On June 15, 2024, the Filtronique boutique in Montreal invited us to the presentation of a reissue of the WATT/Puppy speaker by the American manufacturer Wilson Audio. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the manufacturer decided to reintroduce its iconic model, now called The WATT/Puppy. The official launch of this new speaker was on June 7th. For the occasion, Bill Peugh, responsible for dealer training, was present to talk about this reincarnation of the WATT/Puppy. André Labbé acted as the organizer and presenter of the event.
Wilson Audio was co-founded in 1974 by David A. Wilson (1944 – 2018) and his wife Sheryl Lee Wilson, who greatly influenced the company’s business decisions. Today, the company is run by the founder’s son, Daryl C. Wilson. Wilson Audio is globally recognized by the audiophile community as one of the world’s most sophisticated loudspeaker manufacturers.
When the company started offering its products in the early 1980s, its first commercial success was the small monitor called WATT (Wilson Audio Tiny Tot). This two-way, pyramid-shaped monitor was introduced at a price of $4,400 USD per pair, while the most expensive mini monitors at that time were sold for $1,600 USD per pair. This monitor was quickly followed by a subwoofer with two 20 cm woofers named Puppy to enhance its bass extension, creating the WATT/Puppy system, which was such a success that it was produced until its 7th version introduced in 2002 and discontinued in 2006.
Since then, the Sasha model has taken over, introduced in 2009, and produced in several versions, the latest being the Sasha V introduced in 2023. With The WATT/Puppy set to replace the Yvette model, there was a gap to fill in the Wilson Audio catalog. For now, this 50th-anniversary commemorative edition is introduced in a limited version with a medallion on the back of the speaker. However, we are assured that The WATT/Puppy will remain in the Wilson Audio product catalog.
The manufacturer decided to keep the name WATT/Puppy because this 50th-anniversary reissue retains the same shape, dimensions, and speaker configuration as the original model. Thus, they return with the two-way, pyramid-shaped mini monitor placed on its subwoofer with two woofers. According to Daryl C. Wilson, the founder’s son, the new system The WATT/Puppy has more in common with the latest Sasha V. The main difference lies in the volume of the new The WATT/Puppy system, which is about 25 % smaller than the Sasha V. Another major difference is that the price of The WATT/Puppy is $38,500 USD, while the Sasha V is $50,000 USD. According to Wilson Audio, The WATT/Puppy is such an improvement thanks to new manufacturing technologies that it has rendered the Yvette model, which sat between the Sasha V and the Sabrina X, obsolete. Therefore, the Yvette speaker will gradually be removed from the Wilson Audio catalog.
At Wilson Audio, manufacturing standards are among the highest in the world with an almost excessive attention to detail. Unlike most manufacturers who use high-density fiberboard or plywood panels, Wilson Audio has developed composite panels called X-Material for internal reinforcements and external walls. These panels result from laminating phenolic and epoxy resins. These materials are very dense and difficult to machine, requiring the use of CNC tools equipped with carbon bits that need regular sharpening. For The WATT/Puppy, a slightly different material is used for the front panel that supports the midrange and tweeter, called S-Material, and for the top of the Puppy, V-Material is used to filter low-frequency vibrations that could be transmitted to the WATT. The cabinets are then covered with an automotive-type lacquer, with particularly meticulous multi-layer polishing. Tapping on the walls of each speaker feels like tapping on a block of stone due to the high material density and damping.
The new The WATT/Puppy uses the latest generation transducers, such as a CSC (Convergent Synergy Carbon) tweeter equipped with a rear absorption chamber made of carbon fiber. This soft dome tweeter naturally pairs with the latest AlNiCo QuadraMag midrange transducer. The two 20 cm woofers of the Puppy have composite cellulose cones. The head of the The WATT/Puppy system is adjustable in vertical dispersion angle using adjustable screws at the back. The WATT head rests on an isolation platform on top of the Puppy. It should also be noted that for several years, Wilson Audio has developed its own machines / tools to manufacture its own high-quality capacitors with copper ribbon winding.
The new The WATT/Puppy model is currently available by special order, with up to a 3-month wait depending on the requested color and finish. It is available in no fewer than 28 different colors, but the 5 standard options are Galaxy Gray, GT Silver, Quartz, Carbon, and Medio Grigio. Depending on the color and finish options, the price can vary from $38,500 USD to $45,000 USD.
The The WATT/Puppy speakers on display at Filtronique were a flamboyant red. They were powered by a complete Nagra amplification system, with a Bartok from dCS serving as the DAC/streamer. All cables were from Synergistic Research. Needless to say, the sound quality of these speakers was sublime, supported by these electronics
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