A close encounter with the $329,000 Wilson Chronosonic XVX speakers

The Audiophiliac spent some quality time with the Wilson 'XVX, and he wants to tell you all about it.
More info here, www.wilsonaudi...
Specs
Woofers: One-10.5 inch, (26.67 cm) Hard Paper Pulp One-12.5 inch, (31.75 cm) Hard Paper Pulp
Midranges: Two-7 inch (17.78 cm) Paper Pulp Composite
And One-4 inch (10.16 cm) Paper Pulp Composite
Tweeters: One-1 inch (2.54 cm) Doped Silk Fabric (Mk5 version) One-1 inch (2.54 cm) Doped Silk Fabric (Mk5 version)
Sensitivity: 92 dB @ 1W @ 1m @ 1kHz
Impedance: 4Ωs / minimum 1.6Ωs @ 326 Hz 100 watts/channel
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 30 kHz +/- 2 dB
Height-73 5/8 inches (187 cm) w/o spikes Width-16 1/2 inches (42 cm)
Depth-33 inches (84 cm)
Weight: 685 lbs (310.71 kg)
Shipping Weight: 1,695 lbs (768.84 kg) (Approx.)
Apologies, I said David Wilson passed away in 2019, it was 2018.
Innovative Audio, innovativeaudio...
My interview with Dan D'Agostino, • Dan D’Agostino doesn’t...
#highendaudio #audiophile #wilsonaudio

[@brianjacobs967]

I sat down with Peter McGrath of Wilson Audio and he gave a private demo of the XVX, there is some tech in the XVX that was not available in Master Chronosonic, some new materials in the 7" drivers that out perform the previous model that is 3x the price. These speakers are truly amazing, the one thing McGrath pointed out, and was quite proud of, that I agree with, is these speakers have no real sonic signature. We played piano, jazz, electronic, and vocal, there is no signature sound, just truth. I know I can not say this about my LaScalas, I know you can not say about the $30,000 sonus fabers, and I love both of the speakers, these are just so special.

[@joybrucebruce3377]

I've read no sonic signature in reviews for biggest and best before for 40+ years in audio magazine. They all eventually are heard and usually the newest biggest monster goes extinct real soon. Early Wilsons were not biggest monster speaker. They were studio. Let me know who is using those. How much of the cost goes to pay for some of those new stupid ads for these newest Wilsons? You know. Did the shoe mfg.pay for part of the ad?

[@stephensmith3111]

@@joybrucebruce3377 The state of the art has always been a sliding scale. Unless you have a TARDIS* to jump forward (assuming there will be a forward with clever engineers still interested in designing and manufacturing music reproduction gear), this is about as good as it gets (I know, Magico M6s, MBL 101 X-tremes, et al.). And if that's what they charge for them and other people think it's worth spending the money for, really, what's it to you? I can't even come close to affording the little Wilson Tune Tots, but that doesn't stop me from being glad that such things as the Chronosonic XVXs exist. *Of course, if you have a TARDIS with perception filters and psychic paper, you can pop over to any musical event you chose, e.g. Beethoven conducting at Theater am Karntnertor or the Beatles in EMI Recording Studios Room Two (renamed Abbey Road Studios in 1970).

[@joybrucebruce3377]

It is NOT AS GOOD AS IT GETS. Music is like ART and tjhere are many interpretations. Music reproduction is only a facsimile of that art. That's like saying *this* or *that* forger is the best artist. I mean, you mean the guy who reproduces Leonardo's work or the one that reproduces Botero's work or the one that reproduces famous artist of Denmark Jim Harrison's work. Every speaker is a forgery artist. Every speaker forges that art differently. To each his or her own. If you ain't heard it, you don't know. That's why we need people like Steve. And that amount of change as in $$$ and industry influence, he ain't gonna mess up that sale. We just have to read between the lines. I understand his position. But not at his house. Maybe Daryl will give him a pair. Steve told ME what I needed to know.

[@joybrucebruce3377]

By the way. I knew artist Jim Harrison. He painted "Disspearing America". Sadly he just passed away not too long ago. But the scene has changed and no one has taken a new crown as the top "Dissappearing America" artist. A new piece of art symbolizing disappearing America has not been named. But I vote a group of old audiophiles get together for a group painting by a famous artist or maybe a photo Google could sponsor a "best disappearing America video" artist award so a new artist could take the crown. I'm not opposed to it being a photographer or videographer as long as it is art. Maybe they could award the top prize to an audiophile video. We are disappearing America and Wilson speakers symbolize why. [Some folks in the industry GONNA HATE ON ME for this idea]. Go ahead. I do it all in the name of pushing the American art form ahead. And all you folks fretting on disappearing America being new, don't worry. It always is.

