Chronosonic XVX.

Alrainbow

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Dec 11, 2013
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You mean by mass loading making the membrane heavier ?
That would also have enourmous disadvantages in a passive system off course.
I m talking fast clean bass .
Not some rumbling sub in the background

Depends on mass added and motor BL structure but its done by many to lower FS even in woofers you are buying off the shelf ..

Best place is to add mass to dust cover area , well according to Newsweek :)
 

andromedaaudio

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Thats why i paid a visit to henks apogee grands 1,5 year ago.
He does have active subs for bass slam iirc.
His integration was very good.
I buy mine of the shelf lowest fs with maximum stiffness .
honeycombstructure stiff and leight.
Eton gmbh , already long time on the market these woofers and for a reason

I would love to hear the new wilson series regarding bass .
 
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ashandger

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Jun 14, 2013
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Robert makes numerous comments that allude to XVX' prowess at low levels. "But the XVX wasn't only about bombast. At the other end of the dynamic scale, the XVX was equally adept at portraying very fine transient information such as gentle shakers toward the back of the mix. Low-level information was rendered with tremendous clarity, making instruments sound like distinct objects in space rather than undifferentiated sounds buried within the musical fabric."

I believe Daryl and the Wilson team's latest designs have an uncanny ability to scale from very soft levels to the loudest levels in a very lifelike manner. The characteristic is most evident in XVX, hence I believe, Robert's use of the term "physicality." Even straight out of the crate and assembled without any real set up other than initial nomograph settings, there is a sense of something right in that regard. With each/all of the set up steps, the noise floor drops and the transient fidelity gets tighter and tighter. The final steps, including adjusting for precise nomograph settings and amplifier group delay, once the speakers are off the sliders take XVX to the level of realism over which Robert enthuses.

Unfortunately I have not heard any XVX outside of the US. With the exception of a 3 day auto trip, I have not left Utah since early March. Certainly it would be interesting to hear modern day Goldmund amps on XVX. I was running Goldmund's US company in the 1980's when we introduced the Mimesis electronics to the world.

Hello Bill, many thanks for taking the time to provide feedback. Did not know you were running Goldmund US in the 1980s. Their current products seem to be getting a lot of very positive press. Myles Astor recently changed from top CJ amp and preamp to Goldmund amp and preamp (and not even the upper range models) and is blown away by them.

In relation to the Robert's XVX review, just to clarify, I was thinking more about low overall listening volumes in the 55-65dB range rather than recovery of low level information and micro dynamics. Personally, I find that many components/systems need to played at relatively loud volumes to sound engaging, vibrant and energetic. Live instruments have so much energy even when played at low volumes and many components and systems just fail to project/transmit this energy. I am really looking forward to listening to the XVX when things settle down more. Thanks again for your feedback.
 

goernie20

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Jul 4, 2018
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Hello Bill, many thanks for sharing this great review. Lots and lots of info in it. The only thing Robert didn't cover was performance at low listening levels. Wondering if you have heard the Chronosonic XVX system in Asia (HK I think) with top Goldmund electronics and if so, was there any aspect of that system that really stood out for you? Many thanks

I have been living with my system for about 3 weeks now - same set up as Robert, with the Subsonics, the ActiveXO - except I have 4 Burmester 909s running at 240 vlts, 2 Torus Power conditioners, and a Burmester 948 power conditioner - streaming on a Linn and Roon. The PreAmp is a Burmester 077

I was explaining to a friend, that I don't have the right words to explain this system. Immersive, present, real as hell, fast, full range of sounds hitting you all at once, speakers disappear, the separation is incredible, every note is delivered without being influenced by other sounds in the recording - I could go on, however, Robert nails it. He does a much better job of describing than i ever could. I'm not a technical guy...at all...

To answer you question regarding low volume listening - Right now I am listening at 65dB, these speakers allow you to feel the music at this volume. I hear complete separation and it really is joyful. This is probably the lowest level where you can feel the weight of the music. At 60dB you certainly hear something special, however they sort of "wake up" around 65dB (Listening to MQA Rumors as I play with the volume).

