Doctor's Orders-Part Two-The New Listening Room Of Steve Williams

[microstrip]

I bet if you do a search here of posts by reputable members who own Wilson and they say the reason so many people come away from Wilson rooms at audio shows and say they didn’t like the room . The posters then remark that this is because the upper modules were set up for a taller listener. Or how many times have I read here that the speaker is like a finely tuned laser beam. This forces the issue that there is only one good person who best fits the sweet spot in a well set up Wilson speaker. That should obviously be the owner, which is a good thing. But as thedudeabides says it forces away other listeners if they have to continue to change positions to sit in that sweet spot with the hope that they are themselves in focus

Steve,

I was not addressing specifically Wilson speakers or just WBF posters. It was why I suggested debating it in another thread. There are good reasons, easily explained, why in your particular room your old X2 had a narrow and critical sweet spot. Again, if there is interest of WBF members we can have a separate thread on sweet spot characteristics.

 

[Steve Williams]

Steve,

I was not addressing specifically Wilson speakers or just WBF posters. It was why I suggested debating it in another thread. There are good reasons, easily explained, why in your particular room your old X2 had a narrow and critical sweet spot. Again, if there is interest of WBF members we can have a separate thread on sweet spot characteristics.

at this point Francisco, it's honestly the furthest thing from my mind but I believe you missed the point of my post and are asking a different question If youre interested go ahead and start the thread. I wont be participating

 

[thedudeabides]

Steve,

I was not addressing specifically Wilson speakers or just WBF posters.

Nor was I.

It was why I suggested debating it in another thread.

Agreed. Sweet spot characteristics would be an interesting discussion.

 

[Steve Williams]

Good idea to start your own thread

My ship has sailed on this one.

 

[Audioarts]

I’m glad that there’s interest in the rear construction of the Ultra line speakers, as I believe it’s quite unique in the industry. Folsom is right on the money in describing it as an “aperiodic” design as opposed to a sealed cabinet as this “acoustic resistor” in principle serves to evacuate air from the enclosure, which vastly improves frequency response and impedance peaks. With ZELLATON proprietary drivers, this results in superior bass response while allowing the speaker to take on an electrostatic quality enhancing an atmospheric and completely boxless design many have attested to in these pages.
Where this “aperiodic” design is nuanced is that most of these designs use a port whereas ZELLATON uses a vertical and large open baffle spanning the rear of the speaker, achieving greater air evacuation over a port, hence my description per Steve as a quasi type.
In terms of sound behind the speaker, it’s interesting because as opposed to a conventional port, one does not feel pressurized air being forced out. Rather, ZELLATON speakers just breath in the rear, allowing for closer placement to the back wall (as opposed to a port which needs adequate distance to perform in a more linear fashion).

Gideon
Audioarts

 

[microstrip]

(...) Folsom is right on the money in describing it as an “aperiodic” design as opposed to a sealed cabinet as this “acoustic resistor” in principle serves to evacuate air from the enclosure, which vastly improves frequency response and impedance peaks.(...)

Yes, this principle was used by Dynaudio in their speakers and kits in the 90's - I still have a few damped vents that I never used. Current speakers, using modern technology materials with much better porous acoustic properties materials for the "acoustic resistor" should have much better performance.

Edit - Dynaudio called these devices "variovent"!

 

[jeff1225]

The build and finish on these speakers is superb. The photos just dont justify the mirror finish seen in person.


The bottom footer assembly is pristine.. The craftsmanship and polish of the knobs along with the ease of adjustment of these heavy speakers was quite surprising

Steve,
The system looks fantastic! Speakers, amps, and amp stands create a cohesive visual.

Congrats.

 

[Bruce B]

Wilson speakers such as the XLF or latest versions of the Alexia had a much wider sweet spot than the previous designs such as the Alexandria S2 or Watt/Puppy - three people could easily sit side by side with them with excellent soundstage at 11 feet distance.