[@brianjacobs967]

Joy&BRUCE bruce when asked about live performances Peter McGrath of Wilson said and I’m paraphrasing “live is live, our job is to recreate what the engineer that mixed it wanted you to hear based off of where he placed the slides on board” But is sounded much more intelligent when he said it. Lol

[@bluesfish55m51]

Steve, this was one of the most interesting videos you’ve done in a while. You focused and spoke more about the recordings and the visceral feelings of the music and less about the equipment. This to me is what this whole journey is all about. Not how much we spend or how great this piece of gear or that piece of gear sounds. It’s all about the music and you let that shine

[@Simon-dn9kv]

I keep discovering so many great albums thanks to you Steve. Keep it up!

[@freekwo7772]

It is never boring on this channel. Great video as always. It is like car magazine. Most of the tests are for general population but here and there is presentation of supersport car that drives the imagination. That is the beauty of life...

[@horrortackleharry]

I'd be afraid those things would come alive and kill my family.

[@jmchez]

Look up images of the Kirk Douglas movie, "Saturn 3". The speakers are eerily similar to the 7 foot tall killer robot in that movie.

[@andrewdorow9895]

Art Form. Engineering Marvel. Precision. I respect those who create beauty...and reproduce beautiful music. WOW.

[@danwheetman6914]

The studio I work at has these for their monitors. Standing between them is like being on the stage with the band or in the lap of the acoustic guitar player. Unreal...

[@GlaciaDay]

I couldn’t even dream of having a pair of these. I have only heard Sasha in a local audio shop in Tokyo. And that was just amazing.

[@arande3]

These are my favorite speakers to play 96kbit mp3 music through with my car stereo head unit that I'm running off a 9v battery.

[@phpn99]

It's time Wilson did active high-end speakers. The residual limitation with these, are the external amps and the crossovers. Make the units self-contained with both digital and analogue inputs, with the ability to bypass internal digital circuitry.

[@scottwallace1]

If we could get Linn to lend their ‘Exakt’ technology to Wilson speakers, we’d really be on to something. I’ve heard this done with B&W 802D’s and they’ve never sounded so good.

[@CobraChamp]

I totally agree. I asked Daryl this question and his answer was so pitiful that passive components sound better than active.... hahaha

[@Funintherain13]

Wilson want to sell lots of cables and active wouldn’t allow them to do that. That is why

[@rickp6303]

The all new Stratton Acoustics Elypsis 1512 Loudspeakers could be the Holy Grail very few have heard yet ! 😇😍🤫

[@xanderguldie]

It looks like Megatron assimilated RadioShack

[@leetronix]

LoL or prime and megatron had a baby heheh

[@mikematthews8573]

This poop 💩 is so loud,, I can't hear it!🤣

[@carlosbauza1139]

Thankyou for sharing this significantly hearffelt moment.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

I always try to visit Innovative Audio when in the city. A fun review for sure. But the best part was discovering great albums by Phil Woods and Casey Abrams. They are already in my streaming digital library. Thanks so much Steve!

[@Paranimal86]

Almost my favorite part of these videos Steve does is the albums he mentions... I almost always run and try it out on my system and impressed almost every time.

[@emmanuelferguson]

I was just dreaming of owning a pair yesterday, what a coincidence. One day I do plan to visit them and listen to a pair, just one time at least

[@marccusumano1138]

Emmanuel Ferguson id rather visit ps audio and hear the IRS-V

[@grandmasteraj855]

After selling my home and my car and my wife’s car I still wouldn’t be able to afford one speaker. I probably wouldn’t even be able to afford the cables.

[@samsara107]

Try and get a pair of used ones.

[@grandmasteraj855]

samsara107 future me will be living in a tent on the side of the interstate with my used Wilson’s.

[@stephensmith3111]

@@grandmasteraj855 And a really long extension cord.

[@joybrucebruce3377]

Maybe Nelson Pass will lend you a set of his Radio Shack cables and you can pay the difference on the loan. Seriously though thats what Nelson uses when designing his amps. He was buddies with Siegfried Linkwitz whose passion for magic cables was similar to Nelsons. Just saying.

