What amplification are you using with your Wilson speakers ?

I have a pair of Wilson MAXX 3 and run them with an Absolare Signature Integrated.
Best sound so far, former amps I had used are:

- Cello Performance II monoblocs (beautiful musical sounding amps with astonishing transients and melt, but they went old and faulty, unfortunately...)
- ML 532 monoblocs (for some weeks only and no contest really, just kind of controlled sound and no 3D far as I remember)
- Spectral DMA 360 series 2 monoblocs

Bottom line the Absolare Signature Integrated beats them all.
Just kind of strange coming from monoblocs for a decade going 'back' to an integrated amp...

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Happy listening
NOA
 
Any Wilson user with well constructed tube amps in the range of 50-100W, such as Zanden 9600 or other amps here?

NOA, do you still have the Absolare/MAXX3 system?
 
Any Wilson user with well constructed tube amps in the range of 50-100W, such as Zanden 9600 or other amps here?

NOA, do you still have the Absolare/MAXX3 system?
I am running 2x mono Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HPs using HT150 tubes with great results.
They replaced ARC REF 210 monos and, IMO, sound better. Great build quality.
BTW, speakers are Wilson Grand Slamm X1v3
 
I’ve been using Wilson Watt Puppy 7 with Pass XA25/XP22 as well as the First Watt SIT3 and Pass X350.8. Digital via Denefrips Terminator Plus (streaming thru a Bluesound Node 2i; analog via a Linn LP12 Klimax (Exstatik cart.) and assortment of Audioquest & Linn interconnects/power cords, and Transparent Ultra speaker cables. Room is 22’ x 22’ with a A-frame ceiling (centered on axis) that peaks at 24’.

In a nutshell, the Wilson/Pass combo is superb and the speaker’s efficiency allows excellent performance from the 18-wpc SIT3, which is by quite a margin the most satisfying of the three amplifiers. Only limited by moderate volume levels via digital input (the LP12 has considerable more gain), 18 watts goes a long way and the warmth, detail, and transparency are top notch. At the other end, the 350.8’s only benefit is at elevated volume levels with rock/pop or anything where LOUD is an essential element of the experience. By comparison, it’s essentially unlistenable with jazz/vocals/insteumental music at moderate or lower volumes next to the SIT. The XA25 is the happy compromise, with adequate power for all but the most demanding all-out rock outs, while still very satisfying across all genres.

Despite being over 15 years old, the WP7 remains and extraordinary and competitive speaker for its size and an outstanding match with Pass/First Watt.
 
I always heard glorious sound when Wilsons were paired with Ypsilon Electronics amplification. My WP7 went to different level with the Aelius II mono blocks. The Integrated Phaethon Silver Edition was outstanding as well, saving some space.
 
Currently, for the WP7, I am using Concert Fidelity electronics, with the mono blocks being 125W each. Excellent sound and can be found at bargain prices in the used market. I believe, but not tested yet, the Accuphase A-300 monos @ 120W will do an outstanding job and are worth listening. Actually, I am considering to replace the amps with the new Accuphase A-80 @ 60W/ch, Class A. I have been left speechless in my tests with other speakers that are not nearly as sensitive as the WP7. Best, BasileIMG_0957.jpg
 
As of tonight I’m driving my Alexx’s with a pair of VAC Statement 452iq’s and all I can say is WOW! They certainly have a firm grip on these speakers while being incredibly detailed with just a hint of tube sweetness in the midrange. The Bass is up there with the best with maybe the exception of a few of the very best solid state amps. The soundstage is huge with these amps in all directions while maintaining pinpoint focus of images. I’m sure the VAC Statement Preamp helps as well! No issues with these tubes driving Alexx at all.

George
 

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