I had a beautiful pair of Alexias for 2yr. And, my room is perfectly symmetric!

 

[Hi-FiGuy]

Steve congratulations on your Zelatons, they are stunning! It would appear that it was worth the wait. I have been keeping an eye on this thread waiting for delivery / set up / burn in and your opinions and here we are. I am glad you are having a good time.

I gave up sweet spot listening a few years ago as I no longer enjoy sitting by myself listening to music for multiple reasons. One being I would rather be spending time with my wife or others around me. I replaced my chair with a couch and reduced my tow in on my speakers to make it more enjoyable for others in the room with me. Another reason is when I sit to long alone in my room by mind starts telling me I have stuff to do and get with it my man, so I do lol.

I was smitten the fist time I heard Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here on Tympani's with Velodyne subs back in the 80's and have been chasing it since. I have always liked Gary's speakers and his opinion on sweet spot free listening, the room should be the sweet spot, not the chair. Most of my solo listening these days is noise canceling headphones on my mower (about 4 hours a mow) building a list as I go then coming inside and investigating further for an hour or so at a time, sitting on the listening couch with my wife. Cant do day or even multiple hour sessions any more, unless I do a west coast tour and come see you, Mike and Ron and then well, that would be the purpose.

Someone here said solo listening hinders the advancement of the sport, or something of the sort, I believe it does.

I also believe, as also stated here that this is why sweet spot speakers blow at shows. I grew weary of trying to time getting into the sweet spot at shows and then being rushed out of the sweet spot to make time/room for others.

I love walking into a room with music already playing and just going hell yeah!!! The magic of open baffle and planar etc speakers which you have now either discovered or rediscovered.

I am so happy that you have reinvented your room and find it pleasing to your ears and eyes, it has been exciting to follow along and live vicariously through you, enjoy my friend!

You and Mike are kind of like my time with Ferrari, for years I got to play with the best without the spend and I thank you both!

 

[Steve Williams]

Hi Mike

So good to hear from you. You’re always welcome here.
I’ll be busy today as rep members flew in from Cincinnati and will be be coming by also to audition the speakers.

I was listening yesterday for several hours and I’m still amazed at not only how good they sound but so also the deep bass Everyone was concerned about my amps and Gideon promised it wouldn’t be a problem and he was right. I’ve never gotten deep bass as good in all the years I’ve owned the Lamm gear.

 

[Hi-FiGuy]

Those amps deliver plentiful headroom and dynamics, they are fantastic amplifiers!
Put on Steely Dan Aja, you know its my favorite demo, realize there are eleven musicians laying down tracks, listen to Steve Gadds playing and dynamics especially on the cymbals. It takes a lot of listening to hear everything and everyone but its all there clear as a bell. A masterpiece track.
Then of course the B3 in Brothers In Arms.
Have fun with your guests today!

Aja (song) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Steve Williams]

I remember vividly playing Aja for you . That was a long time ago . NorCal and you also on the West coast. Do you still have your John Deere You know I always wanted to have a yard big enough to mow my lawn with a John Deere. Unfortunately here in California they build subdivisions on lots that size. Be well my friend

 

[Hi-FiGuy]

Born and raised in Yorba Linda Ca, have since lived in Seattle / Scottsdale and now on 1.5 acres in the KY countryside 20 miles outside Louisville for the last 5 years.
I have to settle for a couple Cub Cadets for now LOL. Went to a function last week in Nashville and part of it included a evening meal of BBQ and all the fixens on a working farm and the had a complete stable of Deere product, a great night!

Be good hope to visit some time in the not too distant future.

 

[gds7368]

I can’t thank Steve and his wonderful wife Kathy enough for hosting me and my friend yesterday. Steve’s system and listening room have clearly been assembled with care, intention, and deep passion for the hobby - and he couldn’t have been a more gracious and engaging host.

