Wilson speakers

[admin]

As you mentioned, there is no need to glue or mount the corner traps as they should stand on their own. The others you can try different positions and mounting systems. If you do find an "ideal placement" in the future and decide to permanently fix it to the wall, that's always an options.

I would play around with them for now to see what suits your ears the best.

[AnotherJohnson]

Extra lunar shelf room?

This was an Otto Korrekt induced error.

Not lunar. Linear.

As for EVER gluing them down, now that I’ve envisioned this other approach, it will not happen on my watch. Glue just requires WAY too much work to remove. And this approach of making light stiff hangable panel assemblies will be more flexible. There will be minor spackle and touch up, but within the normal scope of interior painters.

[AnotherJohnson]

If you put off buying the now $875k Master Chronosonics,

https://www.paragonsns.com/products/wil ... oudspeaker

It may be too late. It was a limited run (I think of 75). And the rumor mill indicates the last pair are spoken for.

I just missed it.

[AnotherJohnson]

Meanwhile, back at the Sasha DAWs, they’ve continued to improve over the two weeks they’ve been here. But it’s like they’ve always been here.

My audio systems (really the music that they give me access to) have always brought me joy … it is amazing that after the last 35+ years of increasing states of Nirvana, that I can still find that things can get better.

[admin]

If you put off buying the now $875k Master Chronosonics,

https://www.paragonsns.com/products/wil ... oudspeaker

It may be too late. It was a limited run (I think of 75). And the rumor mill indicates the last pair are spoken for.

I just missed it.

You snooze you lose. Looks like I missed the chance on this one!

They truly are incredible speakers.

Meanwhile, back at the Sasha DAWs, they’ve continued to improve over the two weeks they’ve been here. But it’s like they’ve always been here.

My audio systems (really the music that they give me access to) have always brought me joy … it is amazing that after the last 35+ years of increasing states of Nirvana, that I can still find that things can get better.

Very nice. I'm happy that the upgrade paid off. Enjoy.

[AnotherJohnson]

Tonight’s been an Oscar Peterson Trio (Joe Pass and Niels Henning Orsted-Peterson (affectionately known as NHOP by many) ) night so far. Lots of great HiRez albums available to stream, and the “QoBuz/Comcast Conspiracy” has been asleep at the switch meaning that the data stream has been flawless.

I heard a scary bedtime story today.

A company who will remain nameless ( ) created two unhappy customers recently.

Two pair of speakers include 6 crates. Four lower unit crates and two upper unit crates. Pairs are consecutively serial numbered, and the correct upper crate is marked for those consecutive serial numbers. Just as an example, suppose a pair were 1991 and 1992. The base crates would be marked 1991 and 1992. The matching top crate would be marked 1991/1992. 1993 and 1994 would be the next pair with top crate marked 1993/1994.

Suppose the 1991 and 1992 set were custom painted Candy Apple Red and the 1993 and 1994 pair were custom painted Obsidian.

It might look cool to have red uppers and black lowers, with an alternate pair running with black uppers and red lowers. But if you didn’t order this mixed color scheme, I think you’d be pretty miffed. Six month wait followed by crates not matching.

This might have happened at Forward Air. They could have screwed it up. Yeah. That’s the ticket. Forward Air did it.

Lucky me … my speakers were almost in on this fiasco. But I dodged a bullet.

Just goes to show you that patience is not always rewarded.

[AnotherJohnson]

The 25’ pair Transparent Reference XLRs is now on its way to Transparent for calibration for my REF Phono 3 to REF 6SE.

They were delivered today. Very impressive packaging. Double boxed, but the cables, which are NOS Gen 5, were themselves packaged in a serious hard case.

These were part of the Sabrina - dCS Rossini trade which has expanded to include several other components on both sides of the trade.

I won’t get a chance to try them until next weekend when I’ll actually have time to move some bookcases to accommodate the new TT location. An interesting side piece that is coming my way is a McIntosh MCT500 Transport.

