Is Wilson losing their marketing edge?

[MylesBAstor]

Myles, I am not arguing about the sound. They do sound pretty damn good. But there is a lot of competition at that $20-$30K price point. Pretty much every company is there, even Sony has been getting rave reviews recently. So the best branded company will stand out the most. You can find a pretty well made purse from a street vendor for $20. But people are willing to pay $200+ for a coach, $1000+ for a Gucci, and $5000+ for a Hermes. Sure there may be better leather and design with those higher priced purses, but there is something about a good brand that psychologically connects the product to the person owning it. There is a reason Coach stamps "C's" and Gucci stamps "G's" all over their bags. Not into purses? Fine. How about Starbucks turning a 40 cent cup of coffee into a $5 cup of coffee that brings with it an "uplifting experience". That's what great branding is all about.

Wilson is a brand that has been around for a long, long time. Many people feel loyalty to it. Nevertheless, as styles, standards change, and tastes change, new products enter the market that challenge the pillar brand such as Wilson, and the consumer thinks, ”Maybe I ought to try that.” So Wilson has to be clear about who they are and what they stand for so they can stand out in the crowded market place.

Sure there's lots of competition That's the name of the game with speakers and probably why there's so many manufacturers. Everyone has different preferences since no one speaker does it all, no matter what the price. That said, I find speakers totally beholdent to what's upstream eg. electronics, source, source material, not to mention downstream factors like the room For instance, too often judgements are drawn, only to be later retracted, when one hears the warts in a cherished recording.

But the problem is that in reading reviews, how many speakers has the reviewer actually heard before pronouncing the DUT the BEST? That was the beauty say of HP old cartridge surveys. Sure it took time but one got a hell of a lot more info that way. But manufacturers also don't like their product being put in a survey plus it's near impossible to get all the products in when needed

 

[JackD201]

DUT? Wha' that mean Hoss?

 

[Coppy]

This thread was about the Wilson brand. So, to my earlier point, I think Terry M. in Wilmington DE is the only Magico dealer in the NY area, giving him a marketing edge there.
I guess as audiophiles... some like Myles are pros and others like myself are 50 year hobbyists, we are all asked what speaker to buy. With strong opinions in the past I've made the error of jumping in where Angels fear to tread. It's a little like telling someone who to marry. I've learned to give folks a list of what I'd listen to in their price range. There are so many brands because people are different and have different preferences for sound, value, price and prestige. As to Wilson... as an unabashed fan with Sashas, their sales results speak for themselves... so does their sound; whatever image they portray. Mrs. Debby Wilson Beaman surly doesn't need me to defend her but that lady IMHO is a treasure and an incredible asset to the Wilson team and family. As I'm a busy-body on both, I hope she continues to contribute on this forum as well. So, let's enjoy the music.

 

[microstrip]

(...) There is a lot of competition out there. Why should someone buy a Wilson? What makes Wilson special?

Amir recently addressed one of the things I usually find in Wilson systems, if properly setup - consistency.

IMHO, the big drawback with Wilson speakers is that their are not easy to setup, and positioning and ancillaries are very critical - Dave Wilson will most answer this criticism just telling us it is why he insists in having the speakers installed by Wilson trained people. But after the speaker is sounding very good it will keep this excellent quality with most recordings, not just with a few.

Disclaimer - I am "anti-biased" : I am currently hosting Maxx3 and actively looking for a reason for not paying them.

 

[Phelonious Ponk]

Amir recently addressed one of the things I usually find in Wilson systems, if properly setup - consistency.

IMHO, the big drawback with Wilson speakers is that their are not easy to setup, and positioning and ancillaries are very critical - Dave Wilson will most answer this criticism just telling us it is why he insists in having the speakers installed by Wilson trained people. But after the speaker is sounding very good it will keep this excellent quality with most recordings, not just with a few.

Disclaimer - I am "anti-biased" : I am currently hosting Maxx3 and actively looking for a reason for not paying them.

I think positioning is critical for all speakers. I suspect many audiophiles could get a more dramatic improvement by properly positioning their speakers in-room than they would with any system upgrade money can buy.

Tim

 

[MylesBAstor]

DUT? Wha' that mean Hoss?

