Wilson Audio or Zellaton

[Marcaudio]

I’ve been reading about the Zellaton Plural Evo and happened to come across this forum, which I’m really glad about. I hope you don’t mind me writing to you regarding this topic.

Allow me to introduce myself briefly: I’ve been into hi-fi for about 10–15 years. I live in Europe, in Hungary and I’m 47 years old — hi-fi is my hobby.
Over the years I’ve developed a sense of where the limits are in this world and what kind of results you can achieve for a given amount of money.
About eight years ago, I managed to put together quite a decent system. I started out with Sonus Faber speakers and gradually climbed the ladder — until earlier this year I had a pair of Il Cremonese, which I replaced this summer with a Wilson Audio Sasha V. There was a trade-in opportunity, and I decided to take it. I feel like I’ve really arrived — I love the Wilsons. I’ve had the good fortune to connect them with Schnerzinger cables, and the result is incredible. My only issue is that they require very precise positioning, which I’ve more or less managed to get right.

I’ve been following Zellaton for a long time and have also heard them live in Munich. Yesterday, I noticed a Plural Evo being offered by a dealer with very good price.
That immediately sparked the “what if…” in me.
I’d really like to hear about your experiences and how you see it: would it be worth replacing the Wilsons and joining the Zellaton club?
Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to listen to the PE for a long session, just a few minutes, but I really liked what I heard.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong if I end up not changing — the Wilsons are a major step up for me, and my system isn’t even fully optimized for them yet.
My goal is to eventually have a complete Schnerzinger cable set.

My current system: Rockna server and DAC, Audio Research Ref 6SE preamp, and Audio Research Ref 150SE stereo power amp.

Thank you for your attention. Any advice will be welcome.

here is my system right now:

M.

 

[abeidrov]

I am in a similar situation, looking to replace my Sashas, and I would say: go for it! Wilson Audio is the most controversial brand here, not much love for Wilsons. Zellaton, on the other hand, is very popular and highly praised. You would get a different sound, and this is the main thing, that keeps our hobby alive

 

[andromedaaudio]

I think the Sasha is a good speaker .
Get a in house demo for Zellaton and decide for yourself.

You ve got a nice set up dont fall for peer pressure .
Hifi is not a one size fits all industry

I would go for the kharma exquisite midi second hand in the price range.
Or magico S 3 mk 2

 

[abeidrov]

I would go for the kharma exquisite midi second hand in the price range.
Or magico S 3 mk 2

Magico? Even less love for Magico here

 

[andromedaaudio]

Magico? Even less love for Magico here

Also not much love for FMA here .
You just have to realize / keep in mind most audiophiles/ reviewers have a hearing issue lol

 

[Marcaudio]

Naturally, I’m primarily interested in the Plural EVO, as there’s a very attractive offer for it. Of course, I’ll need to sell my Sasha first.
(I’m not really looking at other brands — unfortunately, YG and Magico are not quite my cup of tea.)
So my questions are really about the Plural EVO specifically. I’m not in a rush — the Sasha is truly an excellent speaker.
Thank you very much for all the comments and suggestions.

 

[Kbh57]

I'm happy to tell you my experience which you may find relevant. I've never owned Wilson, have heard them, and have nothing bad to say. I owned Sonus Faber Il Cremonese having moved up from Amati. Never thought I'd change-was happy with SF. I went to an audio show looking only for an amp, having exhausted local options.

I happened to wander in the Audioarts room-didn't know anything about that dealership- and the Plural Evos were playing with Soulution amplification and a Reed TT. I immediately loved the sound and this was in a very large, untreated room-not the best room, but the sound was fantastic. So I was interested. Went back to that room four times for serious listening and long conversations with the owner. I also made it a point to seriously audition all the speakers at the show close to the PE price range and to my ears-we all hear differently-the Zells beat everything I heard up to the 150k range. So, I bought the pair on demo at the show. Added a Burmester 218 amp and 808 Mk 5 pre.

The Zells are the single best audio purchase I've made. I loved the Il Cremonese, very pleasing sound but a touch soft. Beautiful audio furniture. The Zells beat them in every way sonically. The Zells deliver great speed, energy, and detail without sacrificing musicality-its a very real, natural sound. There is a wonderful gravity to the sound. No need for subs, solid, tight bass. They do very well off axis. I think I'd have to get in the $175-200k range to find significant improvement and if I spent that much I'd go up the Zellaton line.