As most probably know, none of these separate transports can send the DSD data stream extracted off an SACD layer to anything other than a DAC of the same manufacturer, and even then special cabling and a special input are required. For example, the Rossini DAC can’t take SACD data from anything other than a dCS transport. A McIntosh transport can only send SACD data to a McIntosh DAC with an MCT input.

So … the Levinson 5101 will remain in the to play SACDs and red book CDs will be played either via the MCT500/Rossini combo, or the 5101. Streaming will be handled via the Rossini unless it can’t beat the Bluesound Node. The Node will move to the headphone stack with the SA-KI Ruby, and displace the ND8006. The ND8006 will move to support CD play on the Denon Home 350.

Another busy week upcoming.

[admin]

Lot's of changes. Let us know what you think. I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on the dCS gear.

[AnotherJohnson]

[
As for EVER gluing them down, now that I’ve envisioned this other approach, it will not happen on my watch. Glue just requires WAY too much work to remove. And this approach of making light stiff hangable panel assemblies will be more flexible. There will be minor spackle and touch up, but within the normal scope of interior painters.

The foam project continues. 3/16” foam core board was hard to get in the right precut size. But corrugated cardboard was not, so that what I bought.

I’ve assembled a few sheets the acoustic foam and cardboard using Scotch brand double sided “permanent” tape. Easy to separate if needed. I’ve experimented with these.

As I suspected, covering the glass front of the long cabinet at the center had a significant impact, giving more depth to the sound stage and greater clarity of detail. Difficult lyrics are even easier to discriminate.

This was the first time in a long time that I had a glass front at the front. I should have recognized this as low hanging fruit. I still need to get those IKEA plate display shelves up to do more with the front wall. The positive impact of what I’ve done is an incentive to continue.

[AnotherJohnson]

This week I spent some time listening to and studying the build quality of the Alexia V and Alexx V models. Also spent time learning more about and listening to the Chronosonic XVX.

On the bright side, returning to my Sasha DAWs was in no way a disappointment to my ears. In fact, I like my system’s voice better than the Burmester driven systems I listened to.

But I was really impressed with the fit and finish of the Alexx V and Alexia V. I had not noticed the level of detail and focus on mechanical function, finish and appearance when I listened to them last year.

It is easy to see where the money goes.

The other thing I discovered this week is that (in my opinion) Wilson has made a major error with their automotive paint approach. They want $400 for their care kit. Even Lincoln and Cadillac are not so bold. But the paint kit can be necessary if the speakers are moved along a floor. The bottom side can be chipped or scraped.

If they used an epoxy finish (at least on the bottom), this would never come up. I got my Sabrinas safely to the dCS Rossini trade … but not without some bottom plate dings which had to get cleaned up. A more durable bottom finish would be w worthwhile upgrade.

[admin]

Aren't the speakers moved around with coasters? I figured that is the reason why Wilson loves to use coasters.

[AnotherJohnson]

I suppose you could buy the coaster kit. I think it’s probably a couple of grand.

It’s not necessary to have the coasters to waltz them around, or to slide them on the spike pads.

How many speakers have you owned where the finish got dinged up underneath by just moving them a few inches on hardwood? The correct answer is that one probably doesn’t know because who looks at the underside of their speakers.

But you would not expect the finish to be delicate on the underside. The higher models will always be on castors or on spikes. So it may not come up.

It did not affect my trade so that was good. I was surprised. They were never drug around or moved more than a foot or two. I thought it was a weakness.

[admin]

Glad it all turned out well. I've used those cheap entry rugs to move heavy items including speakers before. That way it just slides on the rug and doesn't scratch the floor or the item I'm moving.

[AnotherJohnson]

It shouldn’t be necessary. It would easily be remedied by a better design.

[Big Dog RJ]

G'day mate, trust those S-Daws are singing by now... or at least opening up nicely with the brilliant REF250SE's & the REF6se.

I was just having a chat with my tech, who was working on one of the older Wilson drivers on the Watt Puppy. We were discussing customer support, and I mentioned how great Wilson's approach is where they help out in installation. It seemed like I had missed the bus on this quite a while back. Apparently this installation service is not offered any longer in Aus. So when you buy the most affordable one in the line up, which starts at close to 100grand $AUD, you're pretty much on your own!

