One year warranty on mod work to your preamp.

New preamps have a 1 year Underwood warranty


We also have a Level-2 modification that is more comprehensive at $1,400.00 to your machine. New Level-2 modified preamps are $3,190.00+ freight.
The Level-2 takes all of the level-1 and adds:

1) Two additional DEXA Technologies “discrete” DUAL op amp modules. One for each output buffer.

2) 6 Mundorf AG-Series main Power Supply filter caps at 22,000uf 25V each"

 
My STP-SE level II upgrade arrived back from W4S today. It, in the box, is in my car. I will be getting it back in the system tonight. The turn around was very fast, they either got right on it, or just swapped out boards. I was also able to change my case color to silver for a nice price. My system has changed since I have been doing DIY, and black boxes with silver fronts are the norm now, not solid black.

I like the STP-SE for its sound(lack of) and versatility. I can use RCA, or XLR output to whatever amp I am running, with yet another set of XLR balanced out to my headphone amp. There are 2 pairs of balanced inputs, and several RCA sets. It works in my system and meets my connectivity needs, while providing superior SQ.

I will try and comment on sound change after listening for a few nights. I have sensitive speakers, and a 20 watt amp, I tend to run my volume on the low side, pretty much in the passive region for this pre-amp.

Sadly my room is a mess as I am in the terminal stages of finishing a DAC, and there are parts and tools, and instruments spread all over.
 
I've really been considering having my STP-SE updated as well to stage 2. .. I got to hear and updated STP and I was actually impressed especially in the sonic improvements in the lower regions.
 
Awesome Bones,

I can't wait for your opinion on the SE upgrade. That's one preamp I'd love to own. Wyred4Sound makes great gear.
 
First off, quick turn around. I love the new case color, silver just goes better with my current racks, furniture in the room, and other gears.

I took the opportunity to look up how to set up the front panel names, and put all my input names in.

I will agree that the bass region is improved right off. Seems smoother and easier. (Brother In Arms in digital up atm)
I got off the computer, and into the sweet spot, I feel the imaging has improved, much more precise. (despite all the electronic detritus on the floor)
Its great to get the STP back into the system, and the speakers singing again. Much as I love the headphones, the visceral feeling speaker based music is still "it" for me.

So far I am glad for the upgrade, and not sure that I would look elsewhere. I like the balanced inputs, and balanced to my Aleph J is better imho (sure its louder, but I feel more dynamic than single ended)
 
Congrats Chris, I think you will like it. I just put mine back in the main system this past weekend in place of the tube preamp. Neutral with a great soundstage. Sounds fine with the Odyssey Kismet amps.
 
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