First Watt SIT-4 unbelievable!!!
- Thread starter silverfoxvtx1800
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NP commented that higher impedance speaker problems with SIT 3 could be 'cured' with a high watt 8 to 10 ohm resistor across the speaker outputs (parallel resistance of 5 to 6 ohms). That would bleed off power, but if the speakers have high efficiency, it might not matter so much. I think Steve Guttenberg said it returned the 'magic' to do this.
Hi Gary,
Please excuse my belated response but I saw this just a few minutes ago...
The First Watt and the Enleum are very different amplifiers both in topology and sound, but can nevertheless offer their own particular blend of "magic" with the Nenuphars.
A lot can depend on how your system is put together but also your music preferences.
The Enleum can emphasize speed and detail in its delivery and packs a very solid punch in the bass (good for music that requires it), while the First Watt has a delivery that engulfs the listener with sound it seems, like you're in a bubble.
In my case, although the sound of the SIT 4 was enticing and deeply gratifying, certain system complications and space constraints (mainly the fact that since I don't own a pre, I had to use a separate passive attenuator between my Lampi and the SIT 4) but also the fact that I recently came upon a used V3 Enleum at realistic pricing from a very caring first owner, prevailed and I ultimately went with that, but if my Lampi had the built in attenuator, things might have been very different.
To clarify, the SIT 4 is one of the most amazing amplifiers I have ever had the pleasure to listen to and it can be driven very effectively by the Lampi. The use of a passive attenuator with it is definitely not a problem. but I just thought it'd be better for my system and preferences to "channel" the funds from the outboard attenuator and extra interconnect (which in my case were needed for the SIT 4 to remain in the system) towards other areas that needed attention.
Cheers,Please excuse my belated response but I saw this just a few minutes ago...
The First Watt and the Enleum are very different amplifiers both in topology and sound, but can nevertheless offer their own particular blend of "magic" with the Nenuphars.
A lot can depend on how your system is put together but also your music preferences.
The Enleum can emphasize speed and detail in its delivery and packs a very solid punch in the bass (good for music that requires it), while the First Watt has a delivery that engulfs the listener with sound it seems, like you're in a bubble.
In my case, although the sound of the SIT 4 was enticing and deeply gratifying, certain system complications and space constraints (mainly the fact that since I don't own a pre, I had to use a separate passive attenuator between my Lampi and the SIT 4) but also the fact that I recently came upon a used V3 Enleum at realistic pricing from a very caring first owner, prevailed and I ultimately went with that, but if my Lampi had the built in attenuator, things might have been very different.
To clarify, the SIT 4 is one of the most amazing amplifiers I have ever had the pleasure to listen to and it can be driven very effectively by the Lampi. The use of a passive attenuator with it is definitely not a problem. but I just thought it'd be better for my system and preferences to "channel" the funds from the outboard attenuator and extra interconnect (which in my case were needed for the SIT 4 to remain in the system) towards other areas that needed attention.
Ted
Hi Ted
thank you fro very detailed response and it is very much appreciated, especially from someone who has had a chance to compare both amplifiers with the Cube Audio Nenuphar speakers.
I was primarily interested in the Enleum 23R is a "contingency plan" just in case I did not get satisfaction with the replacement of my faulty SIT 4.
My replacement SIT 4 arrived two hours ago is currently bedding in. I was using a loaner from very helpful retailer for the last three weeks. To be honest, I cannot hear any difference between a well run-in SIT 4 compared to a brand new unit playing in the same system. Of course, the last time that I listened to the loaner was yesterday so the tyranny of time may have blurred my comparison
.Anyway, the comment you made that ones preference for either amplifier would depend on "your musical preference" drew my attention. Your description that the music "engulfs the listener with sound' is exactly what I am after and I believe is more important to me than having the "ultimate solid punch in the bass".
My main preferences are light classical, folk, blues and jazz.
I think you have convinced me that I have the right amplifier for my musical tastes.
My Auralic Vega G2 has a very high quality R2R type level attennuator and I do not think I would need a preamp to significantly improve the sound quality. Srajan made a comment on the Darko website on February 5th 2025 stating that "I got these results using a DAC-direct connection off the variable reference voltage of the R2R ladders of a Sonnet Pasithea. I heard zero need to add my Vinnie Rossi direct-coupled 300B preamp to the mix." If he is referring to the Vinni Rossi Brama preamp we talking about a US$39,000 component.
I'll have to take his word for it as I will never get a chance to audition so many possible combinations as he does.
