Going to audition Wilson Audio speakers.... let's see how they compare to my Summits.

Joey_V
Joey_V Posts: 8,552
edited May 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
As the title says, my buddy and I are going to Glenn Poor Chicago and listening to some truly high-end stuff. I'm going to treat my ears to some Wilson Audio speakers running through some indecently expensive (say, $38K) Halcro amps.... this will definitely be a doozy!

I'm going to see just how deep the rabbit hole I can go and how much further I can push my system!

Let's see if the guys at that store will give me the time of day, I'll dress well and mention that I do own some $11K speakers... hopefully they wont think I'm just some punk-**** 23 year old chump wasting their time.

Cuz hey.... if the Wilsons are truly that good.... well, never say never. I could end up with them.

Somehow.

I'll keep you guys up to date and I'll try to write a review/comparo against everything I have heard so far (or atleast the Polk LSi9/15, my ML Summit, and the BW802D). :p
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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Comments

  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited May 2006
    Wow. Those are some expensive amps! Have fun, and be sure to let us know what you thinks!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,726
    edited May 2006
    it's awesome that you can afford that kind of gear at age 23. I'm 28 and can't afford that stuff, and I make decent money...
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited May 2006
    Joey - have fun in Chicago! How about taking your digi-cam and taking a few pictures while you're there?

    Looking forward to your review. Those Wilson speakers maybe nice but your summits look awesome (haven't heard the sound so can't judge that) and I've heard that those Wilsons are super super heavy.
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited May 2006
    Joey_V wrote:
    Let's see if the guys at that store will give me the time of day, I'll dress well and mention that I do own some $11K speakers... hopefully they wont think I'm just some punk-**** 23 year old chump wasting their time.
    I have never been to Glenn Poors in Chicago, but I have been to the one in Champaign quite a few times. (although not recently)

    Last time I was there they had martain logan, krell, apogee, Magnepan and a few other speakers.

    Although I was a punk-**** chump wasting their time (at the time anyway) they were always nice and tried their best to guide me in all things audio. (not just saying things made a difference, but acutually swapping out amps, speakers and cables to let me hear the difference for myself and then talking about what we heard)

    It was a great store at the time and I look forward to your report. I hope to make it back sometime soon. (especially since they carry dynaudio and gallo now. :) )

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Schris22
    Schris22 Posts: 983
    edited May 2006
    enjoy!

    Not sure if fitting wilsons in your room will be easy. (judging from your pictures your room isn't too big, may be wrong) Just enjoy anyway.

    Chris
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR502-S
    DVD Player: Pioneer DV-578A-S
    Left and Right: R50
    Center: CS1
    Rear Center: R15
    Surrounds: R30
    Subwoofer: 10'' Dayton 100 Watt
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited May 2006
    Polkmaniac wrote:
    it's awesome that you can afford that kind of gear at age 23. I'm 28 and can't afford that stuff, and I make decent money...

    Polkmaniac - you do have a great setup and a great (nicely decorate) home :)

    Watching movies siting on your cozy sofa must be an experience on its own!

    Need to upgrade to the XBox 360 though ...
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited May 2006
    crazy wrote:
    Joey - have fun in Chicago! How about taking your digi-cam and taking a few pictures while you're there?

    Looking forward to your review. Those Wilson speakers maybe nice but your summits look awesome (haven't heard the sound so can't judge that) and I've heard that those Wilsons are super super heavy.

    Yeah man... they are extremely heavy and inert... from what I've heard. I'll see if I can sneak in a few pics.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited May 2006
    Nothing like looking at high end. Trouble is most of us have to shop around for bargains after getting the taste of how it could be. I have been able to find some good deals on closeouts and tradein items. Several local shops get really nice high end stuff on trade, so I always watch. Normally, its older stuff that's been well taken care of, but sometimes someone's had second thoughts and jumped up the audio chain. Either way, it pays to watch.
    Happy listening!!!:D
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited May 2006
    Cool!

    I got the review done for the Wilsons (Sophia/WWP7/Maxx2) vs the Summits. Now, I'm going to add a little bit of LSi in there and post it here.

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited May 2006
    Joey_V wrote:
    Cool!

    I got the review done for the Wilsons (Sophia/WWP7/Maxx2) vs the Summits. Now, I'm going to add a little bit of LSi in there and post it here.

    Joey

    Awesome! Looking forward to the post - and the pictures :D

    How about throwing in a little B&W comparision there as well!!!
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited May 2006
    Wilson vs. ML vs. Polk vs. B&W would be sweet!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
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    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
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    Epson 8700UB
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    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited May 2006
    Awesome. Keep us posted!
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited May 2006
    Where's the review Joey? I have been looking forward to it. Very interested:)

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited May 2006
    It should be up soon guys.... I'm busy at the moment with my Kaplan review classes for the upcoming Boards, but I'll work on it a little more whenever I feel like taking a break. Look for the review in the next few days. Sorry for the wait.

