Wilson X1/Grand Slamm: Still Improving after 20 years!

[dbeau]

LL21 - apologies if this is a repeat as PC changed screens (probably my fault) and my follow up to you is gone.
My viii X1s do not have the combo banana/spade inputs as yours, but only spade option.
With this, would you still double the jumpers with 2 on each Wilson strap as benefited your results?
I am anxious to order the jumpers and trial myself - it's a cheap move with good upside .
Thanks for your gracious sharing of the information/results of your effort in improving these great speakers.
It was disappointing to learn of Dave Wilson's passing and I hope his company remains in the top tier going forward.
Dave

 

[LL21]

LL21,
Yes a question for your advice/opinion:
My viii X1s, do not have the combo spade/banana input jacks as yours but are only spade.
Would you still double the jumpers with two tightened down to the stock Wilson brass jumper bar?
I am anxious to order the jumpers and try.
It was disappointing to learn of Dave Wilson's passing and although I never has personal contact with him, there have been occasions talking with staff who reflected his commitment to his customers.
Again thanks and I am grateful for your trial and work toward the improvement of these great speakers and especially your gracious sharing of knowledge.
Dave Beauchamp

Hi Dave,

I would definitely give it a try. I think you have to be careful that when you tighten you really get everything to 'stay still' and be clamped down properly. However, with care on holding the spades and busbar close to the lugs while you tighten, i think you should be fine. if you can get someone to help...one person holds everything close to the lugs, and one person tighten the lugs...that should work.

I have done it on the Tripoint Troy with my wife holding 5 connections to each lug while i tighten!!!

 

[dbeau]

Thanks LL21,
I guess there goes my thought about keeping it from Marianne - never could get away with anything in our 60 years together anyway
Dave

 

[dbeau]

LL21,
Can/should we consider replacing our tweeter with Wilson's new Convergent Synergy silk-dome tweeter?
Is this something that you have explored already. I am quite interested in this.
BTW, I have ordered jumpers and am waiting impatiently.
Thanks, Dave

 

[LL21]

LL21,
Can/should we consider replacing our tweeter with Wilson's new Convergent Synergy silk-dome tweeter?
Is this something that you have explored already. I am quite interested in this.
BTW, I have ordered jumpers and am waiting impatiently.
Thanks, Dave

I am not sure that is possible...however, if your tweeters blow (like mine did) then I did end up with the latest generation of Focal Titanium Tweeter that was used for the Maxx 3.

 

[andromedaaudio]

I am not sure that is possible...however, if your tweeters blow (like mine did) then I did end up with the latest generation of Focal Titanium Tweeter that was used for the Maxx 3.

No i dont think Wilson will do that, replacing for the latest Maxx 3 tw might be An improvement in your case lloydele , that might work / be possible without a change in filter

 

[dbeau]

Thanks both,
I'll approach Wilson for advise after giving time for their adjustment to losing Dave Wilson.
Will report here of their response.
Again thank you,
Dave

 

[XV-1]

LL21,
Can/should we consider replacing our tweeter with Wilson's new Convergent Synergy silk-dome tweeter?
Is this something that you have explored already. I am quite interested in this.
BTW, I have ordered jumpers and am waiting impatiently.
Thanks, Dave

a better idea would be to try and use the Focal Beryllium tweeter vs a plain ole silk tweeter Wilson use now. I would love to try that on my Wilsons.

 

[Ron Resnick]

a better idea would be to try and use the Focal Beryllium tweeter vs a plain ole silk tweeter Wilson use now. I would love to try that on my Wilsons.

That “plain ole silk tweeter” is why many people who have disliked Wilson Audio speakers for their entire lives suddenly like Alexia, XLF, Alexx.

 

[Steve Williams]

That “plain ole silk tweeter” is why many people who have disliked Wilson Audio speakers for their entire lives suddenly like Alexia, XLF, Alexa.

