Their new caps are used throughout the Wilson line now.
Drivers require much more tooling. I think there is likely a huge investment needed.
High End Passion and Craftsmanship For Sure . . . But Also Occasionally High Cost and Unreliable?
- Thread starter Ron Resnick
- Start date
Their new caps are used throughout the Wilson line now.
Drivers require much more tooling. I think there is likely a huge investment needed.
Pictures, pictures please !
Well except that not everyone is seeking “correct” sonics. Some want some pleasing deviation (to them) which makes “value” in this case applicable only to them. No two people are seeking exactly the same thing.
My point in the posts above is that as long as you are owning up to the value you seek, and not seeking X but stating Y on the forum, that is fine. If someone is seeking looks and stating sonics, there is a problem.
Elliot G.
Industry Expert
If longevity has taught me anything in Audio it is that there is no correct even if it is correct. If one ever wanted to know that for fact just read show reports and show experiences from attendees. It is mind bending to see the same room get 180 degrees of audio sepration from the best to the worst at the same time. We all know that is impossible but in audio not improbable.
When someone actually reports that the sound was not great they get eviscerated here on WBF. This is the world where everyone wants to be heard and that their opinion validated.
This is reality even when we want to say otherwise.
BTW this is true in other purchases as well when sometimes price, status, branding, looks etc over compensate for actual performance.
What is correct? How does the definition vary from listener to listener?
Totally agree Elliot. It’s fair to say something sounded good or not good TO THEM. As I get to know their tastes then i could have some idea if it would sound good TO ME. Getting mad at each other because we have different tastes misses the entire point. I’m afraid that a lot of people have so much money/ego tied up in their systems that it’s threatening to them that their taste is not universal. Someone could get an equal amount of enjoyment at 1/10 the price? Impossible! They must be newbies or stupid. On the flip side I don’t see defending million dollar purchases as elitist. Certain tastes/priorities could cost this much and if they do then fine. Have at it.
Elliot G.
Industry Expert
Elliot G.
Industry Expert
I’m afraid that a lot of people have so much money/ego tied up in their systems that it’s threatening to them that their taste is not universal. Someone could get an equal amount of enjoyment at 1/10 the price?
I agree with that statement and many seek permission to enjoy what they have this is obtained by finding a review or a group that agrees. Its totally unrealistic to think that someone who goes to dozens of live performances of classical would agree with someone who never goes and listens to heavy metal or hip hop. Can these different viewpoints agree? I seriously doubt it.
Price to me is not an indication of what I am going to like. I realize that most better things in life cost more however the inverse that things that cost more are always better is just not true.
I agree with that statement and many seek permission to enjoy what they have this is obtained by finding a review or a group that agrees. Its totally unrealistic to think that someone who goes to dozens of live performances of classical would agree with someone who never goes and listens to heavy metal or hip hop. Can these different viewpoints agree? I seriously doubt it.
Price to me is not an indication of what I am going to like. I realize that most better things in life cost more however the inverse that things that cost more are always better is just not true.
Just for interest, I would love to read a review of my turntable, cartridge, speakers, or wires. Can’t find one anywhere. I don’t know anyone who has the same speakers and only a couple people who have the same turntable, cartridge, and wires. I am certainly not seeking permission to enjoy my system, nor do I have a sense that my friends do either. I think it would be very hard to really know what “many” means in this context.
I agree.
Elliot G.
Industry Expert
many is in a subset that doesnt include you. I speak from my experience which has been within this business for over 50 years. Many does not mean all, it does not mean the majority, its means many.
If you want to see it in effect look at how many loose their sh-t when someone critizes the sound of what they own.
They quote the review when its to their liking but kill the reviewer when it isn't. This is an obvious part of the audio world.
The phrase I was looking for yesterday was "hamster wheel". For years I was on this wheel and still could be on it if I am honest. I just enjoy buying high end gear. Can any of us lay folks ever truly say we are through? I know that the C2 is an almost irresistible piece of audio jewelry for Dag owners, and I am sure it sounds fantastic. I always enjoy what Lee and Tima have to say. I like to poke fun at myself. The youtube video spoke to me about Wilsons. I think that WBF has many dealers and industry professionals for which the high end is not a hobby but provides a way to make a good living. This is a far cry from me. Right now, I have the odd situation of having my right power module using a high current Hurricane and the left a high current Firebird power cord. I ordered Hurricanes. I got Firebirds instead. Now the addict within me says, "Charles, in September, if the world holds together, you will have so much money that, changing out that Hurricane pc to a Firebird is nothing to you financially but will be a joy to you, as relates to your hobby." I love my hobby, which is acquiring high end gear and listening to music.
Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
Amps: McIntosh: MC3500MKII (2); MC1.25KW (2); MC2.1KW An
Preamp: C-12000 An
Sources: MCD12000 An; MVP881; MVP851; MR87; Marantz 510LV; Lenovo Yoga laptop
Speakers: Wilson Chronosonic XVX
Sub-Woofer: Wilson Thor’s Hammer; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables Main System AQ: WEL Signature speaker cables; 24’ balanced IC; balanced 1-meter Dragon IC ; WEL Signature digital, Coffee digital coaxial cables; Diamond optical (2); Diamond USB; Dragon (5 HC, 3 source cords); Thunder & Monsoon power cords
Cables Subwoofer System AQ: Redwood speaker cable; Wolf balanced subwoofer IC; Wind balanced IC to ActivXO; Hurricane HC; Firebird HC; Firebird Source; Dragon HC, power cords
Power Conditioners: AQ Niagara 7000; Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines.
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals; Bassocontinuo McIntosh Ultra Feet; X-material plinth
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD)
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
The same for measurements. They show disdain and even hate for them, except when an objective measurement favours their equipment.
I think we have all been on the "hamster wheel" at some point. My belief is that many are unhappy because setup is lacking and that leads to a lack of musical engagement. I was astonished at the results from a super precise setup by Jim Smith. If I don't do anything this year but buy records and tapes, then I will be a very happy man.
My advice to people is to hire a setup guy if you can afford it. It will almost always make more difference than a new component.
Not all set up guys provide the same good results. One has to choose the right one, or figure it out himself. A former member here and friend of mine bought Wilsons from a Wilson dealer. They sounded no better after the guy came down to set them up. I agreed with him. They did sound different though, and my friend was quite disappointed. He then hired another set up guy with mixed results.
Sure but an established expert like Jim Smith or Stirling Trayle can be consistent and excellent.
That is a complete and utter and blatant falcity … You know full well that I have owned Vitavox CN-191’s as I have posted to this forum on a couple of occasions about my experiences with them … However as my own considerations do not support your fantasy view about them you choose to stick your fingers in your ears and go LaaaaLaaaaaLaaaaa … didn't hear you .
I had refrained from posting my following considerations regarding the CN-191’s on your Natural sound thread , however I shall post them now in response :
“ By way of some balance … I have owned CN-191’s In the past , initially as a mono speaker in a dedicated mono system , later adding a second unit followed a third close matching unit to make up a final pair, I know how they work and how they sound and they are a bit of a curates egg tbh .
Firstly and importantly they are coloured , in the accepted sense of the word where transducers are concerned.
There is also a slight but distinct disconnect between the two drivers around the crossover point , which can be ameliorated somewhat with modification work on the crossovers , rolled off at both frequency extremes , not such a biggie perhaps material dependent , slightly compressed on male vocals in the lower register , female upper register , they can also become a tad ‘confused’ with really complex passages of music , the CN 157 Aluminium alloy horn can sound a little ‘glassy’ when pushed , being the reason imho for a slight metalic sheen on Violin , Trumpet Alto Sax , in the higher octaves , a brightness to some leading edges of notes , particularly with higher energy passages on some recordings, together with a tendency for notes to not fully flesh out in the fundamental , and then not decay in an entirely convincing manner , as per the instruments live.
This tendency could be eleviated somewhat by the application of dampening material to the outside rear of the CN 157 horn , however a delicate balance , as too much dampening and the horn lost some of its clarity and vitality, the soundstage as a whole is wide but without any great depth and can sound a tad 2 D .
Most Importantly perhaps *The CN-191 Do Not Present An Audio Signal In An Accurate or Convincing Way To The Source Recording* They present their own version of events.
All that said , stick on a Little Crooner , Rat Pack , Girl and Guitar , Lighter Classical or Big Band ( if not pushed too hard ) a couple of fingers of single malt and they are most enjoyable , however IMHO they are not quite true enough to the recording to be recommended for classical … “
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Well said, Sir. Get to know folks' tastes, read reviews with appropriate skepticism, and always listen before you buy whenever possible.
Jim has visited on three occasions, each of which were beneficial. A couple of times I had to replace/repair/ tweek some equipment. One thorough session resulted in a Goldilocks sound. Balanced and convincing. Couldn't ask for more.
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