Wilson Audio Introduces the All-new Alexia (Offical Press Release Information!)
- Thread starter Lildebs888
- Start date
steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Well I heard the speaker today and it is absolutely killer. Sound is spectacular for a speaker that size.
I was pretty underwhelmed. It was OK, but there are quite a few ~$30k speakers at the show that impressed me more in limited listening; it didn't help that Nick Doshi had the Maxx 3's sounding pretty idarn good (to serve as a "Wilson reference"), in a standard size room no less. Needless to say I'll be returning to the Wilson room, though.
Bruce B. was listening to the Alexia's at the same time I was, he may have a different opinion.
Bruce B. was listening to the Alexia's at the same time I was, he may have a different opinion.
So you preferred the Maxx3's? I assume you were listening to the Doshi preamp and amp compared to ... VTL electronics for the Alexia?
steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Yes I did prefer the Maxx 3's driven by Doshi's new 160W monoblocks with his open reel tapes played on his Technics 1500 with his own electronics (the only way I heard them today). I'm hesitant to bash the VTL's since I definitely need to make another visit to the Wilson room, but they are a common factor in another disappointing exhibit from last year's RAMF (the big TAD's).
steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Are you takinbg pix Steve ? We are dying over here...
There's a picture of the Wilson room on their Facebook page.
I know, that's why I was disappointed since my initial impressions of the Rockport Avior and Estelon Xb were more positive than of the Alexia. Carver's new Line Source (w/sub) and Jeff Joseph's Pearl 3 also sounded really good, but I spent only about 5 min in each of those rooms today. All those are ~$25k - $35k systems.
steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Are you takinbg pix Steve ? We are dying over here...
I've taken several hundred photos so far and more tomorrow. Probably won't be til early next week that I get them posted
Agreed with rbbert here, the Alexias sounded very good today, but heard terrific rooms like the Ypsilon and FM Acoustics/Venture as well. Their Room was so crowded that I stayed for a short period of time, so another visit is mandatory.
steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I thought Carver's new line source was a dud. Spent a few minutes there and walked out
So far my favorites have been
FM Acoustics with Venture speakers
Wilson Alexia with VTL Siegfried ll
Evolution Acoustics with Jonathan's MicrominiOne which BTW he shoed with an inexpensive Chinese amp and the sound was stellar.
Nick Doshi's room with Maxx lll's
There were several speakers there in the $2500 range and the one other than Jonathan's Microminione which caught my attention was the new Sonus Faber full range speaker for $2500.
I was quite impressed with Danny Ritchie's new $20k dipoles under the brand name Serenity Acoustics right next door to Wilson; I think they were being driven by a 34 W/ch tube amp!
Once again I was most disappointed by the Cessaro room; absolutely terrible integration of midrange (horns) and dynamic bass. They must be able to make it sound better than that!
The Ventures did sound better this year with FM Acoustics than last year with BMC amplification, didn't they?
Once again I was most disappointed by the Cessaro room; absolutely terrible integration of midrange (horns) and dynamic bass. They must be able to make it sound better than that!
The Ventures did sound better this year with FM Acoustics than last year with BMC amplification, didn't they?
I am noticing what appears to be a foam surround around the tweeter area and maybe the other drivers too. On the Hales speakers that I used to own, the grilles had foam on them, which in about two to three years turned into a nasty dust. Presumably this foam is somehow treated for longevity..
Otherwise, I pity the poor owner.
Otherwise, I pity the poor owner.
You may need to have your eyes checked.
The Wilson drivers are surrounded by a wool felt.
PS- additional pictures from RMAF are on the WA Facebook page. Including one of Dr.Williams.
Bruce B
WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
I too was really impressed with Nick's room. The Alexia's were really good, but I didn't think it sounded as good as the Doshi room.
steve williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
My "problem" with the Alexias is that to me they sounded closer to the Sasha W/P than to the Maxx 3; generally speaking the jump from $28k to $48k should seem subjectively larger than the jump from $48k to $69k. And as I said, some speakers down near the Sasha's price seem very close overall to the Alexias. Oh well, lots more listening today
Similar threads