I hope you enjoy your Enleum 23R and Cube Audio Nenuphar Minis and I suspect that they would be a stunning combination.
Gary
Hi Ted
yes, I did notice that the SIT 4 has more gain (about 20%) than my previous 300B SET amplifier. I have the volume setting on the Vega at between 30 & 40 which is plenty loud. Of course that depends on how loud some recordings are, but my comparison is based on well known recordings and my assessment was subjective - no decibel meter. I still can't get over how quiet this amp is, especially after living with valve amplification for 40 years.
Gary
yes, I did notice that the SIT 4 has more gain (about 20%) than my previous 300B SET amplifier. I have the volume setting on the Vega at between 30 & 40 which is plenty loud. Of course that depends on how loud some recordings are, but my comparison is based on well known recordings and my assessment was subjective - no decibel meter. I still can't get over how quiet this amp is, especially after living with valve amplification for 40 years.
Gary
About 5-10 seconds resting my hand lightly on the heatsink. The front is very warm but not so much.
Back when I had a SIT3 I called up Pass Labs customer service to see what they had to say about various preamps I was thinking about. I have always thought the SITs are transparent enough to put any level of gear in front of them and it would not be inappropriate. At the time I was thinking about a high quality tube preamp. I have an MZ3 I was using as an preamp at the time and thought I may want to go further in that direction. The guy at Pass told me I should call Ben Jacoby, a well known technician extraordinaire used by many companies for factory authorized service. I believe he is also an ANUK dealer. I had a long conversation with Mr. Jacoby. He agreed that the SIT amps are extraordinarily transparent. He suggested a level 3 ANUK preamp. An M5 I think, it was a long time ago. He also suggested leaving the SIT3 on for a month.
He said that at some point it will get a lot hotter and start to sound a lot better. I never did this with that amp. I just didn’t feel comfortable leaving it on like that.
So now I have a SIT4. It’s been here 5 months or so. I was using the LTA MZ3 as the preamp as before. I have a The Truth passive pre but with my analog and digital sources it sounded thin, even if amazingly clear. A few months ago I bought the Haniwa cartridge and phonostage. It is up there with as good as it gets. I also bought the Holbo Airbearing linear tracking turntable at the same time. It is an excellent tonearm for the Haniwa which tracks at 1g or less. I played it for several days with the MZ3 and then switched in The Truth just to see what would happen. It was an amazing revelatory change. The Truth with the Haniwa into the SIT4 was as good as anything I had ever heard except for the big MBL system. The MZ3 sounded veiled by comparison. So this is an utterly revealing nothing hidden what is in the groove is laid bare kind of system. It sounds very present, very real. But also with zero etch, zero negative solid state artifacts. I was completely mind blown and my friends agreed. It was as good as we thought it could probably get. But I had one last desire. I have always wanted something from EM/IA. Something built by Dave Slagle or Jeffery Jackson. So I ordered an Elmaformer with silver windings. This is their passive volume control based on a transformer. I specified one stereo pair in and out so no switches. It is a black box with a big black knob.
It arrived with its own little flight case. Class all the way. I consulted ai as to how I should break it in. It suggested leaving the system on for 300 hours. After learning my SIT4 had never been properly burned in it said that the 300 hour burn in with signal will make a noticeable non-subtle difference in my amp as well. I thought of Ben Jacoby’s advice years ago.
So I’m at about 250 hours now of playing various cds on continuous play. It’s turned very low but you can still hear it around the house. My wife is very ready for this process to end.
At 100 hrs I unplugged the DAC and plugged in the Haniwa and played my UHQR Aja.
What I thought was as good as it could get took a huge step into unbelievable SQ.
The silver Elmaformer brings greater refinement, greater tonality and saturation, greater more defined soundstage, more bass, greater energy. The presence and holographic aspects are undiminished.
I can’t wait to hear it in a few days when it hits 300 hours.
The EM/IA Elmaformer is imho the perfect preamp for the SIT4 or 5.
He said that at some point it will get a lot hotter and start to sound a lot better. I never did this with that amp. I just didn’t feel comfortable leaving it on like that.
