Have anybody heard Wilson Alexandrias?

organ
organ Posts: 4,969
edited August 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
Or any other Wilson speakers?
Post edited by organ on
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2008
    Are you serious?

    Chuck
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2008
    You can read about my first (albeit very short) experience with Wilson Duett's and Watt puppies here....)

    Duetts were nice, but not worth the price asked imo. Watt Puppies were awesome and the best I have ever heard...
    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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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited July 2008
    I have never heard the Alexandria's but they look like the Jetson's Rosie the maid meets ATM machine. Not exactly a fine piece of furniture.sweet_dreams_04_560.jpg
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited July 2008
    Heard the Watt Puppies twice. Once on a SS rig with Spectral gear and $40,000 worth of dCS digital gear. The second time they were run with all top tier Audio Research gear. In a room completely treated by ASC. Pretty nice.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited July 2008
    I used to Install Wilson speakers. They are pretty damn good speakers. Not my high end favorite but nice nonetheless.

    One of the best Installs I did was a guy who had Krell mono blocks for a 7.1 system. He had a Wilson coffe table subwoofer. It was incredible. The Krell mono blocks shut off the east wing of his home. He thought that was the Manlyest thing he ever saw. He was getting electricians to add more deadicated outlets for each amp. Crazy **** man.

    Watt puppies are probably the best bang for the buck as well as the Saphires. The cool **** colors you can get. Farrari paint colors where avalible back then.

    The x1's where good 2. It took some tiime to get them setup properly.

    When you get to the point of extreme high end, I question that you need this levell of gear to experience music. The gear at this level costs more then the insturments the artist use, the mic's that recorded it and the rest of the recording studio used to record it. Why would one need such high end gear?

    I have been kicking that thought around for years. I have heard many and Installed many extreme high end systems. Where does it end?
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited July 2008
    I had a chance to steal a great setup locally for some WATT Puppys (6s, I think), BAT preamp / source, and some other insane gear. I should've done it, could've flipped if nothing else and made a killing.

    Oh well. Still have never gotten my ears on Wilsons. Maybe I should actually listen next time I go to Audio Concepts :)
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited July 2008
    Chuck,
    Yup:). Not saying I'm getting a pair (most likely the lower model if I do) but would love to hear other Polkies experiences with Wilson Audio in general.
    It's just that I've started saving up for my next big speaker purchase and I don't want to take baby steps anymore. I'm taking my time now. The reason Wilson caught my attention is the high sensitivity.

    McLoki,
    Thanks for the link. Gonna read your post after this.
    How much do the Watt/Puppies go for?

    Fongolio,
    Thanks for sharing the pic. I actually really like the way they look and the ability to adjust the distance of each mid drivers and tweets for perfect time alignment.

    Try,
    Cool. The amplification options is plenty for the Wilson speakers. They all seem to be very efficient. It seems like a lot of people like to run them on Audio Research gear.
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited July 2008
    Dan,
    Very good point. I don't think it will ever end. I guess, to us audiophiles....I know most people don't like to be called that due to the large numbers of "audiophools", get a rush like no other when listening to a good system. I still get it everytime I listen to my current set up but the upgrade bug will always return no matter what.
    I'm seriously thinking about something from the Wilson line of speakers because from what I read around the net, they seem to have the sound I love. Big dynamics, clarity, realism and they're easy to drive.
    How would you describe their sound character?
    I really need to hunt down a dealer and have a listen for myself but too lazy right now.

    Andy,
    You never know, another pair might pop up again. It's happened before and it will happen again.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited July 2008
    I listened to the Alexandria's at Overture in Delaware a little while back. In fact it was a slow day there & the salesguy was taking me to the different rooms & when he brought me into the room where they were I just had to ask him to fire them up. He said no problem (he sure as **** knew I wasn't buying them...$125K) but non the less he obliged me. Downright incredible sounding & pretty much left me for a loss of words.

    He gave me the whole nine yards on how they're made, the custom paint etc. Now get this, the speaker cables were a $26K from MIT. Nothing but the best he said. Who was I to argue.

    So I asked him...how many pairs do you sell of these? He said about a dozen a year. He went on to say that most are bought without even being heard, these guys just have so much money that they want to impress there friends!! They even have them painted to match there fancy sports cars too. Damn!!! They ship them all over the world. If you ever get a chance to get your ears on a pair of these babies...be ready to be amazed!!

    He almost sold me a pair, except they wouldn't fit into my van!! :D
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited July 2008
    If you are looking for used high end speakers be sure to look at the Avantgarde duo's too. For pretty much the same price they perform in a pretty awsome manor but also give you the advantage of being super efficient to take advantage of really low powered amplifiers.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • gigidy5
    gigidy5 Posts: 6
    edited July 2008
    No but I would love to hear the watt puppies. :)
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited July 2008
    I've heard some Sophias and they were excellent.
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  • del44
    del44 Posts: 686
    edited July 2008
    I also heard the Sophia's. They were using Spectral pre and power amp. Forgot which tt. I really liked the sound. The store also had the Watt puppies (6's I think) and the Maxx's but I didn't get a chance to hear them.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited July 2008
    I've listened to them on a couple of trips to Seoul....while I don't have enough experience with them to make any sort of real comment, the were not my bag.

