Incredible Stillpoints

[LL21]

That's an interesting point Christian. When the dealer does the set-up, he or she ( are there any ladies who do this, I doubt it, LOL), will be setting up your speakers based on their taste in music and sound, which may or may NOT correspond to yours.
I have found that many dealer's do listen for the same things as I do, BUT at least as many do not...which leads me to question a little how valuable the initial dealer set-up of your speaker system could be. Personally, I would much rather do this myself as I know exactly what sound I am trying to achieve....and more importantly perhaps, where the limitations of my room and ancillary equipment lie. Not so sure a dealer would be as, shall we say, "accurate" on that point.
Although, I do recognize that for many the "initial" set-up is important and perhaps for them that is all that is needed. Seems like you have taken that "initial" set-up and improved on it.

That's one of the many reasons I feel fortunate...the Wilson person who set them up repeatedly told me he can just about set them up to suit any tastes. And he allowed me several times to sit down and tell him what I liked and what I did not...and he went back to work and kept adjusting til it was perfect. Took him over 10 hours but it is great now.

 

[rockitman]

That's an interesting point Christian. When the dealer does the set-up, he or she ( are there any ladies who do this, I doubt it, LOL), will be setting up your speakers based on their taste in music and sound, which may or may NOT correspond to yours.
I have found that many dealer's do listen for the same things as I do, BUT at least as many do not...which leads me to question a little how valuable the initial dealer set-up of your speaker system could be. Personally, I would much rather do this myself as I know exactly what sound I am trying to achieve....and more importantly perhaps, where the limitations of my room and ancillary equipment lie. Not so sure a dealer would be as, shall we say, "accurate" on that point.
Although, I do recognize that for many the "initial" set-up is important and perhaps for them that is all that is needed. Seems like you have taken that "initial" set-up and improved on it.

I agree. Initial dealer setup is your starting point, not end all. For a complicated big speaker like an X-2, dealer setup was welcome as they are a bit intimidating when they first arrive in many crates with many parts and pieces to assemble.

 

[jap]

The alexia should not be that difficult to set up by the owner following the manual carefully. I can't believe the original dealer did not set them up in the first place. The Alexandria is a much more complicated speaker to set up and voice properly... 3 separate speaker modules per chnannel vs 1 for alexia. The alexia are much easier to move around too...a single person operation. At 650 lb per channel, the X-2 is a two man deal to move around unless you are already on the caster wheels. If Ian follows the propagation delay tables in the manual, he should be able to fine tune their position and sound without the help of a dealer, IMO.

It's not just a question of the owner following the manual, it's the terms of the WA warranty:

Limited Warranty
Subject to the conditions set forth herein, Wilson Audio warrants its electronics to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for the Warranty Period.

The Warranty Period is a period of 90 days from the date of purchase by the original purchaser, or if both of the following two requirements are met, the Warranty Period is a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser:

Requirement No. 1. No later than 30 days after product delivery to the customer, the customer must have returned the Warranty Registration Form to Wilson Audio;

Requirement No. 2. The product must have been professionally installed by the Wilson Audio dealer that sold the product to the customer.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH EITHER REQUIREMENT NO. 1 OR REQUIREMENT NO. 2 WILL RESULT IN THE WARRANTY PERIOD BEING LIMITED TO A PERIOD OF 90 DAYS ONLY.

 

[rockitman]

It's not just a question of the owner following the manual, it's the terms of the WA warranty:

Limited Warranty
Subject to the conditions set forth herein, Wilson Audio warrants its electronics to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for the Warranty Period.

The Warranty Period is a period of 90 days from the date of purchase by the original purchaser, or if both of the following two requirements are met, the Warranty Period is a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser:

Requirement No. 1. No later than 30 days after product delivery to the customer, the customer must have returned the Warranty Registration Form to Wilson Audio;

Requirement No. 2. The product must have been professionally installed by the Wilson Audio dealer that sold the product to the customer.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH EITHER REQUIREMENT NO. 1 OR REQUIREMENT NO. 2 WILL RESULT IN THE WARRANTY PERIOD BEING LIMITED TO A PERIOD OF 90 DAYS ONLY.

