Wilson Audio Introduces the All-new Alexia (Offical Press Release Information!)

[steve williams]

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

rbbert, you need to have a second look because if that was Sasha sound I heard why wouldn't I buy a Sasha.

Where I was sitting I was stunned at how wide and deep the sound stage was even with the speakers quite toed in.

 

[jfrech]

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.

Those Rockport Aviors are killer speakers for 30k. And this is coming from a guy who's owned 4 wilson speakers in his life (wp 6 and 8, maxx 2 and currently maxx 3's). I have not heard the Alexia yet or the XLF...The Rockports have a way with transparency/timing that is simply beautiful...

 

[treitz3]

I thought Carver's new line source was a dud. Spent a few minutes there and walked out.

Not surprised here, Steve. While I may be very good friends with Bob, I'm not a big fan of this speaker and what it brings to the table. Too many deficiencies IMO. I can appreciate your honesty. Some folks actually like them. Eh, to each there own. One man's holy grail is another man's poison.

Tom

 

[steve williams]

Those Rockport Aviors are killer speakers for 30k. And this is coming from a guy who's owned 4 wilson speakers in his life (wp 6 and 8, maxx 2 and currently maxx 3's). I have not heard the Alexia yet or the XLF...The Rockports have a way with transparency/timing that is simply beautiful...

I do agree about the Avior and Rockport speakers but you owe it to yourself as a past Wilson owner to hear the Alexia and XLF

 

[rbbert]

rbbert, you need to have a second look because if that was Sasha sound I heard why wouldn't I buy a Sasha? ...

Because you have Alexandria's?

 

[jfrech]

I do agree about the Avior and Rockport speakers but you owe it to yourself as a past Wilson owner to hear the Alexia and XLF

Hi yes, I agree...I keep hoping Wilson comes out with a Maxx 3.5 update...

 

[LL21]

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.

Hey Flez...would be interested in knowing more about the Ypsilon room...did you hear their digital? In a new room, different setup...it is always difficult if not impossible to isolate equipment...but nevertheless, was curious if they were playing their digital set up and if you had any thoughts on it. thanks!

 

[ricjor1]

Wilson vs Rockports

Those Rockport Aviors are killer speakers for 30k. And this is coming from a guy who's owned 4 wilson speakers in his life (wp 6 and 8, maxx 2 and currently maxx 3's). I have not heard the Alexia yet or the XLF...The Rockports have a way with transparency/timing that is simply beautiful...

jfrech,

Do you know if the Rockport Aviors are difficult to drive? I'm considering changing from my Sasha's and plan on listening to Magico S5s and possibly the Aviors. My only concern is I can't change my electronics. Any advice?

 

[LL21]

jfrech,

Do you know if the Rockport Aviors are difficult to drive? I'm considering changing from my Sasha's and plan on listening to Magico S5s and possibly the Aviors. My only concern is I can't change my electronics. Any advice?

What are your electronics? Sashas are not the easiest to drive well either, so you might be alright.

 

[ricjor1]

What are your electronics? Sashas are not the easiest to drive well either, so you might be alright.

lloydelee21

Densen B350 mono-amps and B250 preamp, Rega Apollo r, soon to add Audio Research DAC 8, all Silver Audio cables. I ask because I've heard the Mira 2s with my electronics and preferred both the Sophia 3s and Sashas. I understand the Aviors are in the Sasha's price range and maybe considerably better. My dilemma is upgrade electronics and keep the Sasha's or change to Magico S5s or Aviors. I realize what sounds better is in the ear of the beholder, but there aren't any Rockport or Magico dealers in Texas. I'm trying to get a sense of if there are significant difference between Sasha's and Aviors?

 

[trponhunter]

If you preferred the Sophias and the Sashas to the Mira 2's, then I can't imagine you would like the Aviors. In my opinion, the Mira 2 is a more linear and truthful speaker than either of the Wilsons (just my opinion - you are entitled to yours) , and the Avior has effectively a very, very similar tonal balance to the Mira's, so they may not be your cup of tea. You can fly to Miami and hear the Wilsons and the Rockports if you wish.

 

[Lildebs888]

Some more feedback on the Alexia's from RMAF:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/wilson-alexia-and-its-elite-companions

It's been great getting to know more of you at the show! Been having a blast here!!

 

[ricjor1]

If you preferred the Sophias and the Sashas to the Mira 2's, then I can't imagine you would like the Aviors. In my opinion, the Mira 2 is a more linear and truthful speaker than either of the Wilsons (just my opinion - you are entitled to yours) , and the Avior has effectively a very, very similar tonal balance to the Mira's, so they may not be your cup of tea. You can fly to Miami and hear the Wilsons and the Rockports if you wish.

trponhunter,

You were the one that convinced me to listen to Rockport Mira 2's, which I thought were great. I just preferred the dynamics of the Sasha's and I thought they disappeared better. I respect all opinions, because this hobby is very personal and beautiful sound is definitely in the ear of the beholder. That being said, I thought maybe going to the Aviors would provide more of the dynamics contrast that I love. Just curious about what you think about Magico S5's?

 

[trponhunter]

trponhunter,

You were the one that convinced me to listen to Rockport Mira 2's, which I thought were great. I just preferred the dynamics of the Sasha's and I thought they disappeared better. I respect all opinions, because this hobby is very personal and beautiful sound is definitely in the ear of the beholder. That being said, I thought maybe going to the Aviors would provide more of the dynamics contrast that I love. Just curious about what you think about Magico S5's?