It certainly was offered in the past and only on certain models, Alex, XLF and Wamm but not any more. Wilson HQ have their reasons why and the overseas importers plus dealers didn't have the resources to offer this service for the long term. However, if a customer requires installation then the respective dealer will organise his own team from their side and will charge a premium fee but they're not Wilson specialists. Rather, they have "some" experience with setting up Wilson's.

We were discussing the exorbitant pricing on Alsyvox and the new Clarisys line of ribbon panels. So it seems that they're now adopting the Wilson model, where not only do they come out to setup but also in the event of service. So, if your Clarisys panels need service, a crew will fly down all the way from Hanoi to do the fix-up at your home. This is partly due to shipping weight (smallest model weighs 90kgs each, & upto 300kgs for the bigger panels). The nature of the panels and its sheer size is not feasible to be carting around without the slightest damage. Therefore, sending a tech crew out to wherever the owner is located is bloody great service!

Now this has gotten me mmm... looks very promising.

Anyway, I'm not sure if Wilson still offers this support to US based customers only... I would think so, that makes more sense. Or are they charging a separate installation fee for this type of service?

Cheers, RJ

[AnotherJohnson]

Wilson is like all of the others. The importer buys the inventory and then marks it up to support their operations, including any warranty and or service.

Historically Wilson has forced dealers and importers to provide the high level of support that has been their hallmark.

Things change. If the Australian importer is no longer required to perform installation, it could be due to training travel problems of the last 3 years. Or it could be that they will use the set up as an upcharge item.

There has been no slackening of the rules in the US, but it may vary from country to country according to specific contractual agreements.

FWIW, selling a pair of Alexia Vs or higher without providing set up service will lead to some lousy installations. An awful lot of people in this hobby are logic and reading comprehension challenged.

The recent price increases may be causing importers to look for other places to cut costs. Installation service is low hanging fruit since many customers, rightly or wrongly, will assume they can do their own set up. The Wilson manuals are quite good, so maybe this will prove true.

As noted earlier in this thread, the Sasha DAWs are now $42,900 at retail in standard paint. Up from $38,900 when I ordered mine in August. I am loving mine, especially with the Rossini DAC, but all sources are at a high level.

It is not inconceivable that I could become an Alexia V or Alexx V customer. The Sasha DAWs do appear to be the entry point to the true Wilson magic. Aside from my comments on the durability of the finish on the bottom, I’m in love.

[Big Dog RJ]

That's a fair point mate, very useful info.

Just to add, the dealers here have also found it was not cost-effective to offer installation as part of the purchase price. Anything extra in setup support, will incur additional charges. I guess Covid changed the world... bloody virus!

I still however, once in a while head out to someone's place to help with setup. It not only helps the chap learning but also is a learning curve for me. The wifey says I'm wasting my time and energy and I get nothing out of it in terms of compensation. However, that's why I still do it, simply because meeting and helping such people is priceless! Eventually we become family friends and share many common aspects in life, so it's a great opportunity to meet.

Speaking of the Alexx, there's a pair over here for sale but nobody wants Blue speakers! They're so blue, it reminds me of that tune; yaba dee, yaba di, yaba dee, yaba di, my corvette is blue, I live in big blue house and my girlfriend is blue... ya ba dee, yaba di, feeling so blue... hot damn!

Very exquisite color though, more of an ocean blue but then sort of changes color in the night, towards a teal florescent blue... like the back lights on Mac gear. Looks really mesmerising but during the day, it's just awfully Blue!
Said he spent a fortune on the color alone but didn't realise it didn't gel well with the rest of the decor.
Most in this category also have million dollar homes, so the Bentley is parked at the front, and the soft-top Porsche at the back... and a pair of Blue Wilson's in the living room, nice! Now that's part of the decor.

Yes, definitely agreed that the S-Daws are the starting point to the Wilson legacy. However that's a very pricey starting point in order to achieve top quality sound reproduction. It's also just as important that every other piece of gear, from cables to accessories to plug points, must also be of very top quality. There are no compromises at this level, none at all.