Well of course. Ian's dealer as did mine, did an initial setup. Warranty for 5 years is in force.

 

[jap]

Well of course. Ian's dealer as did mine, did an initial setup. Warranty for 5 years is in force.

Unless I'm reading his post #248 wrong, Ian's dealer never did the WASP.

 

[rockitman]

Unless I'm reading his post #248 wrong, Ian's dealer never did the WASP.

If he didn't then Wilson has to take corrective action against the dealer. It is my understanding the dealer did deliver and setup.

 

[Bruce B]

The alexia should not be that difficult to set up by the owner following the manual carefully. I can't believe the original dealer did not set them up in the first place. The Alexandria is a much more complicated speaker to set up and voice properly... 3 separate speaker modules per chnannel vs 1 for alexia. The alexia are much easier to move around too...a single person operation. At 650 lb per channel, the X-2 is a two man deal to move around unless you are already on the caster wheels. If Ian follows the propagation delay tables in the manual, he should be able to fine tune their position and sound without the help of a dealer, IMO.

The Alexia has 2 separate speaker modules. The dealer I got mine from has been out here 3 times now. My first pair of Wilsons were purchased about 10yr. ago. I got the same exact service and they didn't know me from Joe Blow. This is why I got rid of my last set of speakers, I didn't get any support from the manufacturer after sale.

 

[rockitman]

The Alexia has 2 separate speaker modules. The dealer I got mine from has been out here 3 times now. My first pair of Wilsons were purchased about 10yr. ago. I got the same exact service and they didn't know me from Joe Blow. This is why I got rid of my last set of speakers, I didn't get any support from the manufacturer after sale.

I meant upper module(s).. If I count the bass cabinet, it is 4 for x-2's. Sounds like you have an excellent dealer.

Edit: my bad...two upper modules for alexia...

 

[PeterA]

If he didn't then Wilson has to take corrective action against the dealer. It is my understanding the dealer did deliver and setup.

This is an interesting point. I don't fully know what constitutes delivery and set up. The speakers were clearly delivered and placed in the room. Whether that means "professionally installed" is unclear. I don't think they were set up using the WASP method. I think Ian has already mentioned what Wilson's response was.

 

[MadFloyd]

This is an interesting point. I don't fully know what constitutes delivery and set up. The speakers were clearly delivered and placed in the room. Whether that means "professionally installed" is unclear. I don't think they were set up using the WASP method. I think Ian has already mentioned what Wilson's response was.

The initial setup was actually pretty amusing. If you know Alexias, there are cones that are part of the spike system and go between the speaker cabinet and the spikes. My dealer came with his demo pair of Alexias with the casters installed into the cones, which raised the speakers and extra 1 or so off the ground. There was no real deep bass until I discovered this and changed it.

But the more amusing part was that he didn't know there were spikes that were supposed to go underneath the front part of the upper modules. There was nothing to stop the speaker from sliding right off the lower cabinet.

And of course the tweeter and midrange weren't setup for my listening distance but rather whatever the values that were used in the showroom.

Thank goodness Wilson has their manuals online.

 

[jap]

The initial setup was actually pretty amusing. If you know Alexias, there are cones that are part of the spike system and go between the speaker cabinet and the spikes. My dealer came with his demo pair of Alexias with the casters installed into the cones, which raised the speakers and extra 1 or so off the ground. There was no real deep bass until I discovered this and changed it.

But the more amusing part was that he didn't know there were spikes that were supposed to go underneath the front part of the upper modules. There was nothing to stop the speaker from sliding right off the lower cabinet.

And of course the tweeter and midrange weren't setup for my listening distance but rather whatever the values that were used in the showroom.

