Another Hunt Begins...

2

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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    hmm...

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-wilson-witt-series-ii-great-sound-build-value-2012-08-19-speakers-07936-east-hanover-nj

    Any input on these Wilson Witts??
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • xsmi
    xsmi Posts: 1,798
    edited August 2012
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    Any input on these Wilson Witts??

    VERY nice speaker in my book. But, a little light weight. I will say this: I've always maintained that even if I were uber wealthy I would NEVER buy some SUPER expensive speaker. But I heard the new Sonus Fabers and they have changed my mind. If I had $125K to spend I would have them. If ANY of the tech in that speaker is in their less expensive line, you owe it to yourself to hear them. I'm not knocking Wilsons, I LOVE them, I just love the Fabers more!
    2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2012
    Well, you know....
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Well, you know....

    Alluding to your Twain quote, I take it?:wink:
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    Ok guys I'm seriously considering the Witts. Any input is appreciated... even about other similar Wilson speakers. FYI these use the Tioxid (sp?) Focal tweeter, the one before the BE.

    Here's a link to a Stereophile review:

    http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/196witt/index.html

    Note that these are the Series II's, not the originals in most of the review above.


    Any thoughts at all? I might make a road trip this weekend. What's an average price? They were manufactured between 1998-2000. Any crossover worries?
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited August 2012
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    Ok guys I'm seriously considering the Witts. Any input is appreciated... even about other similar Wilson speakers. FYI these use the Tioxid (sp?) Focal tweeter, the one before the BE.

    Here's a link to a Stereophile review:

    http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/196witt/index.html

    Note that these are the Series II's, not the originals in most of the review above.


    Any thoughts at all? I might make a road trip this weekend. What's an average price? They were manufactured between 1998-2000. Any crossover worries?

    While he isn't specifically talking about the Witts, Arthur Salvatore doesn't seem to think that Wilson is up to all the hype (he is talking about the Watt Puppy in this article): http://www.high-endaudio.com/RR-STEREOPHILE.html#WP5

    Take it for what you will. I enjoy reading his website, but he may be slightly insane...He sure doesn't respect anything in Stereophile written since Holt handed things over to Atkinson.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    billbillw wrote: »
    While he isn't specifically talking about the Witts, Arthur Salvatore doesn't seem to think that Wilson is up to all the hype (he is talking about the Watt Puppy in this article): http://www.high-endaudio.com/RR-STEREOPHILE.html#WP5

    Take it for what you will. I enjoy reading his website, but he may be slightly insane...He sure doesn't respect anything in Stereophile written since Holt handed things over to Atkinson.

    Cool read. It seems that Mr. Salvatore is criticizing the review itself more so than the speakers. In fact, there's nothing in his criticism that leads me to believe that he's ever even listened to the speakers!

    I agree with Salvatore that the WP5 review is superlative to a fault, but that doesn't help a prospective Wilson owner, since he doesn't give any of his own listening impressions.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2012
    You can do much better than that speaker.

    Wilson surely is an acquired taste too.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    Face wrote: »
    You can do much better than that speaker...

    For 4k???

    I want you to list every speaker that I could acquire for 4k or less that is better than that Witt. I'm not being facetious... I know you have a lot of experience and I value your opinion!:biggrin:
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2012
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Hold off on your Magnepan and try some other things. I'm the same way and my eventual last speaker will be Magnepan 3.7. This is where you can have a lot of fun so do it man. I'd pass on the PSB and Emerald's but like the Salk and Thiel idea.
    F1nut wrote: »
    If you can any used, Joseph Audio.

    Both excellent suggestions. The 3.7 is phenomenal and JA's monitors sound incredible for their size.

    I'd also suggest the Philharmonic 2 or 3: http://philharmonicaudio.com/philharmonicaudio/philpages/floorstanding.html

    Anything from Selah in your price range: http://selahaudio.com/id75.html

    I may be a bit biased, but these are at my local dealer and are very impressive: http://www.clearwavespeakers.com/webapps/p/98515/300200/728902

    As for Wilson, they're finally phasing out the Focal inverted dome. Plus their crossover design in older models is far from perfect...
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    Face wrote: »
    ...The 3.7 is phenomenal...

    Find me a 3.7 for 4k, and I'll buy it today.

    Thanks for the other suggestions. I will research all of them.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2012
    You're gonna make me say it, huh? $3650/pr:
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited August 2012
    FYI Steve, your video is outdated and doesnt show your new sub :wink:. Also your system showcase isnt there either.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2012
    I know, I can't get the showcase to allow me to upload any pictures.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    steveinaz wrote: »
    You're gonna make me say it, huh?

