Are Wyred Integrated amplifiers worth considering?

[johnsen88]

My fellow esteemed gentlemen, my main setup has the focal chorus speakers, Primare integrated amp(streamer) and a NAD power amp. Enjoying it so far. I may get a proper CD player shortly.

I am looking to utilise the balance output of my power amp in this setup and was considering a preamp from Mark Levinson- the 38s. Alternatively, I could get a Wyred Integrated amp STI 1000. I know this is an integrated amp but could bypass its internal amplification and use it as a pure preamp with my current power amp or retain it as a standalone integrated amp with my CD player for a purely analogue output.

My main concern here: should I go ahead and get the Wyred over the ML? The ML is slightly older than the Wyred as it was released on the 90s with Wyred coming in the late 2000s. Recap may well be up for the MLs and I don't want to be spending more money on it.

Also, I am hearing that the Wyred is a picky amp. In other words, system matching would be crucial to get the best out of it. Where does this Wyred stand amongst the current integrated amplifier?

ML can be bought used $1100 USD whereas the Wyred used is about $600 USD.

Thank you.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
It seems a shame to buy equipment knowing that it will be redundant: the amplification in the Wyred.
That also leads me to ask why you want a preamp? If you don't have issues with ground loops you are unlikely to get any audible improvement just by adding a balanced component.

Do you need more inputs when you add a CD player? If not, I'd be tempted to leave your system unchanged.

If I've missed your point, please could you clarify what you would like to achieve.

 

[johnsen88]

Hi,
It seems a shame to buy equipment knowing that it will be redundant: the amplification in the Wyred.
That also leads me to ask why you want a preamp? If you don't have issues with ground loops you are unlikely to get any audible improvement just by adding a balanced component.

Do you need more inputs when you add a CD player? If not, I'd be tempted to leave your system unchanged.

If I've missed your point, please could you clarify what you would like to achieve.

Hello Jeremy,

Thanks for your input. My intention is not to bypass the internal amplification in the Wyred at all. I simply want to utilise the XLR connections of my power amps as I am on RCA connection now. Moreover, the people over at NAD suggested I use the balanced connection to get the most out of the power amp. Also, the Wyred amp puts out serious watts/channel. I know watts are not everything but with this Wyred amp, I will have a similar headroom when driving my speakers w/o a need for my current poweramp.

Re ground loop: I do think I have ground loop issues. I am not entirely sure if it is the case but when I place my ears an inch from the tweeters, both emit a very low-level hiss/buzz. There is no hiss or buzz from the other drivers. It is only from both the tweeters. Even when no music is played, I can hear it. A foot out, it is dead silent. I wonder if it could be some sort of 'noise' from interference etc.

Re more inputs: I do have enough inputs.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, that doesn't sound like a group loop to me, just a bit of practically inaudible noise.

I hope other members can comment now as I'm not familiar enough with the two products you mention.

I'm slightly confused as to how you plan to use your power amp and also an integrated amp, but I'm sure you have that worked out.

I still doubt the utility of changing just to go balanced. Balanced output tends to be higher voltage (4v as compared to the standard 2v for single ended) but power amps usually compensate by having a lower gain on the input so there's no significant difference.

Obviously, it's your choice. Sorry I can't help with your actual question!

What's the rest of your system btw? More detail always helps.

 

[johnsen88]

Hi, that doesn't sound like a group loop to me, just a bit of practically inaudible noise.

I hope other members can comment now as I'm not familiar enough with the two products you mention.

I'm slightly confused as to how you plan to use your power amp and also an integrated amp, but I'm sure you have that worked out.

I still doubt the utility of changing just to go balanced. Balanced output tends to be higher voltage (4v as compared to the standard 2v for single ended) but power amps usually compensate by having a lower gain on the input so there's no significant difference.

Obviously, it's your choice. Sorry I can't help with your actual question!

What's the rest of your system btw? More detail always helps.

Oh is it? Is it normal to hear some noise as such or it should be dead silent when the volume is 0 with amps ON?

Current setup:

Speakers- Focal Chorus 816v (92 dB, 8 Ohms)
Power Amplifier - NAD 208 (250w/ch @ 8 Ohms)
Stereo Amplifier/streamer DAC - Primare i15 (70w/ch @ 8 Ohms)

Primare i15 -> NAD 208 -> Focals

What I am considering:

Mark Levinson 38s preamp
Wyred STI Integrated amp

Besides the CDP, I want to add either one of the two amp to have a balanced connection. I foresee 3 possible arrangements:
Option 1 would be to use the CDP as a transport and connect(RCA) into the new integrated amp. New integrated amp to bypass its amplification and to be connected to the power amp, 208 through XLR and to the speakers.

CDP -> (new integrated amp) -> NAD 208 -> Focals

Or
Option 2 would be to use CDP again as a transport and utilise the DAC and amplifation in the new integrated amp without the addition of my current power amp.

CDP -> (new integrated amp) -> Focals
Or

Option 3 would see the CDP's onboard DAC used with the pure preamp, serving no internal amplification but, using that of the power amp through an XLR connection.

CDP -> (new pure preamp) -> NAD 208 -> Focals