Thank goodness Wilson has their manuals online.

Is this guy still a Wilson dealer?

 

[rockitman]

Thank goodness Wilson has their manuals online.

It didn't come with a manual book ?

 

[allvinyl]

Anyone have tips on removing stuck Stillpoint adapters?

If the end without the broach is not available wrap a cloth around the adapter and try a pair of regular gas pliers or vice grips with just enough pressure to grap and turn the adapter. It's a good idea to use a lubricant on stainless-to-stainless surfaces.

 

[allvinyl]

Stillpoints Ultra Minis and Weight

Hello John! I have tried to contact Stillpoints on E-mail, but I never got an answer. I have Ultra minis and I wonder how much weight they can take? I have read all from 7kg/piece to 25kg/mini, it would be nice to know how much weight They take. Hope for an answer

Best regards Krelle

We have tested with 400 lbs on 4 - Ultra Minis. Minis can take a lot of weight but are susceptible to shock or lateral pressure.

 

[MadFloyd]

If the end without the broach is not available wrap a cloth around the adapter and try a pair of regular gas pliers or vice grips with just enough pressure to grap and turn the adapter. It's a good idea to use a lubricant on stainless-to-stainless surfaces.

Thanks, John!

 

[PeterA]

I am in the process of trying out three Ultra 5s under each of my Pass XA160.5 amps. I've tried the orientation both ways and prefer the beveled side up. These are between my amps and the Vibraplanes. I may also try to deflate the Vibraplanes and listen to that combination.

I would appreciate any suggestions about orientation, placement or anything else that may come to mind. Thank you.

 

[PeterA]

I suggest trying scenarios where there are no Vibraplanes involved, inflated or deflated.

Apart from cost considerations, is there a reason to use three Ultra 5s instead of four? I suggest trying a scenario with 4 Ultra 5s per amp and no Vibraplanes. And, alternatively (or additionally) a scenario with 4 Ultra SS and no Vibraplanes. Enough cost diff between the Ultra 5s and Ultra SS to learn if the sonic differences are commensurate.

These scenarios might offer a baseline for gauging those you plan with Vibraplanes or other combinations of multiple vibration control devices.

Thanks tima. I think the Vibraplanes are doing something different. They are isolating the amps from floor born vibrations that come from the ground, foundation, floors excited by the speakers etc. The Stillpoints are draining internal vibrations from the amps' transformers down and away from the component. The amps' rubber feet prevent these vibrations from exiting the component. But I plan on deflating the Vibraplanes to see if I hear a difference.

I don't plan on trying 4 Ultra 5s or the Ultra SS. I am borrowing the six Ultra 5s from a friend for a short period of time to see if they improve performance. If they do, I may consider buying them.

 

[PeterA]

I suggest trying scenarios where there are no Vibraplanes involved, inflated or deflated.



These scenarios might offer a baseline for gauging those you plan with Vibraplanes or other combinations of multiple vibration control devices.

Thank you for the suggestion deflating the Viber planes is basically putting the amplifiers on very heavy metal racks on the floor there is no movement it's 300 pounds of metal which I do not want to move out of the way to do this experiment

 

[allvinyl]

Ultra Minis Review Misconception

So Steve and rockitman, have you taken a look at this review?

http://www.hifi-advice.com/Stillpoints-review-1.html

This quote from the above review is incorrect, "The Stillpoints Ultra Minis use only one Ceramic ball, but boy are they effective." There are actually 10 ceramic balls inside each Ultra Mini.

 

[allvinyl]

Ultra 5 Product Updated

They don't do it for that other side
But they do it anyways for me
Paul and Bruce from Stillpoints rocks!!

The Ultra 5 has very recently been changed to include a 1/2-20 tap on the beveled half. This allows for the use of a spike we make for those users with stability issues on carpet. Having a tap on both sides also provides more flexibility in which end of the Ultra 5 is positioned to the component/speaker.