Anyone well versed in the icons of hi-end audio will be more than familiar with the legend of Wilson Audio’s WATT/Puppy, that set a new benchmark during its release back in 1986. And now, almost forty years later the Utah-based speaker builder has announced its return, marking the brand’s 50 year anniversary
The original concept was sparked by company founder Dave Wilson’s desire to build a portable monitor for his recording projects that would exceed the established models of the time, with a focus on maximising performance without cost constraints. Such was the demand for the resulting custom-made WATT (Wilson Audio Tiny Tot) two-way monitor that Wilson created a separate bass enclosure, transforming it into a full-range floorstanding loudspeaker system. This bass enclosure was dubbed the Puppy and an icon was born.
With a 25 year lifecycle and eight extensive revisions, it was eventually retired in 2011. This new model claims to be what the late Dave Wilson would have built if he had the resources then that Wilson Audio has now.
Key features include Wilson Audio’s proprietary ‘X-material’, ‘S-material’ and ‘V-material’ composite enclosures and the original WATT’s rear handle, as a nod to its heritage as a portable studio monitor.
Elsewhere Wilson’s 1″ Convergent Synergy Carbon treble driver and 7″ AlNiCo QuadraMag midrange driver are on upper air moving duties, joined by twin 8″ bass drivers with homogenous cellulose composite cones.
Adjustable spikes allow precise time-domain alignment of the WATT module while a built-in bubble level and easy-access resistor panel aids maintenance and tuning.
WATT/Puppy Series 5 of 1994 (left) and The WATT/Puppy 2024 (right)
Finishes are offered in WilsonGloss enclosure, grille and hardware colours which can be specified individually, providing hundreds of colour combinations.
Starting at £41,998 per pair, find out more at Wilson Audio and Absolute Sounds in the UK.