We explored a wide range of music: powerful bass-driven tracks, then male and female vocals, drums, some classical on R2R, and a few reference favorites on vinyl. The system simply disappears, revealing a soundstage that’s dynamic, detailed, and effortlessly natural. The flow and coherence were striking. I still can’t quite explain how three 9-inch woofers produce bass that physical and immersive - during some electronica (like Yellow), the chair literally vibrated beneath you.

These Zelleton speakers are a serious contender for anyone in the market. Beyond the sound, the warmth and hospitality made the whole experience unforgettable. Thank you again, Steve - I truly appreciated it, and look forward to staying in touch.

Greg

 

[Steve Williams]

Clearly I didn't inherit the family tallness genes

It was really a fun day. Thank you for taking time away from your short vacation. I enjoyed meeting the two of you and sharing ideas

 

[Moviemack]

A Sonic Adventure at Steve’s: My Ears Are Still in Love!


Hey there, music lovers. Every now and then, you stumble across something so special it feels like the universe is giving you a high-five. That’s exactly what happened when my buddy Greg hooked me up with an invite to Steve’s house to hear his jaw-dropping sound system. Spoiler alert: my ears are still swooning, and I’m here to spill all the tea!


Walking into Steve’s place, I had no clue what to expect. I mean, I’m not one of those hardcore audiophiles who can tell you the difference between a 24-bit DAC and a potato (okay, maybe that’s a stretch), but I do know what makes my soul sing. And let me tell you, Steve’s setup? It’s like the Rolls-Royce of audio systems, delivering pure, unfiltered magic straight to your eardrums. From the moment the first note hit, I was hooked—my jaw practically hit the floor, and I’m pretty sure it’s still there.


What made this experience even sweeter? Steve’s got killer taste in music that lines up perfectly with mine. Picture this: crystal-clear vocals, bass that rumbles in your chest like a friendly thunderstorm, and highs so crisp they could cut glass—all pumping out the tunes I already love. It was like my Spotify playlist got a VIP pass to audio heaven. Every track felt like a personal concert, and I was front row, center.


I’ve gotta give a massive thank-you to Steve and his wife Kathy for opening their home to me. Their hospitality was as warm as the soundstage was wide (and trust me, that’s saying something!). It’s not every day you get to geek out over music in someone’s listening room while feeling like you’re at a world-class venue. Steve’s system didn’t just play music—it told a story, painted a picture, and maybe even gave my heart a hug.


So, here’s to epic setups, shared musical vibes, and the kind of day that reminds you why music is the ultimate wingman for life’s adventures. Steve, you’re a legend, and @gds7368, you’re the mastermind who made it happen. My ears—and I—can’t thank you enough!

 

[Steve Williams]

Aaron it was such a delight to meet you but man, me standing next to someone of your height made me feel like I was something that fell out of your ear.

I'm happy that the music I chose was appreciated as I queued up so many of my favorites not knowing what you and Greg would appreciate but once Greg played his sole demo track I knew our tastes were the same.

It was a great day

 

[Hi-FiGuy]

Every time I have been to Steve's place I have been treated far better than I deserve!

 

[audio42]

Aaron it was such a delight to meet you but man, me standing next to someone of your height made me feel like I was something that fell out of your ear.

I'm happy that the music I chose was appreciated as I queued up so many of my favorites not knowing what you and Greg would appreciate but once Greg played his sole demo track I knew our tastes were the same.

It was a great day

I know the feeling Steve, I'm also vertically challenged. But good things come in small packages

Would love to hear your system now that the big Z's are in situ. One day...hopefully sooner rather than later.

Arun

 

[jadedavid]

Aaron it was such a delight to meet you but man, me standing next to someone of your height made me feel like I was something that fell out of your ear.

I'm happy that the music I chose was appreciated as I queued up so many of my favorites not knowing what you and Greg would appreciate but once Greg played his sole demo track I knew our tastes were the same.

It was a great day

Steve
Have you considered posting and sharing your playlist to the “High Fi Audio Partners” section of Qobuz?
I love going there to find new music and to see what others are listening to.