So now I have a SIT4. It’s been here 5 months or so. I was using the LTA MZ3 as the preamp as before. I have a The Truth passive pre but with my analog and digital sources it sounded thin, even if amazingly clear. A few months ago I bought the Haniwa cartridge and phonostage. It is up there with as good as it gets. I also bought the Holbo Airbearing linear tracking turntable at the same time. It is an excellent tonearm for the Haniwa which tracks at 1g or less. I played it for several days with the MZ3 and then switched in The Truth just to see what would happen. It was an amazing revelatory change. The Truth with the Haniwa into the SIT4 was as good as anything I had ever heard except for the big MBL system. The MZ3 sounded veiled by comparison. So this is an utterly revealing nothing hidden what is in the groove is laid bare kind of system. It sounds very present, very real. But also with zero etch, zero negative solid state artifacts. I was completely mind blown and my friends agreed. It was as good as we thought it could probably get. But I had one last desire. I have always wanted something from EM/IA. Something built by Dave Slagle or Jeffery Jackson. So I ordered an Elmaformer with silver windings. This is their passive volume control based on a transformer. I specified one stereo pair in and out so no switches. It is a black box with a big black knob.
It arrived with its own little flight case. Class all the way. I consulted ai as to how I should break it in. It suggested leaving the system on for 300 hours. After learning my SIT4 had never been properly burned in it said that the 300 hour burn in with signal will make a noticeable non-subtle difference in my amp as well. I thought of Ben Jacoby’s advice years ago.
So I’m at about 250 hours now of playing various cds on continuous play. It’s turned very low but you can still hear it around the house. My wife is very ready for this process to end.
At 100 hrs I unplugged the DAC and plugged in the Haniwa and played my UHQR Aja.
What I thought was as good as it could get took a huge step into unbelievable SQ.
The silver Elmaformer brings greater refinement, greater tonality and saturation, greater more defined soundstage, more bass, greater energy. The presence and holographic aspects are undiminished.
I can’t wait to hear it in a few days when it hits 300 hours.
The EM/IA Elmaformer is imho the perfect preamp for the SIT4 or 5.
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Great write up!
I too use an autotransformer based preamp with the SIT4 (Icon5: https://www.passivepreamp.com/, it uses Slagle built autotransformers).
It is more flexible for me than the Elmaformer, as it has more steps.
I find the SIT4 to be very system dependent. I used it with 2 loudspeakers, with a 99dB based horn system and a 95dB based field-coil open baffle system.
On the 99dB horn, the SIT4 sounded a bit thin and "etchy" compared to 300B and 211 SET based amps I have.
On the 95dB open baffle, the SIT4 sounded extremely good, not thin and no etch, however, it was still surparsed by my 300B and 211 SET based amps.
I still find it solid-state sounding, if that's a common phrase.
BTW, I did try a tube-based preamp with the SIT4 and it sounded bloated and veiled compared to the autotransformer preamp.
Thank you. Impedance matching is always important. Many horn speakers have very high impedance. I had a 2A3 amp before I got into SITs. My experience is the SITs have a saturated tonality that is more similar to tubes than other typical solid state amps. And then the SIT4 projects presence in a way that is unique. But that’s just my ear.
H
Like MRubey, I am using my SIT-4 with Cube Audio Neuphar Mini (V1) speakers.
All of the First Watt amplifiers have low damping factors. The SIT-4 is the lowest with a DF of 2 !! Both the SIT-3 & SIT-5 amplifiers have a slightly higher DF I believe.
The Cude Audio Nenuphar speakers work best with an amplifier with the lowest DF.
I had a pair of Melody Dark Star 300B-1 monoblocks which had had some serious tube rolling to get the best sound. Not in the same league as the Air Tight ATM-300B, of course.
The only thing that the 300B did better than the SIT-4 was to hide some of the faults of poorly recorded music. In fact, with not only more accurate bass, but now more of it, my speakers now sound more balanced in both the bass as well as the high frequencies.
Gary
Hi iaxel
Like MRubey, I am using my SIT-4 with Cube Audio Neuphar Mini (V1) speakers.
All of the First Watt amplifiers have low damping factors. The SIT-4 is the lowest with a DF of 2 !! Both the SIT-3 & SIT-5 amplifiers have a slightly higher DF I believe.
The Cude Audio Nenuphar speakers work best with an amplifier with the lowest DF.
I had a pair of Melody Dark Star 300B-1 monoblocks which had had some serious tube rolling to get the best sound. Not in the same league as the Air Tight ATM-300B, of course.
The only thing that the 300B did better than the SIT-4 was to hide some of the faults of poorly recorded music. In fact, with not only more accurate bass, but now more of it, my speakers now sound more balanced in both the bass as well as the high frequencies.
Gary
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