What amplifier does the Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy need?

Pick a speaker and tell us how loud you listen and how big the room is. We work out the power it actually needs, check which amplifiers can safely drive its impedance, and rank 297 amplifiers against it.

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Passive speakers only - a powered speaker already has its amplifier inside.
Changes the order only. Nothing is hidden for costing too little or too much.
Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy
Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy
Floor-standing
89 dB · 4 ohm
dips to 2.87 ohm
$41,500 a pair
Full specs →
Power needed
19–25 W
per channel, into 4 ohms

To hit 95 dB peaks at 3 m from a pair of Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy, you need at least 19 W a channel. More than 25 W is wasted here - that is all Wilson Audio rates the speaker to take.

Show the working
  • 95 dB target at the seat
  • +4.8 dB for 3.0 m of distance
  • -3 dB for a stereo pair
  • -84.0 dB effective sensitivity
  • 3.0 dB taken off to convert the 4 ohm 2.83V rating to dB per watt
  • 2 dB allowed for optimistic published sensitivity
  • Published sensitivity 89 dB, used as 84.0 dB per watt.

Rega io with the Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy

Workable with care
2 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean.
Rated to 4 ohms, but this speaker dips to 2.87. Fine at sane volume, tight if you push it hard.
No 4 ohm power rating on file. On a 4 ohm speaker dipping to 2.87 that is the figure that matters, so this one is unproven on the load.
Full Rega io specs · Clear this amp
 
$90 $25,000

192 integrated amplifiers suit the Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy

Also show the 58 we do not recommend
1
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Integrated
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Integrated
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 42 W into 8 ohms · $5,495
Workable with care
3 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 42 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
2
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Integrated
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Integrated
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 40 W into 8 ohms · $3,295
Workable with care
3 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 40 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
3
PrimaLuna EVO 200 Integrated
PrimaLuna EVO 200 Integrated
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 44 W into 8 ohms · $3,995
Workable with care
4 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 44 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
4
Audio Research I/70
Audio Research I/70
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 70 W into 8 ohms · $9,950
Workable with care
6 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 70 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
5
PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated
PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 70 W into 8 ohms · $6,495
Workable with care
6 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 70 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
6
ELAC DS-A101-G
ELAC DS-A101-G
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 40 W into 8 ohms · $850
Workable with care
6 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (40 W to 80 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
7
Cayin Jazz 70
Cayin Jazz 70
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 35 W into 8 ohms · $1,399
Good match
3 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so sensitivity decides it. At 84.0 dB this speaker needs most of the 35 W available - it will work, with little in reserve.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
8
Devialet Astra
Devialet Astra
Integrated Amplifier · ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) · 150 W into 8 ohms · $20,000
Workable with care
12 dB of headroom, far more than needed. No harm in it. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (150 W to 300 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Sensible value pick against these speakers.
9
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 100 W into 8 ohms · $3,495
Workable with care
7 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 100 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
10
Hegel H95
Hegel H95
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 60 W into 8 ohms · $2,000
Workable with care
5 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
No 4 ohm power rating on file. On a 4 ohm speaker dipping to 2.87 that is the figure that matters, so this one is unproven on the load.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
11
Arcam Solo Uno
Arcam Solo Uno
Integrated Amplifier · Class D · 25 W into 8 ohms · $769
Workable with care
4 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated to 4 ohms, but this speaker dips to 2.87. Fine at sane volume, tight if you push it hard.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (25 W to 50 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
12
Hegel H150
Hegel H150
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 75 W into 8 ohms · $3,600
Workable with care
6 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
No 4 ohm power rating on file. On a 4 ohm speaker dipping to 2.87 that is the figure that matters, so this one is unproven on the load.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
13
Technics SU-GX70
Technics SU-GX70
Integrated Amplifier · Class D · 30 W into 8 ohms · $1,999
Workable with care
5 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated to 4 ohms, but this speaker dips to 2.87. Fine at sane volume, tight if you push it hard.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (30 W to 60 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
14
Mark Levinson No.5805
Mark Levinson No.5805
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 125 W into 8 ohms · $10,500
Workable with care
11 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (125 W to 250 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Sensible value pick against these speakers.
15
OSD Nero Stream XD
OSD Nero Stream XD
Integrated Amplifier · Class D · 30 W into 8 ohms · $240
Workable with care
4 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated to 4 ohms, but this speaker dips to 2.87. Fine at sane volume, tight if you push it hard.
Power rises usefully into 4 ohms (30 W to 50 W).
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
16
Mark Levinson No.5802
Mark Levinson No.5802
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 125 W into 8 ohms · $8,500
Workable with care
11 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (125 W to 250 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
17
WiiM Vibelink
WiiM Vibelink
Integrated Amplifier · Class D · 100 W into 8 ohms · $299
Workable with care
10 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 3 ohms, comfortable with a 4 ohm speaker that dips to 2.87.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (100 W to 200 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
18
Devialet Expert 140 Pro
Devialet Expert 140 Pro
Integrated Amplifier · ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid) · 105 W into 8 ohms · $6,500
Workable with care
7 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
No 4 ohm power rating on file. On a 4 ohm speaker dipping to 2.87 that is the figure that matters, so this one is unproven on the load.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
19
Rega io
Rega io
Integrated Amplifier · Class A/B · 30 W into 8 ohms · $725
Workable with care
2 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean.
Rated to 4 ohms, but this speaker dips to 2.87. Fine at sane volume, tight if you push it hard.
No 4 ohm power rating on file. On a 4 ohm speaker dipping to 2.87 that is the figure that matters, so this one is unproven on the load.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
20
NAD D 3020 V2
NAD D 3020 V2
Integrated Amplifier · Class D · 30 W into 8 ohms · $499
Workable with care
2 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean.
Rated to 4 ohms, but this speaker dips to 2.87. Fine at sane volume, tight if you push it hard.
No 4 ohm power rating on file. On a 4 ohm speaker dipping to 2.87 that is the figure that matters, so this one is unproven on the load.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.