[@ajmarker1324]

And then there's the cost of the proper system to drive these monsters... Ouch. Forget it!

[@neuromantoo]

For $329,000 I'd pay musicians to come to my house and play music once a week.

[@leemartin2978]

neuromantoo the amplification and cabling will be the same again I suppose

[@neuromantoo]

@@leemartin2978 No amplification needed in my family room. You could play a toy triangle in it and hear it everywhere. Besides if I were having live music, it would be jazz, classical and acoustic rock and blues.

[@portwill]

They are not as phase aligned as these speakers

[@rb032682]

@@portwill - Yes. Musicians are often mis-aligned in many ways. And, they will spill beer on any carpeted surface.

[@portwill]

RB they even complain that it's pitch dark in the room and you wear pijamas

[@jlmain5777]

Hold on Steve, I was just sitting here at my IKEA desk clipping coupons for 25 cents off eggs. So for your 329K you get......a 1” soft dome tweeter. That’s beautiful.

[@richdelgado3405]

Two! I think there's also a rear-firing tweeter.

[@gregNFL]

Beautiful descriptions of these recordings. 👍🏼

[@philipvale1674]

Hi, this guy likes the sound of his voice it's a pity we didn't hear anything about the sound quality of the loudspeaker cabinets

[@1wired4sound]

I heard them powered by Audio Research equipment at Sunny AV in West Covina California. It was quite an experience

[@benpara6478]

Terrific stuff. Never boring.

[@anukrw]

I have never heard someone trying so hard to try to give a good review! Watch Steve’s other videos.. when he loves something.. it’s come though so much more naturally.. 😊

[@Uncompletedrecall]

I agree. He always came back to how much detail they revealed from the recording but never seemed to get really excited about how they generally sound.

[@polymusegal]

🎶I like dreamin’ cause dreamin’ can make you mine🎶

[@m.9243]

While trying to find the right words in you description you came close to be a poet! Poetic description indeed!

[@stanlee3619]

My local audio store just invited me to an event showcasing these speakers next week, with Wilson staff on hand. Looking forward to seeing how my impressions compare to yours.

[@martytoo]

Where? I know, in not invited, I'm unwanted, but where the heck are people buying these?

[@stanlee3619]

@@martytoo Music Lovers Audio, Berkeley

[@wamgoc3637]

Wilson Audio speaker do too have a sonic signature. It is subtler than most and I must admit they are quite good but they just are sort of oddly alien in a very subtle way. It is called the Uncanny Valley. You should read up on it. I mean they are quite nice but at the end of the day, the there that is there is just not quite there. With much more modest speakers, they have flaws but you know what those flaws are and you can adjust for these, these are just like living in Logan's Run or Dredd (the Karl Urban one).

[@weeooh1]

For a $100k less, how does it sound vs Focal Grand Utopia EM EVO (@ Upscale Audio). Such would be the questions people with those sort of budgets would ask :D.

[@mr.george7687]

Heard the Wilson Watt/Puppy at a audio show many years ago. Have never heard anything better since. Will buy these speakers as soon as I hit the lotto!

[@AdrianIII]

It sounds like being there: The Ohm Walsh 2000!

[@tomhohum4275]

Well, at least I can afford the Phil Woods CD, which I bought long ago :-D

[@billwillard9410]

Tom Hohum See, you’re on your way there already.

[@raymondkarl]

Steve said the music he wanted to play wasn’t available for streaming. However, that Phil Woods album “Here’s to My Lady” is definitely available on Apple Music. I can hear the audiophiles gasping now but hey - I like it and I bet it’d sound great on $328k speakers.

[@geepee280]

Steve, I checked out those Chesky recordings of Phil Woods and Casey Abrams, excellent recordings, that’s the way things should be done, thanks for the tip.

[@Aswaguespack]

Like most audiophiles I will never be able to afford such expensive high end speakers like these but what I am able to do is listen to Steve’s Narrative of his experiences and his sonic encounters of the third kind with high end audio and his marvelous descriptions of his encounters are so very captivating that I almost get a feeling of having shared in the experience. While speakers like these are far beyond my means, if I lived close by, I would visit often to experience their richness as often as I could with my favorite recordings, get my fix, before retreating back into the reality of my humble vintage system. Thanks Steve you give such a masterful narrative of your experience that I felt as though I shared in the moment. Best Audiophile Reviewer on the 3rd Rock from the Sun. 😂😂

[@fubarnow8907]

There is No Way I'd spend that kind of money for any speakers. There are some pretty good speakers out here for way less. Some pretty decent speakers with the right up stream equipment can make the magic happen for a lot less than half a million dollars.

