Where to from here...?

[Bonky]

This whole forum is little used...is it because there is little to discuss?

Presumably we all have one or more of WD's excellent products. We know they sound very good and are reliable (and look good).

So my question is where does WD go from here? For all we know there are new products in the pipeline and/or upgrades to existing products.

What would we all like to see from WD in 2019/20?

Is there room, for example, for another power amp sitting somewhere between the present two?

Perhaps something like this: https://www.whathifi.com/copland/dac-215/review


Regards,

Richard.

[kt66se]

Wow - have not been on here for a while, I almost forgot all about WAD and purchased an ICON EL84 amp!! (Mostly because I was looking for a small valve amp for my study, that along with hibernating my WAD KT88 amp due to house renovations, WAD had slipped my mind)

But I found you again and have been in contact with Matthew and purchased a KEL84 which has arrived and I still don't have a study to put it in! But, wow, even through the plastic bags everything looks amazing, the volume control knob is fantastic - so pleased with just the bits right now.

I think though that getting valves into the mainstream is hard, you have to be a bit of a geek to own a valve amp. Most folk these days only drool over space sensing automatic gear changing cars, curved edged phones and clothes, along with instant gratification shopping and cafe's. Anything with technical interest is enjoyed by the minority.

Even the vinyl revival is only enjoyed by folk who enjoy the experience of the media but don't really have a thought about getting the best quality out of that media through thoughtful consideration of what it will be played on.

With that in mind and producing a product that could win you back the "there's an app for that" generation, if you produced a valve product based around a plug and play design, such as, Bluetooth connectivity to connect via a phone or tablet, connect to network attached storage to play back a library of music and connect to streaming services plus phono connectivity - an all in one package, then you'd be onto a winner - plus advertise in Hifi world, don't think I've seen WAD in there??

Just a thought - from someone who has kids who thinks valves are cool but inconvenient.

Anyho... good to see this is still going and even better to be able to keep to the WAD brand, I nearly bought an icon amp!!!!! ahhhhhhh

[bob orbell]

And what is wrong with the new fabulous very high tech power shift automatics ?, I have just purchased two new cars both with this transmission, I would never want to have another manual, . BOB

[bikerhifinut]

Originally Posted by bob orbell

And what is wrong with the new fabulous very high tech power shift automatics ?, I have just purchased two new cars both with this transmission, I would never want to have another manual, . BOB

Me too.
The wifes SEAT Alhambra diesel has one of the VW group DSG 6 speed auto boxes. And the Skoda we had previously had a 7 speed version. Completely seamless smooth power transfer and a complete contrast to the clunky and jerky (and fragile) by comparison Ford Durashift system on my ancient Fusion. I'll be sorry when we have to return the SEAT in a years time. We have lease cars, couldnt afford to buy one new!

Ok thats OT bob! I doubt Matthew will be offering Thermionic Valve engine and transmission management system conversions!

[kt66se]

What! ? ....eh ? really ? I think I'm on the wrong forum, what's been happening here over the years! Come on.... valves, vinyl, tape, film camera's, unix, push rods, tappets, ineffeciency, the smell of oil.... youve all gone soft

Only joking, (apart from automatics)

Adam

[bob orbell]

You could be right about going soft Adam, be seriously, what do you find offensive with automatics, especially the 6 speed power shift that gives the same or better flue consumption than a manual and you only have a go and a stop pedal, the entire transmission being controlled by a computer that responds to all road conditions and driver input . BOB

[Phil Y]

Richard,

You suggest a power amp but have added a link to a review of a DAC.

Phil.

[bob orbell]

Hi Richard, I think I am correct when saying that WD is more of a hobby than a business to Matthew, he has added a few small but helpful accessory to his product range and the addition of another power amp or anything like that is possibly out of the question, of course, I may be wrong and only Matthew can comment on future products. I myself have not been very active for some months, mainly because I am very happy with my sounds, but do drop in from time to time. BOB

[Phil Y]

I suspect you are correct BOB, the budget is not there for lots of new products.

The Pre 4 is well judged for modern expectations I would say, a good edition.

A single ended power amp might sit well in the range but probably is just not financially viable.

As to the forum, I expect most of us now have fairly stable systems and there is just not that much to report.

Phil.

[Bonky]

Originally Posted by Phil Y

Richard,

You suggest a power amp but have added a link to a review of a DAC.

Phil.

Yes, apologies Phil; I should have added..." or perhaps something like this: https://www.whathifi.com/copland/dac-215/review


'TheAffordableValveCompany' (Silly name/apparently they sound good/are good value/ hopeless website/and, apparently, hellish to deal with if something goes wrong - but have an excellent try-before-you-buy option), have a large portfolio of amps - so surely there is a market for them. On the other hand, I hear more efficient and now excellent-sounding Class 'D' amps are making significant inroads...

regards,

Richard.

PS I agree with all the comments made so far.


r