Showing the best 20 of 192. Narrow it with the price range below, or a different budget split.

47 power amplifiers that would also drive them

Listed separately because they are not a complete system: a power amplifier has no volume control and no inputs to speak of, so you need a preamplifier or a streaming preamp as well. Worth it if you already own one, or if you want to buy the two halves separately.

1
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Power
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Power
Power Amplifier · Class A/B · 40 W into 8 ohms · $3,095
Workable with care
3 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 / 16 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 40 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
2
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Power
Power Amplifier · Class A/B · 44 W into 8 ohms · $4,695
Workable with care
4 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 / 16 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 44 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
3
PrimaLuna EVO 200 Power
PrimaLuna EVO 200 Power
Power Amplifier · Class A/B · 44 W into 8 ohms · $3,795
Workable with care
4 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 / 16 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 44 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
4
PrimaLuna EVO 400 Power
PrimaLuna EVO 400 Power
Power Amplifier · Class A/B · 70 W into 8 ohms · $5,995
Workable with care
6 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 / 16 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 70 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
5
FiiO EA13
FiiO EA13
Power Amplifier · Class A · 28 W into 8 ohms · $770
Workable with care
Just barely enough (2 dB of headroom). Fine at normal volume, no reserve for peaks.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so sensitivity decides it. At 84.0 dB this speaker needs most of the 28 W available - it will work, with little in reserve.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
6
Mark Levinson No.534
Mark Levinson No.534
Power Amplifier · Class A/B · 250 W into 8 ohms · $25,000
Workable with care
14 dB of headroom, far more than needed. No harm in it. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
Power nearly doubles into 4 ohms (250 W to 500 W) - a stiff supply that copes with hard loads.
Balanced against the price of the speakers.
7
Rogue Audio Stereo 100
Rogue Audio Stereo 100
Power Amplifier · Class A/B · 100 W into 8 ohms · $4,195
Workable with care
7 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Has a 4 ohm tap, which is exactly what this 4 ohm speaker wants. Taps: 4 / 8 ohm.
A valve amplifier makes the same power on each tap, so what matters is sensitivity - and at 84.0 dB this speaker is efficient enough that 100 W is comfortable.
Well below the speakers - leaves money on the table, but nothing wrong with it.
8
Naim NAP 300 DR
Naim NAP 300 DR
Power Amplifier · Class A/B · 90 W into 8 ohms · $12,700
Workable with care
7 dB of headroom over what this speaker needs - peaks stay clean. Well above the 25 W the maker rates the speaker for, so keep an eye on the volume knob.
Rated down to 2 ohms - stable into anything this speaker will throw at it.
No 4 ohm power rating on file. On a 4 ohm speaker dipping to 2.87 that is the figure that matters, so this one is unproven on the load.
Sensible value pick against these speakers.
Were these amplifier recommendations useful?
It helps us tune the matching, and we read every comment.

Sensitivity and impedance figures are the manufacturer's own. We read sensitivity as dB at 2.83 V/1 m and take 2 dB off it, because published figures run high. Treat the result as a well-founded starting point, not a measurement. Full Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy specs.

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