Device under test

 

[MylesBAstor]

This thread was about the Wilson brand. So, to my earlier point, I think Terry M. in Wilmington DE is the only Magico dealer in the NY area, giving him a marketing edge there.

Ears Nova (Joshua Cohen) in New York City is also a Magico dealer (they're on 28th St off of 5th Ave.). I heard the Magicos driven by the Boulder electronics a short time back.

 

[MylesBAstor]

Amir recently addressed one of the things I usually find in Wilson systems, if properly setup - consistency.

IMHO, the big drawback with Wilson speakers is that their are not easy to setup, and positioning and ancillaries are very critical - Dave Wilson will most answer this criticism just telling us it is why he insists in having the speakers installed by Wilson trained people. But after the speaker is sounding very good it will keep this excellent quality with most recordings, not just with a few.

Disclaimer - I am "anti-biased" : I am currently hosting Maxx3 and actively looking for a reason for not paying them.

I didn't find the Watt/Puppies when I had them any harder to set up than any other speaker OTOH, I never subscribed to the wide spacing and severe toe in that Wilson advocates, at least in my old room. I understand Dave's premise but I thought normal positioning starting with either 1/3rds or Cardas' Golden Section rule resulted in darn good sound; in fact, people couldn't believe how good the 5.1s sounded from the mid bass to upper mids in my room. Of course, proper associated gear, as with any top quality speaker, is a no brainer

 

[Steve Williams]

The interesting thing for me with my Wilson speakers in my room is that they have virtually occupied the same identical footprint in the room and I have owned the WP 5.1, WP 6, MAXX l, X-1 series lll, X-2 series l and now X-2 series ll. I tried other locations and always came back to the original spot

 

[Lildebs888]

This thread was about the Wilson brand. So, to my earlier point, I think Terry M. in Wilmington DE is the only Magico dealer in the NY area, giving him a marketing edge there.
I guess as audiophiles... some like Myles are pros and others like myself are 50 year hobbyists, we are all asked what speaker to buy. With strong opinions in the past I've made the error of jumping in where Angels fear to tread. It's a little like telling someone who to marry. I've learned to give folks a list of what I'd listen to in their price range. There are so many brands because people are different and have different preferences for sound, value, price and prestige. As to Wilson... as an unabashed fan with Sashas, their sales results speak for themselves... so does their sound; whatever image they portray. Mrs. Debby Wilson Beaman surly doesn't need me to defend her but that lady IMHO is a treasure and an incredible asset to the Wilson team and family. As I'm a busy-body on both, I hope she continues to contribute on this forum as well. So, let's enjoy the music.

Thank you, Coppy - I appreciate your kind words!

I like how you stated this, Coppy: "It's like telling someone who to marry". I am a lot like you that I don't like to tell people what to use. Everyone is unique with their own likes, tastes, etc., and that is OK. Let your own ears be your judge.

Like with cars - just because I prefer BMW and Ferrrari does not mean that all other cars out there are terrible cars; it's just that I prefer those for reasons XYZ. Also, because I like those does not mean that everyone has to agree with my opinions and tastes. Porche makes amazing cars that I respect and admire. Would I buy one? Not over a Ferrari

Happy listening, everyone!
Debby

 

[mauidan]

Debby,

Did anyone at Wilson see this post on WBF by Randall Smith, Writer for the Soundstage! Network?

“I think Magico has passed Wilson in many ways. UnlessWilson revamps their product line in a big way at CES this year, they will beleft behind. Its time for them to push forward and leave their 20 year oldtweeter behind. “

It’s from this thread:
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?4228-Latest-Q1-ad-shows-Magico-doesn-t-get-Marketing-Strategy&p=71040#post71040

Dan

 

[Randall Smith]

The above referenced quote is my opinion only. I am not speaking on behalf of the Soundstage Network!

 

[Lildebs888]

Debby,

Did anyone at Wilson see this post on WBF by Randall Smith, Writer for the Soundstage! Network?