You have great speakers and once you get to a certain level its hard to make a bad decision. That said, the Zells are the best I can do for that price range and my taste-very happy with my purchase which was totally unplanned.

 

[Marcaudio]

I also had the Il Cremonese speakers — I really loved them; such a smooth, pleasant sound. I didn’t think I’d ever switch either. I moved up from the Amati too, and then I heard the Wilsons at a friend’s place. Although my dream speakers are the Zellatons — if I can make the trade happen (I’ll need a buyer for the Wilsons first), I might go for it. Still, my first goal is to get a full Schnerzinger cable setup, because the Wilsons sound absolutely incredible with them. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

 

[Kbh57]

I have the Schnerzinger loom and you’re right, they are very good

 

[Marcaudio]

I put the Sasha V up for sale, but I wouldn’t say the market in Europe is really buzzing right now...

 

[Lee]

I believe hating Wilson Audio speakers is a bit like hating Porsche. Both are very high performing and expensive. It’s fashionable to hate to established brands like Wilson and Magico but there’s a reason they got there. They make an excellent product.

If you are not getting musical engagement from Sasha Vs then there are likely other reasons for that involving setup, component matching, or something else. I would recommend looking into that before committing to new speakers.

 

[Lee]

This quote may be worth a revisit:

"Audiophiles agonize over equipment choices and ‘upgrades’, study magazines, read reviews in incredible detail and, in many cases get upset by them. Yet few if any audiophiles have ever experienced what their systems are actually capable of. I’ve worked on hundreds of systems, some of the most expensive systems there are, owned by some of the most serious and committed audiophiles out there. In every single case, I’ve been able to transform the performance of the system, the equipment that the client already owns. So much so that it bears no relation to the way it sounded before. They really had no idea what it was capable of. It’s safe to say that most people who own an expensive hi-fi system have never heard what it can or could do. I’m not being arrogant and I apologize if it sounds that way, but the facts speak for themselves. Not only am I still in business, but the vast majority of my clients – around 75 to 80% – are repeat customers! In one sense, that’s kind of inevitable. Once someone who has been chasing the audio rainbow, often for years, finally realizes that they were sitting on a pot of gold all that time but simply didn’t realise it, it completely rekindles their enthusiasm for audio and their passion for music. They start wondering just how much further this thing can go. They start shopping, moving the system towards that consistent ideal we’ve already talked about. But the one thing they’ve learnt is that, change anything in the system and you’d better be re-setting the speakers… As a result, a lot of my clients want me to visit at least a couple of times a year, either because they’re making a change, or simply to keep the system at the top of its game."

Stirling Trayle

 

[Another Johnson]

Maybe this is the sort of thread that Elliot was railing against the other day.

New guy shows up wondering if he should replace a great speaker with a new brand that is doing its best to gain traction. Another guy pops up, tells him WBF doesn’t like his brand and tells him to go for it.

That is enough kindling, and the regulars jump in to make it an immortal thread.

1. Wouldn’t it be smarter to make an audio tourist trip to hear a comparison in a non-show setting? Or arrange for an in-home demo?

2. Does anyone think that a purchase decision should be made based on how much love is shown for the brand on a forum?

3. Does it make any sense to offer speakers that you like very well up for sale before having the planned replacement in hand?

It really makes me wonder if the conspiracy theories have some basis in reality.

Sigh ….

 

[Marcaudio]

You make some fair points.
In my case, I wasn’t trying to stir up anything — just genuinely curious about the potential differences and whether the new brand might be worth exploring. I know the Wilsons are truly outstanding speakers — I’ve had the chance to listen to them here in my full Schnerzinger chain, and they’re clearly in another league already because of that. As soon as I have the opportunity, I’ll definitely listen to the Zellaton in person as well.
Of course, I agree that actually listening, preferably at home or in a proper setup, is the only real way to judge. Forums are great for gathering impressions, but they can’t replace personal experience. As for the conspiracy theories… I’d rather believe people here are just passionate about audio, even if they sometimes express themselves a bit intensely. Thanks for the constructive input — luckily, I still know quite well what needs improving in my system (apart from the speakers).

 

[microstrip]

Maybe this is the sort of thread that Elliot was railing against the other day.

