Wyred 4 Sound (W4S) is a company that is in its infant stages when it comes to selling their own brand to the general public, although Rick Cullen, the man behind it all, is no stranger to high-end audio. In fact, for over 35 years Rick has been behind some very impressive names in the high-end world of audio/video. Rick’s maniacal approach to devise a plan and revolutionize high end audio, all the while making this elite hobby obtainable to the rest of us working class citizens, is simple. The plan: produce some of the finest sounding amplifiers on the planet and sell them directly to the consumer. The internet direct sales model is nothing new; the concept is simple yet very effective. W4S is able to drastically cut operating costs that normally plague other traditionally operated sales/distribution companies. These massive reductions in operating costs allow Rick to pass these savings onto his customers. Hard to believe? Well let me tell you his plan is working! I have heard many, many high end amplifiers and while often impressed, I’m usually left in shock… not due to the sound but rather by the price tag.

If you have read my past comments regarding our other equipment, then you might ask yourself, I thought B&K was the be all and end all? Well one must consider advancements in technology, price points and personal taste. B&K Components produce a fantastic amplifier; it is well built with a better then average sound at a reasonable price. But, if I was to do a direct comparison, I would say the biggest differences I found were W4S’s almost magical ability to effectively produce a three dimensional sound stage with the capability to invoke a silky smooth, incredibly detailed presentation. To be honest, I am floored at the difference this amplifier has made! Music and movies actually have a more realistic ambiance to their presentation. Jessie Cook’s energetic style is reproduced with an eerie sense of life-like realism. A movie such as Master and Commander has left me speechless where the sound engineers have effectively captured what I can only describe as cinematic utopia.

W4S’s amplifiers use the same technology as the highly regarded manufacturer Bel Canto. Both manufacturers utilize the often misunderstood Class D technology which earned a bad rap in the past for a stale, metallic sounding presentation. Previous generations of this technology failed miserably but with advanced manufacturing techniques, Class D is gaining respect and proving to be a viable alternative. Today’s Class D technology brings a new era of true high end qualities with incredible efficiency. The type of clarity, warmth and emotion once only obtainable by a pure class A amplifier is becoming more of a reality. The W4S amplifier boasts specifications that dwarf even the biggest power amplifiers but at a 3rd of the price.

In the real world: Picture yourself young and full of beans, playing with your favorite toy with such an innocent and vivid imagination. I myself had a particular toy helicopter that at times I looked up at in the sky and prayed was real, whooshing over anything and everything imagining the sound being generated by its awesome design. Once hearing a real helicopter when I was very young at an air show, I could -- in my head that is -- replicate what I perceived to be an accurate reproduction. Now with that in mind, my recent viewing of Bolt has transported me back to my “oh so innocent” adolescent years with the very same thought: “awesome”. The best part… my ten year old son sitting beside me with a smile from ear to ear with the only comment he could muster after watching the very same opening scene was “awesome”. I share this to convey just how realistic the W4S amp is and also as somewhat of a guide. A guide that I hope you can use to experience “awesome” for yourself.

Wyred 4 Sound: you get what you paid for? If everything we purchased was as good as this amp, there would be no such thing as a return policy!