“I think Magico has passed Wilson in many ways. UnlessWilson revamps their product line in a big way at CES this year, they will beleft behind. Its time for them to push forward and leave their 20 year oldtweeter behind. “

It’s from this thread:
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?4228-Latest-Q1-ad-shows-Magico-doesn-t-get-Marketing-Strategy&p=71040#post71040

Dan

Yes. Everyone has their opinion, and that's fine

 

[Steve Williams]

It is just one person's opinion whether it be on behalf of himself or the Soundstage Network and yes that's fine however WA must be doing something right even if it is a 20 yo tweeter but again, that is just my opinion and yes I am biased

 

[Gregadd]

If you disregard the price WIlson Audio is hardly resting on it's laurels. As a matter of fact the Sasha is cheaper than the WATT Puppy. One can pay less for the Alexandrias' little brother or the Maxx 3

I am a big fan of Magico.

Wilson has the
Sasha
Max 3
Sophia 3

that is an enviable lineup without a doubt.

 

[caesar]

Thank you, Coppy - I appreciate your kind words!

I like how you stated this, Coppy: "It's like telling someone who to marry". I am a lot like you that I don't like to tell people what to use. Everyone is unique with their own likes, tastes, etc., and that is OK. Let your own ears be your judge.

Like with cars - just because I prefer BMW and Ferrrari does not mean that all other cars out there are terrible cars; it's just that I prefer those for reasons XYZ. Also, because I like those does not mean that everyone has to agree with my opinions and tastes. Porche makes amazing cars that I respect and admire. Would I buy one? Not over a Ferrari

Happy listening, everyone!
Debby

Debby, nice dodge. I am blown away that you can't articulate what the Wilson brand stands for. And you spent your whole life around the company? And you work in marketing???? I guess as the old song goes, "get your money for nothing, and your Ferrari's for free". FYI: this is nothing about telling people what to use. I have no doubt Enzo Ferrari was able to clearly articulate what the Ferrari brand was about. His customers, then, bought the car. I hope David Wilson can articulate what the Wilson brand is about. Otherwise, the answer to the title of this thread is a definite "YES".

 

[caesar]

The above referenced quote is my opinion only. I am not speaking on behalf of the Soundstage Network!

Randall, I asked you this before. What criteria are you basing your opinion on?

 

[Lildebs888]

Debby, nice dodge. I am blown away that you can't articulate what the Wilson brand stands for. And you spent your whole life around the company? And you work in marketing???? I guess as the old song goes, "get your money for nothing, and your Ferrari's for free". FYI: this is nothing about telling people what to use. I have no doubt Enzo Ferrari was able to clearly articulate what the Ferrari brand was about. His customers, then, bought the car. I hope David Wilson can articulate what the Wilson brand is about. Otherwise, the answer to the title of this thread is a definite "YES".

I would welcome you to contact John Giolas, Wilson Audio's Marketing Director, if you would like an in depth discussion on what Wilson's brand stands for.

With that said, I wish you all a very pleasant weekend!

PS - Ferrari is a car I could own only in my dreams... I own a Suburban

 

[Bruce B]

I would welcome you to contact John Giolas, Wilson Audio's Marketing Director, if you would like an in depth discussion on what Wilson's brand stands for.

With that said, I wish you all a very pleasant weekend!

I'd have to say Peter conveyed pretty eloquently the heart of the Wilson brand last night. The crux of the presentation was the people behind the brand. They care about the people that work for them and best of all, the customer. He said the average turnover rate for Wilson employees is 14 YEARS! What other U.S. company can say that?
I can't think of another speaker company that is so detailed in every aspect of marketing, R&D, production, sales and after delivery care. I would go as far as saying to work at Wilson, you need to have OCD!

 

[MylesBAstor]

I'd have to say Peter conveyed pretty eloquently the heart of the Wilson brand last night. The crux of the presentation was the people behind the brand. They care about the people that work for them and best of all, the customer. He said the average turnover rate for Wilson employees is 14 YEARS! What other U.S. company can say that?
I can't think of another speaker company that is so detailed in every aspect of marketing, R&D, production, sales and after delivery care. I would go as far as saying to work at Wilson, you need to have OCD!

I've been lucky enough to visit the Wilson factory, albeit ten or so years ago before Wilson expanded. One can not help but be impressed by the Q/C that goes into the building of every speaker. In fact, the most impressive part is the detail that Dave Wilson pays to the speaker's design, many of which escape the gaze of most audiophiles and even reviewers.

That's not to mention Wilson is built in the US and the number of people that they employ!