What's unique about the brand
What reviewers are saying
We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:
- First Watt amplifiers prioritize simplicity and elegance in design, often featuring only a few gain stages and a minimum number of parts.
- The brand has a reputation for using uncommon or out-of-production components, such as Static Induction Transistors (SITs) and specific JFETs, to achieve a unique sonic signature.
- They often operate in Class A with low power output, typically 25 watts or less, emphasizing sound quality and harmonic accuracy over raw power.
- First Watt does not conform to a specific formula and various topologies are explored, with and without feedback, and with various active devices, each amplifier is unique.
Our favorite reviewer quotes:
- "My first and lasting sonic impressions were of startling immediacy, soundstage transparency, and 3-D dimensionality. The spatial impression expanded to flesh out a superbly delineated depth perspective populated with tightly focused image outlines." (https://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0912/firstwattsit_1.htm)
- "The SIT-1 was able to dig deeply into the fabric of the music and communicate the music's soul, drama, and passion. In this it was aided by a phenomenal grasp of rhythmic nuances that helped propel the music forward with plenty of kinetic energy." (https://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0912/firstwattsit_1.htm)
- "With the SIT 2, the vocals of John and Paul were breathtaking in their palpability and 3D imaging (at least on certain selections, depending on the quality of the recording). The amp helped to create the illusion that they were actually singing in a holographic space in front of me." (https://hometheaterreview.com/first-watt-sit-2-stereo-amplifier-reviewed)
- "The F8 is a reference tool in the finest sense of the words, exceptionally revealing of what comes before it in the playback chain. Its directness of expression enhances the illusion of being there, and is a function of its phenomenal clarity and transparency." (https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/first-watt-f8-stereo-power-amplifier)
- "The three-dimensional presentation of space is quite remarkable, especially for a solid state amplifier. Neither can I complain in any way about instrumental or voice palpability, as there's more than enough "grunt" to the music to make it seem real, and not some plasticky facsimile of a real event or moment in time." (https://pt.audio/2022/04/10/first-watt-f8-power-amplifier-review)
- "Meanwhile the F5's fully elucidated upper mid/treble ranges offer real harmonics rather than high harmonic distortion. This quality is so non solid-statish that a visiting valve amp designer of true chops pointedly declared that the F5 wasn't transistors." (http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/firstwatt11/m2_3.html)
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Products
Lineup comparison
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First Watt
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About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
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Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