I think you've done very well with the S-Daws and the rest of the gear, it seems to be on par and should provide outstanding synergy. Now just sit back and enjoy those very fine tunes!

Woof! RJ

[AnotherJohnson]

Speaking of the Alexx, there's a pair over here for sale but nobody wants Blue speakers! They're so blue, it reminds me of that tune; yaba dee, yaba di, yaba dee, yaba di, my corvette is blue, I live in big blue house and my girlfriend is blue... ya ba dee, yaba di, feeling so blue... hot damn!

David sure loved his car colors. I prefer the Sonus Faber woods and styling. But that requires true craftsmanship. Wilson has freed themselves of wood suppliers, wood aging, wood storage, and the dependence on ancient guild workers.

I’m like Henry Ford … any color you want, as long as it’s black.

You are a valuable asset on any installation team. Size matters. And, of course, personable people are always a pleasure. Nothing like helping others to put focus right.

Regarding the Alexx and Alexia 2, in the US the remaining stocks of Alexia 2 are being sold with or without installation at lower than the Sasha DAWs. Alexxs are available as certified preowned with warranty at prices of about half of their original retail. Wilson only insists on installation if the model is a current offering.

To my ears the Sasha DAWs beat the Alexia 2s, so the pricing makes sense. If I’d gone with the Alexia 2s last year, I think I’d already be planning for an upgrade. Going with Sasha DAWs was a good call for me … but I can see where the money goes in the Alexia Vs. Those are true beauties.

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, it's always been a learning curve regardless of how long I've been in this madness / passion. Next month I'm helping a chap set up his CLX's, newly designed living room with multiple subs. Bit tricky though, since the subs don't have any controls or adjustments compared to ML subs... the pricing has also gone up again. He might be considering Paradigm subs instead, at least they're made at the same factory and should mate well with ML stats compared to REL's.

Was talking to a chap next-door, whiles doing my workout in the garage... he's only half my age and already has a ruptured disc in his lower back. This was caused by his tedious work in the building & construction industry. So now he has to undergo surgery and follow an 8 week rehab program after that, damn! I asked then what, apparently if the surgery goes well, that should last about 10yrs before he pops something else!

No matter how big or strong, there's always the right way of lifting and manoeuvring heavy items (like Wilson's) without getting injured. I reckon anything above 50 - 60kg needs proper attention. There's no point in trying to be young guns and overdoing things... then you realise you're in so much pain, and surgery is required to fix it, which isn't even a long term fix. Once your back gives way, that's pretty much it. That's the core we all stand on, so why ruin it. Far better to strengthen it.

Keep fit and healthy everyone, especially when moving heavy items, be careful and use proper technique!
Only then will you be able to enjoy those fine tunes!
Woof! RJ

[AnotherJohnson]

We had an easy installation here. The three crates weigh about 250 pounds each (about 110 to 115 kg).

If you are smart about how you drop them off the truck, you can wheel them to your staging area. If you’re smart about how you open the crates, the bass/base modules roll out on casters. The top modules are light enough to lift out of their crate.

You’ve got to be careful with the spike at the rear of each top module. You could easily gouge up the finish on the base module if you were careless.

We had no stairs here. They were rolled in from the staging area to the installation with just one threshold to overcome. Easily done.

Stairs would have been a serious game changer.

We used the flat jack to spike them, but it was still a two man job. The Sasha DAWs felt less than secure on the jack, so I steadied the speaker while my friend installed the spikes in place of the casters. I think a bigger platten on the jack would be better.

It would have been smarter to remove the top modules before spiking the base modules. The instructions tell you to do this. I learned many less than smart things by watching the install, and even more smart things by reading the manual myself.

I’ve shifted them since the install by sliding them on their spike pads carefully. I am genuinely pleased with them. They blow the Sabrinas away, as much as I loved the Sabrinas.

Stereophile recommends components by sorting them into classes.

The classes really are political at best and meaningless at worst. How my old F228Bes could be in the same Class as the Alexia 2, Sabrina or Sasha DAW boggles my mind. Same thing with TTs, amps, etc. There is not enough uniformity of discernment to establish these classes.