Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Wright Sound Company WPP100C Phono Preamp by user510

Model:	WPP100C
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$825
Description:	Phono preamp with separate power supply
Manufacturer URL:	Wright Sound Company
Model Picture:	View

Review by user510 ( A ) on November 05, 2002 at 18:53:20
IP Address: 63.191.224.151

Add Your Review
for the WPP100C

This review could be considered as an addendum to the Teres model 135 turntable review I've done previously as this phono preamp is the latest addition to the audio system incorporating that turntable.

To begin, the Wright WPP100C is a vacuum tube phono preamplifier with a compliment of 6 vacuum tubes on the preamplifier as follows: Zenith 6ER5/EC95 (four) and Zenith 5963/12AU7A (two). There is a maximum gain of 65 db adjustable via left and right control knobs located on top of the unit amidst the tubes. The chassis is solid copper alloy. According to George Wright, this is said to offer increased/enhanced grounding and contributes to the units low background noise. RCA jacks input end and output end are of the gold plated variety. The ground stud is also gold plated and is substantial.

The power separate power supply, pn# WPS04, is included in the cost of the preamplifier and also uses a pair of vacuum tubes. The rather large looking transformer sits atop the black box imparting a very retro look to the whole affair.

Because I use a low output moving coil phono cartridge, a Shelter 501 type 2, a step-up transformer is needed for impedance matching and voltage step-up going into the Wright phono preamp. This device is pn# WPM100, manufactured by Wright, and is claimed to match impedance with cartridges needing an ohm load from 2 ohms to 100 ohms. The step-up ratio is 1:10. This will meet the needs of the Shelter. The cost of the step-up is $250 in addition to the preamp.

In my system there has been no evidence of hum or any grounding issues associated with the use of the Wright WPP100C. I've found that setting gain via the control knobs on the WPP100C at roughly 1/2 of the range offered will match the output of my other front end components in the system.

Now, on to the sound.

In the operating guide, the performance of the unit is described as having "extremely fast transient response, sonically neutral, with no added coloration". What I've heard so far will confirm these claims as being true.

In general I would describe the sound of the Wright as having articulate, fast transients while preserving delicacy and detail. There is no sonic coloration that I can detect, but rather the unit reproduces a natural, fully timbred, rich and revealing presentation of each instrument. I've also discovered an aliveness previously unheard from my system. Reverberant passages now evoke strong ambiant sensations. Example: Moody Blues "In Search of the Lost Chord", Side one, track one, "Departure". This is the intro into "Ride My See Saw" that features an electronic synthetic tone rising in pitch in a seemingly endless linear climb finally reaching a climactic crescendo at the end. This manages to raise the hairs on the nape of my neck repeatedly...! So far it's worked 3 times in a row. I can't remember the last time I got that while in a competent state of mind. ;-)

Along with the amazingly fast transients I've observed a longer tail on note delivery in general. They hit faster but last longer.

But what about the "slam factor"..?

Midrange and bass offers up more impact. There is a pronounced concusive force apparent in strong rhythmic passages not heard before. I'm tempted to call this sound "ballsy". Ballsy, but not overly agressive. Then, again, some of these sounds tend to figuratively reach out and grab me by the lapels and pull me into the sonic picture. It's not subtle, it's bold. I'm liking this.

Bass extension:

As an example, one of the records I use to test bass extension is the soundtrack from the movie "2001 A Space Odyssey". The track is titled "Also Sprak Zarasthustra" but many simply know this as the fanfare from 2001. Whatever, there is a 30 hz organ pedal note that plays through out the fanfare. This note is delivered in full timbre to good effect. While not seismic, the bass is delivered with greater force than before. I've got to like this also.

In general, again, a really good sense of ambience, aliveness combined with fast transients. An example of the speed would be the ability to keep up with fast instrumental passages such as rapid guitar strikes. This is apparent in several Moody Blues albums. These improvements are also beneficial in classical music with a greater dynamic attack than before.

It doesn't reach out and touch, it reaches out and grabs...!

On the negative side of things, I've noticed a higher amount of record surface noise, clicks and ticks. Pops are now real bangers. Another negative is that I have experienced some listener fatigue during an extended period lasting over a couple of hours. Then, again, I don't recall the music holding me that long before, so it's relative, isn't it..!

One other thing. George Wright lives close enough for me to drive there in less than one hour, traffic permitting. This was one inducement for me to check out this product. He is manufacturing this product out of his home and according to him, the Wright Sound Company is a full time occupation for him and his wife. This is his day job. Designer and manufacturer. Any questons, just ask him. Nice guy, great product.

Product Weakness: none
Product Strengths: Natural sound with fast transient response.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Classe' CAP 151
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Teres model 135
Speakers:	NHT 2.9
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas, Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classic rock, 50's, 60's jazz, some classical, folk
Room Size (LxWxH):	30 ft. x 12 ft. x 18 ft.
Room Comments/Treatments:	Vaulted ceiling, no apparent accoustical problems
Time Period/Length of Audition:	24 hours
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	same

Product Weakness:	none
Product Strengths:	Natural sound with fast transient response.