Wilson Audio Introduces the All-new Alexia (Offical Press Release Information!)

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
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Nice review. It sounds like Wilson may have cornered the Q5
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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I was pretty underwhelmed. It was OK, but there are quite a few ~$30k speakers at the show that impressed me more in limited listening; it didn't help that Nick Doshi had the Maxx 3's sounding pretty idarn good (to serve as a "Wilson reference"), in a standard size room no less. Needless to say I'll be returning to the Wilson room, though.

Bruce B. was listening to the Alexia's at the same time I was, he may have a different opinion.
 

MadFloyd

Member Sponsor
May 30, 2010
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I was pretty underwhelmed. It was OK, but there are quite a few ~$30k speakers at the show that impressed me more in limited listening; it didn't help that Nick Doshi had the Maxx 3's sounding pretty idarn good (to serve as a "Wilson reference"), in a standard size room no less. Needless to say I'll be returning to the Wilson room, though.

Bruce B. was listening to the Alexia's at the same time I was, he may have a different opinion.

So you preferred the Maxx3's? I assume you were listening to the Doshi preamp and amp compared to ... VTL electronics for the Alexia?
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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So you preferred the Maxx3's? I assume you were listening to the Doshi preamp and amp compared to ... VTL electronics for the Alexia?

Yes I did prefer the Maxx 3's driven by Doshi's new 160W monoblocks with his open reel tapes played on his Technics 1500 with his own electronics (the only way I heard them today). I'm hesitant to bash the VTL's since I definitely need to make another visit to the Wilson room, but they are a common factor in another disappointing exhibit from last year's RAMF (the big TAD's).
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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Hi rbbrt

The Alexia is actually $48K. I thought it
was wonderful

I know, that's why I was disappointed since my initial impressions of the Rockport Avior and Estelon Xb were more positive than of the Alexia. Carver's new Line Source (w/sub) and Jeff Joseph's Pearl 3 also sounded really good, but I spent only about 5 min in each of those rooms today. All those are ~$25k - $35k systems.
 

Steve Williams

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Are you takinbg pix Steve ? We are dying over here...:)

I've taken several hundred photos so far and more tomorrow. Probably won't be til early next week that I get them posted
 

flez007

Member Sponsor
Aug 31, 2010
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Agreed with rbbert here, the Alexias sounded very good today, but heard terrific rooms like the Ypsilon and FM Acoustics/Venture as well. Their Room was so crowded that I stayed for a short period of time, so another visit is mandatory.
 

Steve Williams

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
I know, that's why I was disappointed since my initial impressions of the Rockport Avior and Estelon Xb were more positive than of the Alexia. Carver's new Line Source (w/sub) and Jeff Joseph's Pearl 3 also sounded really good, but I spent only about 5 min in each of those rooms today. All those are ~$25k - $35k systems.

I thought Carver's new line source was a dud. Spent a few minutes there and walked out

So far my favorites have been
FM Acoustics with Venture speakers
Wilson Alexia with VTL Siegfried ll
Evolution Acoustics with Jonathan's MicrominiOne which BTW he shoed with an inexpensive Chinese amp and the sound was stellar.
Nick Doshi's room with Maxx lll's

There were several speakers there in the $2500 range and the one other than Jonathan's Microminione which caught my attention was the new Sonus Faber full range speaker for $2500.
 

rbbert

Well-Known Member
Dec 12, 2010
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I was quite impressed with Danny Ritchie's new $20k dipoles under the brand name Serenity Acoustics right next door to Wilson; I think they were being driven by a 34 W/ch tube amp!

Once again I was most disappointed by the Cessaro room; absolutely terrible integration of midrange (horns) and dynamic bass. They must be able to make it sound better than that!

The Ventures did sound better this year with FM Acoustics than last year with BMC amplification, didn't they?
 

DaveyF

Well-Known Member
Jul 31, 2010
6,129
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La Jolla, Calif USA
I am noticing what appears to be a foam surround around the tweeter area and maybe the other drivers too. On the Hales speakers that I used to own, the grilles had foam on them, which in about two to three years turned into a nasty dust. Presumably this foam is somehow treated for longevity..
Otherwise, I pity the poor owner.
 

jap

Banned
Apr 6, 2012
542
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0
I am noticing what appears to be a foam surround around the tweeter area and maybe the other drivers too. On the Hales speakers that I used to own, the grilles had foam on them, which in about two to three years turned into a nasty dust. Presumably this foam is somehow treated for longevity..
Otherwise, I pity the poor owner.

You may need to have your eyes checked.

The Wilson drivers are surrounded by a wool felt.

PS- additional pictures from RMAF are on the WA Facebook page. Including one of Dr.Williams.
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
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www.pugetsoundstudios.com
I too was really impressed with Nick's room. The Alexia's were really good, but I didn't think it sounded as good as the Doshi room.
 

andromedaaudio

VIP/Donor
Jan 23, 2011
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Now yes but if i recall correctly , the maxx 2 used a synthetic foam around the drivers , but as always you got foam and foam , wilson uses quality stuff.
You may need to have your eyes checked.

The Wilson drivers are surrounded by a wool felt.

PS- additional pictures from RMAF are on the WA Facebook page. Including one of Dr.Williams.
 

Steve Williams

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
You may need to have your eyes checked.

The Wilson drivers are surrounded by a wool felt.

PS- additional pictures from RMAF are on the WA Facebook page. Including one of Dr.Williams.

indeed a photo of me and my wife with Deb and the Alexia and I also noticed my system was being featured on their FB home page
 

rbbert

Well-Known Member
Dec 12, 2010
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I too was really impressed with Nick's room. The Alexia's were really good, but I didn't think it sounded as good as the Doshi room.

My "problem" with the Alexias is that to me they sounded closer to the Sasha W/P than to the Maxx 3; generally speaking the jump from $28k to $48k should seem subjectively larger than the jump from $48k to $69k. And as I said, some speakers down near the Sasha's price seem very close overall to the Alexias. Oh well, lots more listening today :)
 

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