New guy shows up wondering if he should replace a great speaker with a new brand that is doing its best to gain traction. Another guy pops up, tells him WBF doesn’t like his brand and tells him to go for it.

That is enough kindling, and the regulars jump in to make it an immortal thread.

1. Wouldn’t it be smarter to make an audio tourist trip to hear a comparison in a non-show setting? Or arrange for an in-home demo?

2. Does anyone think that a purchase decision should be made based on how much love is shown for the brand on a forum?

3. Does it make any sense to offer speakers that you like very well up for sale before having the planned replacement in hand?

It really makes me wonder if the conspiracy theories have some basis in reality.

Sigh ….

Some audiophiles come to audio forums just to get bias encouragement to change their gear. And most others are always happy to tell others how much they love what they own. It is part of the hobby.

IMO we should be discussing the sound preferences of people before addressing brands.

 

[microstrip]

(...) Thanks for the constructive input — luckily, I still know quite well what needs improving in my system (apart from the speakers).

I congratulate you - I needed many sessions and long listening time before I decided on what speakers to get. Did you listen to other cables in your system? BTW, IMO foam absorption kills Wilson speakers.

 

[Marcaudio]

I congratulate you - I needed many sessions and long listening time before I decided on what speakers to get. Did you listen to other cables in your system? BTW, IMO foam absorption kills Wilson speakers.

Thanks a lot!
Yes, it definitely takes time — and many sessions — to really understand what works best in a system.
I’ve listened to several top cables, including the biggest Transparent models, but only the Schnerzinger cables do something truly unique — they make the whole system come alive. It’s not about adding color or character; it’s more like listening to reality itself. The music just feels alive.
About the foam absorption — I’ve noticed something similar. Wilsons seem to breathe better when the room isn’t over-damped.

 

[abeidrov]

Maybe this is the sort of thread that Elliot was railing against the other day.

New guy shows up wondering if he should replace a great speaker with a new brand that is doing its best to gain traction. Another guy pops up, tells him WBF doesn’t like his brand and tells him to go for it.

That is enough kindling, and the regulars jump in to make it an immortal thread.

1. Wouldn’t it be smarter to make an audio tourist trip to hear a comparison in a non-show setting? Or arrange for an in-home demo?

2. Does anyone think that a purchase decision should be made based on how much love is shown for the brand on a forum?

3. Does it make any sense to offer speakers that you like very well up for sale before having the planned replacement in hand?

It really makes me wonder if the conspiracy theories have some basis in reality.

Sigh ….

Well, you are right: there is a big conspiracy against WA here. Bonzo is in charge Although, he is quite vocal about it, so it’s a strange type of conspiracy.
On a serious note, I now have high efficiency crossoverless speakers side by side with Sashas in my own listening room, and it’s quite clear, where the difference is. At the same time Sashas definitely excel in several important areas and overall is a classier speaker. I will continue my search, not because I dislike WA speakers, but mainly due to a simple reason that I’ve had my Sashas for over 5 years, and now I want something different. Changing gear rekindles my interest in the hobby, and despite the fact that the process of auditioning different components could be very tiresome and sometimes even stressful, it’s still is a lot of fun.

 

[microstrip]

Thanks a lot!
Yes, it definitely takes time — and many sessions — to really understand what works best in a system.
I’ve listened to several top cables, including the biggest Transparent models, but only the Schnerzinger cables do something truly unique — they make the whole system come alive. It’s not about adding color or character; it’s more like listening to reality itself. The music just feels alive.
About the foam absorption — I’ve noticed something similar. Wilsons seem to breathe better when the room isn’t over-damped.

Considering that your ARC system is simple and a known good match for the Wilson's - I have owned the REF150, it sounds great with Wilson - I would look with care to the source. IMO if just one specific brand of cable sounds good in a system it is a warning of danger. My usual problem is that several brands of cables sound very good in my system and I find hard to pick just one. I have no experience at all with Schnerzinger. Again IMO Wislon's are more critical of source than of amplifiers, many sound great with them.

 

[bonzo75]

I now have high efficiency crossoverless speakers side by side with Sashas in my own listening room, and it’s quite clear, where the difference is.

You can't generalise this with the Grandinote speakers. They are not exact high efficiency because you are not running them with 45, 46, 2a3, GM70, etc. You are running them with Jadis and Gryphon.