Well, you should listen to the Aviors - they are definitely more full range and dynamic, and of course even better in every other way than the Mira's as well. I love them. If the dynamics where all that held you back, then they may be your cup of tea. The tonal balance and staging is very similar to the Mira's, but better also.
I haven't heard the S5's, but a rectangular front with a wide baffle leaves me suspect to their ability to truly vanish like the Aviors, due to the diffraction effects that occur with that type of construction. Look up the studies of diffraction by Dr. Olson - he shows the effects that a cabinet's shape has on diffraction.

 

[microstrip]

Some more feedback on the Alexia's from RMAF:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/wilson-alexia-and-its-elite-companions

It's been great getting to know more of you at the show! Been having a blast here!!

Thanks Debbie, it is a very interesting report on the Alexia presentation.

There is however a sentence in this article that will probably fuel the debates in other threads in this forum:

Hence he chose, as his analog source, the superb Spiral Groove SG 1.1 turntable and Centroid tonearm ($31,000 total) outfitted with an Air Tight PCM 1 cartridge ($6800). The digital source, a definite contender for state-of-the-art, was the new, four-piece dCS Vivaldi Digital Playback System: the Vivaldi transport ($39,999), Vivaldi DAC ($34,999), Vivaldi Upsampler ($19,999), and Vivaldi Clock (a relative bargain at only $13,499). So good were these two sources that, without looking at the equipment rack, I was unable to distinguish sonic differences between a direct-to-disc LP and a CD transfer of one of Dave Wilson's finest early analog recordings.

It would be very nice if you could ask your people what equipment and techniques were used to create this CD transfer!

 

[jfrech]

jfrech,

Do you know if the Rockport Aviors are difficult to drive? I'm considering changing from my Sasha's and plan on listening to Magico S5s and possibly the Aviors. My only concern is I can't change my electronics. Any advice?

Depending on your room size, how loud you like to listen, etc...your electronics should be fine. That said..the Sasha's will absolutely respond to better gear. They are still some of the best speakers in the world...and can easily take the best you can afford in cabling/electronics...

lloydelee21

Densen B350 mono-amps and B250 preamp, Rega Apollo r, soon to add Audio Research DAC 8, all Silver Audio cables. I ask because I've heard the Mira 2s with my electronics and preferred both the Sophia 3s and Sashas. I understand the Aviors are in the Sasha's price range and maybe considerably better. My dilemma is upgrade electronics and keep the Sasha's or change to Magico S5s or Aviors. I realize what sounds better is in the ear of the beholder, but there aren't any Rockport or Magico dealers in Texas. I'm trying to get a sense of if there are significant difference between Sasha's and Aviors?

Where are you in Texas? I'm just outside of Austin and can hear all of these speakers..some at friends homes. Private message me....

 

[rbbert]

Thanks Debbie, it is a very interesting report on the Alexia presentation.

There is however a sentence in this article that will probably fuel the debates in other threads in this forum:

Hence he chose, as his analog source, the superb Spiral Groove SG 1.1 turntable and Centroid tonearm ($31,000 total) outfitted with an Air Tight PCM 1 cartridge ($6800). The digital source, a definite contender for state-of-the-art, was the new, four-piece dCS Vivaldi Digital Playback System: the Vivaldi transport ($39,999), Vivaldi DAC ($34,999), Vivaldi Upsampler ($19,999), and Vivaldi Clock (a relative bargain at only $13,499). So good were these two sources that, without looking at the equipment rack, I was unable to distinguish sonic differences between a direct-to-disc LP and a CD transfer of one of Dave Wilson's finest early analog recordings.

It would be very nice if you could ask your people what equipment and techniques were used to create this CD transfer!

He may have been mistaken about it being a CD; both times I have been listening Dave Wilson has played hi-res transfers of some of his old tapes (at least some were done by Bruce B.)

 

[trponhunter]

regarding the comment about changing electronics and keeping existing speakers, or changing the speakers - the speaker change usually always yields a much bigger improvement. Speakers errors are so gross compared to electronics differences.

 

[LL21]

lloydelee21

Densen B350 mono-amps and B250 preamp, Rega Apollo r, soon to add Audio Research DAC 8, all Silver Audio cables. I ask because I've heard the Mira 2s with my electronics and preferred both the Sophia 3s and Sashas. I understand the Aviors are in the Sasha's price range and maybe considerably better. My dilemma is upgrade electronics and keep the Sasha's or change to Magico S5s or Aviors. I realize what sounds better is in the ear of the beholder, but there aren't any Rockport or Magico dealers in Texas. I'm trying to get a sense of if there are significant difference between Sasha's and Aviors?

Unfortunately i know of your equipment but i do not know it. My recollection is good solid quality power, and the DAC will be nice which i have heard. You might try calling Rockport and asking them...i hear extremely good things about their service. The only tidbit i can offer is something you've probably already read on Ultra Audio/Soundstage which is that the Avior apparently gives you quite a bit of the Altair for 1/3 the cost. I think the writer was including the sense of scale you get with the Altair. I am not sure how many people would say that about the Sasha v the Maxx3 or Alexandria S2.

I believe there is an Arrakis 2 owner from TX on this forum who might be able to help you as well. Good luck.

 

[steve williams]

With the show wrapping up today I feel that I would be remiss in not giving a huge shout out to Debby Wilson who made the launch of the Alexia a huge success IMO. Debby was not only single handedly manning the doors to the room, meeting and greeting all of the attendees as well as taking photos, serving food,handing out T-shirts etc, etc. Debby has a warm and contagious smile and is also a huge audiophile. It was wonderful to have chatted her up late yesterday afternoon with Marty and Larry and hearing some wonderful stories about growing up in the Wilson household and how she was deeply involved as a youngster in the production of Wilson speakers.

Debby is a huge asset to WA and we here at WBF are certainly appreciative of her being a member and for all of her contributions both here and during the weekend at WBF

Thanks Debby