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.

[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

[bikerhifinut]

A DAC wouldnt be the right way to go, there are way too many inexpensive and very very competent DACs on the market now.
I personally think there's space for a less expensive preamplifier.

Something with a nice simple gain stage into a Cathode follower for Low impedance driving of long lines. And full remote control. This could fit nicely into the existing pre3 or pre4 cases. Obviously the existing remote control board wouldnt fit in the pre3 case and that would pose a large investment expense for Matthew.
But no reason why a preamp PCB can't be easily knocked out for a simple gain stage into CF using say a couple of ECC82 or other twin triodes. This could fit in either pre3 or pre4 casework.
Now heres the trick, why not arrange the boards in the pre4 case so that a PCB for Phono3 or 3S could be slotted in beside the rest. PSU3 already supplies both pre and phono so one could use one common Binder socket, or why not make room for a second thus giving options for a further PSU upgrade?
Ah well whatever happens I hope Matthew continues to grow the business and stays successful.
As to adding power amps to the range, I am not sure if there is justification for something between the EL84 and KT88 amps.
If an EL34 amp was added to the range, it wouldn't be any cheaper to make than the KT88 amps and theres your issue.
If you're confident enough, theres nothing to stop you buying a KT88 chassis and building an EL34 amp to your own preferred circuit, You'd even be able to use the same mains transformer. assuming Matthew would be willing to sell one.

A.

[Bonky]

Thanks BHN,

I understand.

As to cheap(ish) valve pre-amps, when I met Martin ( a helpful, charming guy), he asked me what my pre-amp was. I replied a Schiit Saga...his eyes opened somewhat and said it was a very good pre-amp (if my memory serves me correctly). I took that as an endorsement.
Richard.

[Matthew Snell]

You've guessed mostly right, guys: the overdraft facility isn't up to launching a new amp (much as I'd love it!)

There is a decent history on this forum of "what new product would you like to see from WD?" The briefest glance shows that there would be genuine interest in countless developments - but from a very few people for each idea!

I wish I had marketing skills (or "Social Media" proclivities), but facts need to be faced, and I don't! Meanwhile I AM committed to care-taking the noble tradition that is WD - and genuinely welcome your input.

There will be news soon about a new preamp.

Matthew

[colin.hepburn]

Hi Mathew /All
Yes i would like to see a single ended Amp in the mix. something like my JE labs KT 66 would be good sound’s just fine to its been a long time since there’s been a SE amp in the WD range
Collin

[Chris]

To do it on the cheap I would just do the boards and box, and get a kick back from supplies for using their transformers in the design etc, so you do not need to hold stock on costly items.

Chris.