IIRC the reason the X2Series 2 tweeters could not be upgraded to the silk dome on the XLF was not only a different module size but also a totally different crossover

 

[Ron Resnick]

I know it’s not possible to install the silk dome tweeter; I was just responding to XV-1’s comment seemingly criticizing the silk dome tweeter — which has minted Wilson Audio so many new fans.

 

[DaveyF]

a better idea would be to try and use the Focal Beryllium tweeter vs a plain ole silk tweeter Wilson use now. I would love to try that on my Wilsons.

Not IMHO, unless you wanted to brighten up your day...with plenty of glare, LOL

 

[microstrip]

a better idea would be to try and use the Focal Beryllium tweeter vs a plain ole silk tweeter Wilson use now. I would love to try that on my Wilsons.

The old speakers were tonally balanced to use the metal tweeters - replacing just the tweeter and crossover would damage their coherence. Although Wilson does not publish crossover points, some of their tweeters are crossed bellow 2kHz, meaning the tweeter covers a broad zone of the spectrum.

 

[XV-1]

That “plain ole silk tweeter” is why many people who have disliked Wilson Audio speakers for their entire lives suddenly like Alexia, XLF, Alexx.

And a whole lot of other Wilson owners have gone to Magico and alike with better more detailed, transparent tweeters.

 

[XV-1]

The old speakers were tonally balanced to use the metal tweeters - replacing just the tweeter and crossover would damage their coherence. Although Wilson does not publish crossover points, some of their tweeters are crossed bellow 2kHz, meaning the tweeter covers a broad zone of the spectrum.

I realise that. It is nice to dream thou. I also realise you can't just put in the silk dome tweeter.

 

[Ron Resnick]

And a whole lot of other Wilson owners have gone to Magico and alike with better more detailed, transparent tweeters.

That is a very good point!

And Magico itself has been dialing down the (forgive me for what I know is a pejorative term) analyticalness, with the result that many people who did not care for the first series of speakers now like the S5 Mk. II, the M3, the M6.

(PS: I think the Alexx is a wonderful option for Steve: the soft dome tweeter + a slightly smaller frame + (I am told by ears I trust) excellent driver integration.)

 

[andromedaaudio]

I ve listened to the WP. 8 , 6 month ago .
On ARC power and Jeff Rowland pre in a Nice treated room , nothing wrong with that tw imo.
I believe it was the full titanium Dome, not the aluminium TI oxide version

 

[dbeau]

Hi Dave,

I would definitely give it a try. I think you have to be careful that when you tighten you really get everything to 'stay still' and be clamped down properly. However, with care on holding the spades and busbar close to the lugs while you tighten, i think you should be fine. if you can get someone to help...one person holds everything close to the lugs, and one person tighten the lugs...that should work.

I have done it on the Tripoint Troy with my wife holding 5 connections to each lug while i tighten!!!

LL21,
The jumpers finally arrived yesterday and was able to install solo, but it was difficult keeping all together in the tight space.
First chance to really audition w/b tonight BUT looking for your opinion on the way I ran the jumpers (2 on each speaker w/Wilson copper plate).
The jumpers are labeled directional which is my quandary. Using the Wilson color id, red and black terminals, I oriented them, arrows, from black to red terminal on the jumper block.
Is this OK? How did you do it?
Thanks, Dave

 

[microstrip]

(...) (PS: I think the Alexx is a wonderful option for Steve: the soft dome tweeter + a slightly smaller frame + (I am told by ears I trust) excellent driver integration.)

I do not think so - the Alexx is significantly less sensitive than the X2 and the impedance in not SET friendly - probably the ML3's would make them meow like kittens ...

The Alexx needs amplifiers that can supply a lot of current.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I do not think so - the Alexx is significantly less sensitive than the X2 and the impedance in not SET friendly - probably the ML3's would make them meow like kittens ...

The Alexx needs amplifiers that can supply a lot of current.

Are you talking theoretical or practical? Have you actually heard the Alexx driven by an SET in the 30 watt to 45 watt range?