    Crazy detail and dynamics but not all that musical if that makes sense. Anyhow, that was my impression.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited July 2008
    Didn't Trey's dad have a pair of them?
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2008
    ND13 wrote: »
    Didn't Trey's dad have a pair of them?

    Now that you mention it, I think his father may have some.
    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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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited July 2008
    McLoki wrote: »
    Now that you mention it, I think his father may have some.

    I thought he had the JM lab Utopia's...

    Anyhow, I've heard them & Watt Puppies.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited July 2008
    crap, post got messed up, will re-write later
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited July 2008
    unc2701 wrote: »
    I thought he had the JM lab Utopia's...

    Anyhow, I've heard them & Watt Puppies.


    You may be correct. All I remember is that they were 700 lbs each.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited July 2008
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50859
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited July 2008
    AndyGwis wrote: »
    I had a chance to steal a great setup locally for some WATT Puppys (6s, I think), BAT preamp / source, and some other insane gear. I should've done it, could've flipped if nothing else and made a killing.

    Oh well. Still have never gotten my ears on Wilsons. Maybe I should actually listen next time I go to Audio Concepts :)

    They've got a couple in on trade with your name on them.
    Just write the check: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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  • Music Joe
    Music Joe Posts: 459
    edited July 2008
    Watt Puppy 6 and Sophia's in Sacramento. The Sophia blew a tweeter right outta the gate :mad:
    The Wilson MAXX's & Krell at San Francisco HE Stereophile show in the Wilson suite.
    MAXX about the best I've ever heard.
    "The Web is a monoblog"
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited July 2008
    ND13 wrote: »
    Didn't Trey's dad have a pair of them?

    Does it matter? ;) This is the guy who turned the volume to max using a soundcraftsmen A900-PRO amp to 10 to see if it would blow up SDA-SRS TL speakers. :eek:
    madmax

    Edit: Obviously it did.
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • cbl117
    cbl117 Posts: 285
    edited July 2008
    I've heard the Alexandria X2s, sophias, watt puppy 8, and the maxx's. All hooked into Jadis equipment. If anyone is located in SoCal check out Brooks Berdan Ltd. They are a Wilson dealer and arguably one of the best shops on the west coast.
    2 Channel

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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited July 2008
    Thanks for the info and links guys. It really helped. Now I need to track down a dealer and demo for myself. I'd love to hear the watt puppies.
    For some reason, I'm leaning towards neutral, analytical and dynamic. I find musicality in the dynamic swings and transients.

    Madmax,
    I actually have AG's on my list. If I do go with AG, I could probably only go for the Uno Nano. That's a pretty big one already. I think the other models may be overkill in my room.
    How does your AG horns blend in with the woofers?
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited July 2008
    I wonder what the Wilsons would sound like with your new Audio Zone monoblocks and pre-amp driving them :eek:
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited July 2008
    I've heard watt puppies on a set of big AR tube monoblocks.
    While I was sitting there soaking it in, the wife says" so what's the big deal?"
    I guess that's never going to happen at my house. Oh well, I guess
    I'll buy a new car instead of speakers.: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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  • Wardsweb
    Wardsweb Posts: 935
    edited July 2008
    I auditioned the Wilson Audio Alexandria X-2 at Ne Plus in Austin Texas. They are impressive to look at, but are we buying for eye candy or to listen to music. They are some of the most detailed speakers I have ever heard, but for my ears maybe a little too detailed boarding on analytical.

    At this level, there are many choices. I prefer the Acapella Campaniles and if you have the coin spring for the Acapella Triolon Excalibur. There is just something about horns that I love. Drive them with tubes and I'm in audio nirvana.
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited July 2008
    Ernie,
    That's what I plan to power them with if I decide to get some watt puppies. That's why I'm only gonna be looking at some high eff stuff.

    S2B,
    Thanks for the input.

    Wardsweb,
    I'm not actually planning to get Alexandrias. If I go the Wilson route, I'd most likely get watt puppies.
    My limit is 25k.
    Since you're a horn guy, how would you describe the slam, dynamics, and transients of Wilson speakers compared to my La Scala? I don't want something that's not gonna hit as hard.
    thanks
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited July 2008
    The current version of the watt puppy is 8. That is the only version I have heard.

    There is a pair of version 7's (3 actually) on sale on audiogon now for $12,900. One version back for a $13K savings would be pretty tempting to me. (he also has another matching single one he was using as a center channel for another $5k)

    Anyway - best of luck with your search.

    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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