Now, the full dynamics at start to open up at 71 -dB. My old speakers required 80dB to get here. At 71dB, I am immersed in sound. I don't often listen above 82dB, with these speakers I find I don't need t go there. I guess it depends on what it is I'm listening to.

Hope this answers your question ashandger ...

By the way, someone read a line from a review that said that - badly recorded music sounds bad - on the XVX. I have some badly recorded records (actually, one of my Dave Brubeck's - Time Out album I'm listening to s I write this). At least on my old system, I "thought" it was badly recorded, this album never sounded so good. It may be the new cartridge too (i have a goldfinger statement with about 30 hours on it)...but in any case, I get joy from almost anything I listen to. I would say that badly recorded music doesn't sound as great as well-recorded music, however, it doesn't suck either. It pulls the music out of the vinyl and creates something still beautiful.

Prior to these Wilson's I was never quite happy. It was always something that didn't sit well with me, something was always bothering me. I found myself creating playlists of music that sounded great on my systems - but I couldn't play say The Beatles for instance. Now I can, and I really enjoy the music again.


If you get a chance to go to a dealer, spend an afternoon listening if you could, but I warn you, these will "f" with your head.

Rocco
 

MRJAZZ

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Jan 20, 2014
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I have been living with my system for about 3 weeks now - same set up as Robert, with the Subsonics, the ActiveXO - except I have 4 Burmester 909s running at 240 vlts, 2 Torus Power conditioners, and a Burmester 948 power conditioner - streaming on a Linn and Roon. The PreAmp is a Burmester 077

I was explaining to a friend, that I don't have the right words to explain this system. Immersive, present, real as hell, fast, full range of sounds hitting you all at once, speakers disappear, the separation is incredible, every note is delivered without being influenced by other sounds in the recording - I could go on, however, Robert nails it. He does a much better job of describing than i ever could. I'm not a technical guy...at all...

To answer you question regarding low volume listening - Right now I am listening at 65dB, these speakers allow you to feel the music at this volume. I hear complete separation and it really is joyful. This is probably the lowest level where you can feel the weight of the music. At 60dB you certainly hear something special, however they sort of "wake up" around 65dB (Listening to MQA Rumors as I play with the volume).

Now, the full dynamics at start to open up at 71 -dB. My old speakers required 80dB to get here. At 71dB, I am immersed in sound. I don't often listen above 82dB, with these speakers I find I don't need t go there. I guess it depends on what it is I'm listening to.

Hope this answers your question ashandger ...

By the way, someone read a line from a review that said that - badly recorded music sounds bad - on the XVX. I have some badly recorded records (actually, one of my Dave Brubeck's - Time Out album I'm listening to s I write this). At least on my old system, I "thought" it was badly recorded, this album never sounded so good. It may be the new cartridge too (i have a goldfinger statement with about 30 hours on it)...but in any case, I get joy from almost anything I listen to. I would say that badly recorded music doesn't sound as great as well-recorded music, however, it doesn't suck either. It pulls the music out of the vinyl and creates something still beautiful.

Prior to these Wilson's I was never quite happy. It was always something that didn't sit well with me, something was always bothering me. I found myself creating playlists of music that sounded great on my systems - but I couldn't play say The Beatles for instance. Now I can, and I really enjoy the music again.


If you get a chance to go to a dealer, spend an afternoon listening if you could, but I warn you, these will "f" with your head.

Rocco

Can you share some pictures of your amazing system.........?
Thanks...
 

ashandger

Well-Known Member
Jun 14, 2013
406
174
348
I have been living with my system for about 3 weeks now - same set up as Robert, with the Subsonics, the ActiveXO - except I have 4 Burmester 909s running at 240 vlts, 2 Torus Power conditioners, and a Burmester 948 power conditioner - streaming on a Linn and Roon. The PreAmp is a Burmester 077

I was explaining to a friend, that I don't have the right words to explain this system. Immersive, present, real as hell, fast, full range of sounds hitting you all at once, speakers disappear, the separation is incredible, every note is delivered without being influenced by other sounds in the recording - I could go on, however, Robert nails it. He does a much better job of describing than i ever could. I'm not a technical guy...at all...