    Hell yea, man. I really want to get my ears on some. Never heard'em.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2012
    Save them for last, because you'll be done after you hear them.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    Yo Face, can you expand on how Wilson is an "acquired taste".. and on any possible downsides to that Focal inverted dome tioxid tweet??

    thanks man.


    What do you think about the newer Focal BE inverted dome? I'm really interested in the Micro or Diva Utopias.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2012
    To not be too brash, I find them harsh and fatiguing in the upper mids/lower highs. Like certain piano keys are stabbing me in the ears.

    There's nothing wrong with using an inverted dome as they generally have better off axis, but the one used in that speaker is dated.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    Face wrote: »
    To not be too brash (but) certain piano keys are stabbing me in the ears.

    LOL. Classic signature material right there.

    What about the newer Focal Utopias with the BE tweeter?? I've read that it was a big improvement over that older titanium, tioxid one that's in the Witts.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2012
    The newer Focals aren't harsh, but can sound detailed. Pair them with a warm amp or pre, and you'll be very happy with the sound.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited August 2012
    Face wrote: »
    The newer Focals aren't harsh, but can sound detailed. Pair them with a warm amp or pre, and you'll be very happy with the sound.

    Agreed. The focal are detailed and a bit picky on the equipment used with them on down to the wires. Then the right equipment is used, they can make good recordings sound amazing but, make mediocre recordings sound almost unlistnable. They in my opinon are not a forgiving speaker. Now that said, i had a set of 815 and for the size and price on the used market, I thought they sounded amazing! My equipment is warm sounding though from the jolida cd on down to the mcintosh preamp.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    Face wrote: »
    The newer Focals aren't harsh, but can sound detailed. Pair them with a warm amp or pre, and you'll be very happy with the sound.
    Agreed. The focal are detailed and a bit picky on the equipment used with them on down to the wires. Then the right equipment is used, they can make good recordings sound amazing but, make mediocre recordings sound almost unlistnable. They in my opinon are not a forgiving speaker. Now that said, i had a set of 815 and for the size and price on the used market, I thought they sounded amazing! My equipment is warm sounding though from the jolida cd on down to the mcintosh preamp.

    Cool. I think they'd do well in my system. The Audio GD NFB-7 DAC is on the warmer side of neutral, the ARC LS-15 tube pre is detailed, but airy and delicate on the highs, and the BAT VK-500 is neutral but smooth and powerful.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited August 2012
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    Cool read. It seems that Mr. Salvatore is criticizing the review itself more so than the speakers. In fact, there's nothing in his criticism that leads me to believe that he's ever even listened to the speakers!

    I agree with Salvatore that the WP5 review is superlative to a fault, but that doesn't help a prospective Wilson owner, since he doesn't give any of his own listening impressions.

    I took it that he did listen to them and wasn't nearly as impressed as Stereophile. Interestingly, he does list the Wilson Watts in his recommended components, but he emphasizes to get the older less expensive models and he also talks about replacing the drivers...:question:
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited August 2012
    steveinaz wrote: »
    You're gonna make me say it, huh? $3650/pr:

    That's going to be my next pair Steve. Thought my Verity Audio Finns would be a ten year speaker, but since I had to move the rig to the den, the fireplace hearth isn't playing nice with the rear port.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2012
    Mark, you're gonna love them. Their a little shy on bass, but what they do produce is accurate. The treble/midrange quality is the best these ears have ever heard, especially vocal accuracy. Midrange is phenominal, and acoustic events will highlight their strength there. I've never heard treble extend this much, but never approaching anything near fatiguing, just tons of soundstage depth and air. These pups SOAR with Jazz material. Highly recommend the 20" Skylan stands for them.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited August 2012
    In many ways they offer the same experience as the Finns. Though, I think they might match up a bit better with my Sim Audio gear, especially the horsepower/grunt of my i7 integrated.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    OK so I'm thinking real hard about the Thiel CS2.4's.

    Any listening impressions? What's an average price for a 2-3 year old pair in excellent shape?


    Real close to pulling the trigger...
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited August 2012
    falconcry72 wrote: »
    OK so I'm thinking real hard about the Thiel CS2.4's.

    Any listening impressions? What's an average price for a 2-3 year old pair in excellent shape?


    Real close to pulling the trigger...

    Anybody? I could potentially take the plunge on Tuesday... but I won't get to hear them first.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • hugeroost
    hugeroost Posts: 8
    edited August 2012
    Falcon, i"m a little late to the thread, and it may be a stupid question, but I guess you"ve already tried klipschorns ? those are my dream speaks I guess....Roost
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  • brianle
    brianle Posts: 572
    edited August 2012
    The Thiel was a bit bright for my taste when I listened to them in an untreated room. I definitely prefer the Usher Dancer Mini 2 diamond more.
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