Wilson Audio Alexia 2 vs Sonus Faber Lilium

[Semaj]

Hi Jim

I have tried the following amps for my Lilium:
ML33H + ML320S
Sony TA-NR1 (class A 100w mono locks)
Luxman M-700u (120W class AB, just acquired)
Cary 805 AE (can't drive)

As for the Alexia, I have only used Aesthetix Atlas (power) + Denafrips Athena (pre) due to logistics (carrying the 33H around the house was not feasible).

But I will try them with the 33H and Sony mono blocks soon, as I have moved to a new location recently.

Based on my own experience so far, the Wilson's are less fussy, it just sang with the first amp combo I hooked them up to. But I still need to experiment more with my other amps.

The Liliums are more fussy and need current, I find that even the 33H was just adequate. But when they sing, the imaging is ethereal. The sweet spot is not very big though, could be the height of HF/MF drivers that are above a couch seated position. However, when they are placed properly they image like mini monitors.

I once mistakenly hooked up a DAC source at full volume through the 33H and the Liliums just handled all that 150W without a sweat. That's when I realised how much current it could handle. And the 33H are by no means a weak amp!

My subjective opinion is that the Alexias are probably easier to drive and enjoy than the Liliums. But YMMV.
Hope this helps.
J

Yes, very helpful J.
If you could comment on my question about listening through the LILIUM to music such as Led Zeppelin, Beatles White album rockers, Steve Ray Vaughn type blues and etc. that would certainly be helpful. I don't listen to that type of music very much but I don't want to loose too much impact when I do.
Thx,
Jim
And, thx for the pic of your Lilium system.

 

[Semaj]

Yes, very helpful J.
If you could comment on my question about listening through the LILIUM to music such as Led Zeppelin, Beatles White album rockers, Steve Ray Vaughn type blues and etc. that would certainly be helpful. I don't listen to that type of music very much but I don't want to loose too much impact when I do.
Thx,
Jim
And, thx for the pic of your Lilium system.

Also, and last question I promise, a) which of these speakers throws a larger soundstage and b) which images better within the soundstage?
Thx again.

 

[Jleeck]

Yes, very helpful J.
If you could comment on my question about listening through the LILIUM to music such as Led Zeppelin, Beatles White album rockers, Steve Ray Vaughn type blues and etc. that would certainly be helpful. I don't listen to that type of music very much but I don't want to loose too much impact when I do.
Thx,
Jim
And, thx for the pic of your Lilium system.

With good recordings, the sense of space with the Liliums seems superior. The Alexias excel at pinpoint imaging, and better macro dynamics. I think it is the design of Lilium's passive radiator (on top) and downward firing woofers. So for rock, blues, I think the Alexias have the edge. There is just more visceral impact.

 

[Jleeck]

Also, and last question I promise, a) which of these speakers throws a larger soundstage and b) which images better within the soundstage?
Thx again.

The Liliums have a larger soundstage, and deeper. The sound seems to be not coming from the speakers when properly positioned. The Alexias image better, within the soundstage, more pinpoint mainly I think due to the mini monitor concept of the drivers and their adjustability to direct the tweeter/midrange at the correct level. Hope this helps.

 

[gadawg58]

They are both great lines of speakers but you really need to audition them yourself. I used to have Sasha 2’s and then upgraded to Alexx’s and the soundstage size with the Wilson speakers is amazing. I had an opportunity to hear the Aida a while back and I completely am convinced that for me the Wilson speakers had both a wider, taller soundstage while the Aida’s were a bit deeper. That said … everyone’s perspective here will be different from yours so all of our opinions aren’t nearly as helpful and you being able to audition the speakers in question for yourself! Good luck and hope you end up with what makes you happy!

George