    JOey

    EDIT:

    I'm going to include my thoughts of the BW802D and 803D, not to mention LSi9 and LSi15. However, keep in mind that there was never a full A/B comparison so with that said, I'm not (and cant) go into the minutias, the minute and little details that are inhernet in each and every speaker - giving them their signature sound. When I listen, I try to go for overall tone, the soundstage, the height of the performers, the size of the instrument, the depth of the stage, the focus of the vocals, and the overall blackness between the notes.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Wardsweb
    Wardsweb Posts: 935
    edited May 2006
    Last month I had a chance to hear the Wilson Audio Alexandria X2 ($135,000). I must say I had great expectations. For that kind of money I expected to be blown away. Well big let down. Yes they are nice but for the same money I would rather have a Mercedes SL600. Maybe it was the music, maybe it was the room or they were using the wrong cables...they were fatiguing to me. They were detailed to the point of clinical sterility. Hospital stainless clean but lacking warmth. I know there are guys out there that love them. Just not for me.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited May 2006
    Too much of a good thing...
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited May 2006
    Wardsweb wrote:
    Last month I had a chance to hear the Wilson Audio Alexandria X2 ($135,000). I must say I had great expectations. For that kind of money I expected to be blown away. Well big let down. Yes they are nice but for the same money I would rather have a Mercedes SL600. Maybe it was the music, maybe it was the room or they were using the wrong cables...they were fatiguing to me. They were detailed to the point of clinical sterility. Hospital stainless clean but lacking warmth. I know there are guys out there that love them. Just not for me.

    You have to understand.... that these things arent marketed for us. We're normal folks who have an abnormally exquisite ear for good sound. Yet, remember that we are still limited by real-world budget and monetary constraints. The Alexandria and its contemporaries are speakers that are meant for people who dont blink when making that purchase.

    If I were to save up for the Alexandrias... and I were to get it, I dont think I would ever be satisfied no matter how good they were. Why?

    Because I dont think anything is worth that much money, especially since I wouldve had to sacrifice so much just to get them.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited May 2006
    Yeah, I think you are doing okay Joey. Most of us couldn't have what you have.:( :D

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited May 2006
    Mike....

    Dont worry, I'm not getting anything near the Alexandrias - not today, not tomorow, not in 10 years.... not ever.

    Unless I hit the Lottery.

    Then I'm buying 2 pairs!!

    One for me!

    The other - for a lucky Polkie on this forum!! Picture a little raffle... send me your pm.. I'll write it down on paper... I do a raffle thingy - videotaped so it's legit... I announce the winner..... and ship a pair out to the guy. Ok... I'm getting delirious.

    Back to studying I go.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited May 2006
    Joey_V wrote:
    Ok... I'm getting delirious.
    Yes, you are. lol If you just say the winner pays for shipping, I bet everybody'd be out of the running, lol. Then you could have fronts and rears for a HT!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited May 2006
    Midnite Mick wrote:
    Yeah, I think you are doing okay Joey. Most of us couldn't have what you have.:( :D

    Mike

    I think it's where your priorities are - it is not that most of us can't have those awesome speakers, but most of us might have other priorities.

    And the rest of us are married :D
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited May 2006
    crazy wrote:
    I think it's where your priorities are - it is not that most of us can't have those awesome speakers

    I will officially say that I can't.:(

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited May 2006
    crazy wrote:
    I think it's where your priorities are - it is not that most of us can't have those awesome speakers, but most of us might have other priorities.
    I can get a pair (maybe even 2) - provided they come with at least 3 bedrooms and 2 baths...... :D

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Holydoc
    Holydoc Posts: 1,048
    edited May 2006
    Midnite Mick wrote:
    I will officially say that I can't.:(

    Mike


    I second that.
    Holydoc (Home Theatre Lover)
    __________________________________________
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  • crazy
    crazy Posts: 443
    edited May 2006
    Ah, I knew I shouldn't have posted that :)

    Let's not hi-jack Joey's thread - anxiously waiting for your review and comparisons.

    A friend of mine and I are planning to take a trip to check out ML Summits and Wilsons next week (most likely)
    Distant Dream - A New Beginning
    www.distantdream.com
    (Now also available on iTunes)
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited May 2006
    Seems Audio Concepts in Dallas now carries the Wilsons.
    I may have to head over there with junior's college money and check them out.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2006
    I bet the review says they sounded good.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited May 2006
    for that price?, they better.

    I have a simple rule, dont spend more on audio equipment than you do on your car :D
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2006
    dorokusai wrote:
    I bet the review says they sounded good.
    hehe....
    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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