Does Anyone Not Like Wilson Speakers?

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

I had a pair of Sabrinas for an extended home loan. They were magical on vocals, but really insufficient on the low end. Between that and my wife opining that they looked like coffins, it was a short-lived affair.

yeah, for me I just can't get past the look.... remind me of robots from a Dr. Who episode.

[George Prentice]

I didn’t see this as a Wilson bashing thread or loaded. But a question of preferences and generalities. I think few people would fail to put Wilson into the category of the very best of high end speakers. If given a choice between a mid-fi speaker and Wilson most of us would choose Wilson. Also, associated equipment, room acoustics... etc. make all the difference as we all know. Audiophiles have different values with different desired goals. I don’t think there is any need to get defensive about Wilson speakers. I am enjoying hearing folks opinion. Mine is my opinion, right or wrong it got there through a lot of experience and exposure.

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

Well, I can understand the aesthetic point of view, and I don’t say it’s not important, but to me I find them to look like pieces of art, to each his own. Even my wife preferred the ancient B W 802....but she likes them in the end.
I have to say they are in black piano lacquer, and they fit my piano in the living room.

But for me, the search for my audio Graal is over since a long time...it was when I bought my Alexia’s (to replace my beloved WATT PUPPY 8), in association with my full 1000 McIntosh gear including MC1,2kw.

The only pricey gear I bought since is an AVID ACUTUS SP CHROME/SME V turntable.

When you are so happy every single time you fire the system, and I can say it’s everyday, you know you can enjoy because you listen to the MUSIC, and in the end it is what it’s all about, and not to listen to the gear itself!

These speakers , to my ears, are ... what can I say with my poor English... they are my musical heaven.

But I can understand they are not the cup of tea of everyone, and that.s what makes this hobby funnny.

[joel_hifi]

I have never owned Wilsons but I can share the following anecdote...

The first time I came across their speakers was when I was just getting into the hobby about 25 years ago. I auditioned at a dealer's showroom the WATT/Puppies 5 with Krell amplification, I was so excited and drooling over that system which I could not afford. But what a disappointment, it sounded so harsh to my ears!

Fast forward to 2019, I auditioned in Münich the Sasha DAWs with Spectral electronics... I was floored, one of the most pleasing sound at the Show!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by metaphacts

Just as a point of clarification, every current Wilson Audio model save the WAMM Master Chronosonic was designed by Daryl Wilson. However, Daryl would be the first to tell you that learning from Dave and having almost 40 years of incredibly detailed design documentation that he is building upon that foundation that his father established.

Hi Bill, yes, I've head that Daryl is doing great work with Wilson speaker design these days.

It's great that learnings are passed down and that there is is an excellent DHR to build upon. Good design, I think we may grant, is not static, but an evolving process.

And...I'm not biased one way or the other; if Wilson is making what folks are reporting of late as great-sounding speakers, I'm open to that. I've only heard great things from folks whose views & sensibilities I trust that the Chronosonic series, Sasha DAW, and the new Tune Tots are excellent and engaging speakers.

[brownbear]

I moved on from a pair of Sabrina's after about a year. I got that same listeners fatigue as others have mentioned and they were just to colored for me. I liked them alot when I demo'd them at the dealers, but living with them was very different. I have great respect for the family, but the Sabrina's were not for me. I'm sure I'd like Charles speakers though:-)

[gadawg]

Lived with B&W 801’s for a long time and just assumed I’d go newer B&W when the time came but went over to a buddy’s house and heard his Sasha’s and was floored. Went to the dealer straight away and acquired them. All speakers have strengths and weaknesses and the strengths of Wilson line up with my particular preferences. My wife isn’t a huge fan as she likes Martin Logan’s but that’s why there are so many different really good speakers out there. No speaker brand will connect with everyone but I connected with the sound of the Sasha’s so much that I ended up stepping up to Alexx!! I’ve not heard the new XVX yet and not sure I want to!

George

And yes ... agree about BAT synergy with Wilson. Love my REX 2 preamp

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by gadawg

Lived with B&W 801’s for a long time and just assumed I’d go newer B&W when the time came but went over to a buddy’s house and heard his Sasha’s and was floored. Went to the dealer straight away and acquired them. All speakers have strengths and weaknesses and the strengths of Wilson line up with my particular preferences. My wife isn’t a huge fan as she likes Martin Logan’s but that’s why there are so many different really good speakers out there. No speaker brand will connect with everyone but I connected with the sound of the Sasha’s so much that I ended up stepping up to Alexx!! I’ve not heard the new XVX yet and not sure I want to!

George

And yes ... agree about BAT synergy with Wilson. Love my REX 2 preamp

That’s a great story George - enjoy your Sasha’s in good health and prosperity!

Tom

[BuffaloBill]

This Thread has proved once again, that the best speakers are the ones we currently own.

[robfine]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

This Thread has proved once again, that the best speakers are the ones we currently own.

I would respectfully disagree and say that for many, the best speakers are the ones they want next!