To answer you question regarding low volume listening - Right now I am listening at 65dB, these speakers allow you to feel the music at this volume. I hear complete separation and it really is joyful. This is probably the lowest level where you can feel the weight of the music. At 60dB you certainly hear something special, however they sort of "wake up" around 65dB (Listening to MQA Rumors as I play with the volume).

Now, the full dynamics at start to open up at 71 -dB. My old speakers required 80dB to get here. At 71dB, I am immersed in sound. I don't often listen above 82dB, with these speakers I find I don't need t go there. I guess it depends on what it is I'm listening to.

Hope this answers your question ashandger ...

By the way, someone read a line from a review that said that - badly recorded music sounds bad - on the XVX. I have some badly recorded records (actually, one of my Dave Brubeck's - Time Out album I'm listening to s I write this). At least on my old system, I "thought" it was badly recorded, this album never sounded so good. It may be the new cartridge too (i have a goldfinger statement with about 30 hours on it)...but in any case, I get joy from almost anything I listen to. I would say that badly recorded music doesn't sound as great as well-recorded music, however, it doesn't suck either. It pulls the music out of the vinyl and creates something still beautiful.

Prior to these Wilson's I was never quite happy. It was always something that didn't sit well with me, something was always bothering me. I found myself creating playlists of music that sounded great on my systems - but I couldn't play say The Beatles for instance. Now I can, and I really enjoy the music again.


If you get a chance to go to a dealer, spend an afternoon listening if you could, but I warn you, these will "f" with your head.

Rocco

Hello Rocco, many thanks for taking the time to provide very helpful and informative feedback. I wish more reviewers would describe how the sound changes with exact listening levels. May I ask what dimensions are your room? Enjoy your wonderful system. Many thanks
 

spiritofmusic

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Jun 13, 2013
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That's a fine looking wine collection...or acoustic treatment Lol.
.
 
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goernie20

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Jul 4, 2018
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Here are some images. This room is now being painted, I have new "listening" chairs coming as well. However what you see is a room 26' by 22' ceiling is 9' (i dropped it down 8" to allow for the installation of the acoustical treatments per the acoustic designer). You can see some of the dispersement materials in one of the photos above the listening area. The "wine room" photo is the room just behind the main wall with the John Lennon photo on it. There you can see the 2 Torus units on the wall as well as the ActiveXO and the other two 2 Burmester 909s. One Torus is a 240 volt (for the 2 909s set for 240 connected to the XVXs) the other Torus is a 120 volt which drives the Subsonic's 909s.

I threw in a photo of my vinyl rack as I thought it was a cool way to present my albums in rotation. You can also see the rack with the Vertere Turntable and other equipment below (described in earlier post).

One interesting thing was that i had a 60Hz hum coming from one of the speakers - was annoying. It was solved yesterday. My electricians drove an 8' copper rod below the house and grounded both Torus power conditioners - the hum immediately stopped.
 
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goernie20

Well-Known Member
Jul 4, 2018
9
73
93
Hello Rocco, many thanks for taking the time to provide very helpful and informative feedback. I wish more reviewers would describe how the sound changes with exact listening levels. May I ask what dimensions are your room? Enjoy your wonderful system. Many thanks
Sure - see above post with photos. Dimensions and photos included.
 
Last edited:

ashandger

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Jun 14, 2013
406
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348
Here are some images. This room is now being painted, I have new "listening" chairs coming as well. However what you see is a room 26' by 22' ceiling is 9' (i dropped it down 8" to allow for the installation of the acoustical treatments per the acoustic designer). You can see some of the dispersement materials in one of the photos above the listening area. The "wine room" photo is the room just behind the main wall with the John Lennon photo on it. There you can see the 2 Torus units on the wall as well as the ActiveXO and the other two 2 Burmester 909s. One Torus is a 240 volt (for the 2 909s set for 240 connected to the XVXs) the other Torus is a 120 volt which drives the Subsonic's 909s.

