Quick Summary
Wilson Audio has reintroduced its iconic WATT/Puppy loudspeaker, with the new model now available globally.
It not only sports retro sci-fi looks, but has some truly high-end components to make for an awesome audio experience.
US audiophile brand Wilson Audio has announced the global availability of a new version of its iconic 80s loudspeaker.
The WATT/Puppy has been remastered and reintroduced almost 40 years after first being made available.
Priced at £41,998 per pair, the floorstanders have more than a touch of retro droid cool about them – reminding us of 70s/80s sci-fi movies and shows, such as Star Wars and Buck Rogers. They are made in Utah, and can be configured using a wide variety of colour options and finishes.
Each WATT/Puppy speaker contains a Convergent Synergy Carbon (CSC) tweeter for pin sharp high frequencies, which pairs with a 7-inch AlNiCo (alluminium, nickel and cobalt) QuadraMag midrange driver.
The lower half is dominated by two 8-inch woofers for deep, involving bass response. You're certainly getting a lot of oomph for your money.
The top part of each speaker sits on an adjustable spike, which allows for precise alignment depending on your ideal listening position. It also reduces vibrations from the woofer cabinet, by having this unit floating above.
One of the changes made between the 1986 original version of the loudspeaker and today's model comes in the form of the capacitors used. While the 80s variant contained capacitors with single-wound construction, the new release adopts copper AudioCapX-WA capacitors that are wound and hand-finished by Wilson Audio itself.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
This couples with copper end-spray and gold leads for the mid and high-frequency connections. The woofer capacitor has been reengineered too, with lower inductance for a "rich sonic texture".
If you're wondering where the name comes from, the top part of the speaker, which handles the mid and high frequencies is called the WATT, while the lower section, with the bass woofers, is the Puppy.
Each loudspeaker is made by hand to order. They are exclusive being distributed in the UK by Absolute Sounds.
It's also worth noting that additional premium and custom colours are available on request.
Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.
Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.
-
Google Lens gets a free update to make high street shopping easier and cheaper
Bringing online and in-store shopping together
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Best Christmas gifts 2024: wellness, fragrances, grooming and more
If you're struggling to find the perfect gift, you've come to the right place
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: a top-class rugged compact speaker
The best affordable Bluetooth speaker gets better thanks to USB-C
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Loewe We Hear Pro review: portable speaker delivers the funk
Loewe undercuts some rivals with an excellent portable speaker that has real oomph
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
JBL is keeping the flag flying for home cinema – and looking good in the process
JBL Modern Audio AV receivers and Stage 2 speakers are made for each other
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple looks set to launch a new Bluetooth speaker very soon
A new Beats Pill might be imminent
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Sony rivals Sonos with new Ult range of speakers with bass-heavy focus
Sony Ult Tower 10 party speaker, Ult Field 7 portable, Ult Field 1 Bluetooth speaker, and Ult Wear headphones lead the range
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Loewe packages its best speakers into some seriously stylish home cinema sets
Watch movies in style
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
House of Marley celebrates One Love biopic with limited edition turntable
There are only 250
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
This Devialet Phantom I speaker is literally a work of art
Artist collaboration results in one of the best-looking speakers around
By Max Freeman-Mills Published