I threw in a photo of my vinyl rack as I thought it was a cool way to present my albums in rotation. You can also see the rack with the Vetere Turntable and other equipment below (described in earlier post).

One interesting thing was that i had a 60Hz hum coming from one of the speakers - was annoying. It was solved yesterday. My electricians drove an 8' copper rod below the house and grounded both Torus power conditioners - the hum immediately stopped.

Hello Rocco, many thanks for sharing the photos and also the info on your room's dimensions. Great to see you using the Vertere Reference turntable. Enjoy your wonderful speakers and system.
 
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CKKeung

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Jun 17, 2011
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Here are some images. This room is now being painted, I have new "listening" chairs coming as well. However what you see is a room 26' by 22' ceiling is 9' (i dropped it down 8" to allow for the installation of the acoustical treatments per the acoustic designer). You can see some of the dispersement materials in one of the photos above the listening area. The "wine room" photo is the room just behind the main wall with the John Lennon photo on it. There you can see the 2 Torus units on the wall as well as the ActiveXO and the other two 2 Burmester 909s. One Torus is a 240 volt (for the 2 909s set for 240 connected to the XVXs) the other Torus is a 120 volt which drives the Subsonic's 909s.
I threw in a photo of my vinyl rack as I thought it was a cool way to present my albums in rotation. You can also see the rack with the Vertere Turntable and other equipment below (described in earlier post).
Nice room!
Nice system!
The Vertere LP system is extremely musical!
Big Congrats!
 

bonzo75

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Sensitivity has a lot to do with Moving mass and motor BL, small woofers sound faster due to their lower moving mass
( stop start) over larger 15 inch types ..

Fast 15 inch woofers , yep :)

Al, it has to be minimum 15s, or 18s. If you want good midbass with details, it has to be open, and not a sealed or ported box. In a box the 8 or 10 or 12 are fine.

With 10 incher in an open cabinet, you will not get enough bass. So you need ideally two 15s for quality output. And they have to be fast, so low QTS.

To illustrate the difference. The LP on the Garrard is cheap and not one of the quality pressings, so source is not in equation.

You clearly hear the difference in midbass details in the two videos below. What the Wilson pass is showing will happen with any cone and SS. I just took that video because it was playing the same music, but any sealed or ported cone will be the same. You will hear more of a one note bass there, and different decibel levels between the upper mids and lower midbass, so transitions will not be as smooth. Anyone can hear this on headphones. Those who disagree can post their own cone video. I didn't do the second video so slightly fifteenth performance and pressing but like I said before, do with any cone and you will get the same results


 
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andromedaaudio

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I have actually listened to both vids , but these are off course not the larger wilsons .
I guess doing the same comparison with lets say a maxx 3 would give a different result .
The horns are leifs with 2 15 inchers per side open baffle ??

Ps i do agree regarding listening with quality headphones or a small external computer audio speaker assembly .
Its the most obvious in the bass reproduction .
 

bonzo75

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I have actually listened to both vids , but these are off course not the larger wilsons .
I guess doing the same comparison with lets say a maxx 3 would give a different result .
The horns are leifs with 2 15 inchers per side open baffle ??

Ps i do agree regarding listening with quality headphones or a small external computer audio speaker assembly .
Its the most obvious in the bass reproduction .

No it would give the same result. With any sealed or ported cone.

The 15 inchers are not OB, but they are open in front and have a diaphragm at the back to let out a back wave. So if they were sealed on ends volume of bass would obviously be higher, but distorted.
 

andromedaaudio

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To me Pass has a lot do with it .
To my ears they are far from dynamic wonders , i have heard the XS once but other series more often .
Put some CAT amps at the helm and that will open them up dynamically
 

bonzo75

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With a traditional OB there will be similar lack of distortion in the midbass but the volume won't be enough, so you will need more pairs of woofers. Then the impedance would drop, and you would need to switch from a low watt amp to a current providing SS with grip
 

bonzo75

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