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Awesome review. I’ll never forget hearing Psycho Killer on the radio in 77 when I was 15. There was nothing like it. It changed music. Soon after came Just what I Needed by the Cars. Elvis Costello was cool too.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

The AKG C24 mic you mentioned operates with a MS polarity pattern, meaning the two capsules are head to head 90 degrees offset. It is also a tube condenser. This technique gives the listener the 'holographic' 3 dimensional image you refer to. This technique is rarely used as it is only effective on single sources or small ensembles and has the disadvantage of being out of phase when panned or mixed with multiple sources. It also can sell for $20,000.

[@sanpedropro]

The Wilson speakers are almost identical in design to my 1985 Nestorovic System 16s. Wilson added adjustability and separate cabinets for the mid-range and tweeters. Mila Nestorovic was building time aligned speakers well before Wilson.

[@kerrydrinkwater3823]

I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Wilson’s then flagship, Grand Slamm X1’s when they were introduced in the late 90’s (rich audiophile brother-in-law). I helped set them up in the dedicated 20 x 40 music room with Mark Levinson amps and all the other high end stuff. They were incredible 20 years ago so I can only imagine what these sound like. I will say that these speakers were more about tinkering for him than listening to music. Spent a lot of time moving those 500lb boxes 1/4” here and there. I fear that is what this level of audio is more about, which is fine if you have the scratch. Some people buy yachts, or sports cars they don’t use, so to each his own. I will say, that as perfect as the Grand Slamms were, they weren’t my favorite speaker to actually listen to.

[@davidrivera2165]

Thank you Steve for stoking the fire of those of us who are Wilson Audio fans, just three weeks ago I had the opportunity to demo the new Sasha Daw, some 30 years after my first encounter with the Watt puppy. Are Wilson Audio speakers overpriced and not exactly beautiful? Perhaps, but then you sit down and you do not want it do end. I thought the Alexx were awesome, now comes Chrosonic XVX, Wow!.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

I had 2 pairs of them. In my dreams. In my sweetest dream.

[@ggc7318]

Yes...is I also had two beautiful girlfriends listening with me..also in my dream.

[@shadouxg7150]

5.1 system?

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@shadouxg7150 no, atmos.

[@anthonyb6616]

Slightly disappointed, I was excited to get a chance to see a very high end expensive speaker system and back end components. It would have been nice to see much more close up camera shots and short rendition of the system in action. Don’t get me wrong I’d like to hear the interesting by stories and music picks but that took up too much time and we were not able to get a good sense of the system and what it might be like to experience it in person.

[@derekr5327]

My thoughts exactly. Whats that tall thing in the middle? Is it part of the system? A description of the components and the design principles would have been nice. Instead I get a lot of his face.

[@Wordsalad69420]

@@derekr5327 Yeah, this guy is quite terrible at making videos if you watch his other stuff. No idea why he's so popular.

[@dirtbike9003]

Holy caw! Nice job Steve!

[@edwardheins2930]

Impressive I can but only imagine how that must sound

[@BogdanWeiss]

I don't need to imagine - I've heard them & there are speakers that outperform the @ a fraction of the $$$ look @ Tekton speakers Wilsons are a joke

[@vicmaese]

The enclosure design is where they getcha! Those are all (maybe except the tweeter, but it could be too) Scanspeak drivers.

[@MrMegatron85]

Sales guy at definitive audio demoed these for me. Probably the best speakers I'll ever hear in my life haha

[@bigmike5785]

I assure you people still love the talking heads.

[@theoracleprodigy]

That's a ton of scan speak drivers for each speaker. I can't imagine what they must sound like. I've never had the opportunity to sit down and listen to Wilson's. Lucky enough though to have a bookshelf set of scans. Love them so much and always disappointed to hear other speakers.

[@maxbouvatte]

I just got mine in the mail they sound pretty good

[@markmckelvey9806]

Lol

[@zeram01]

Whew, I thought that was the price per speaker. Now I just have to dig up and sell my Pez candy dispenser collection to afford it....well, at least for the first tweeter that you mentioned!

[@mesonto]

I am so surprised by all the negative comments that I read below. Just because they're expensive doesn't mean they're snake oil, just because they use soft dome tweeters doesn't mean that the high range is poor, and just because you might be poor doesn't mean that the speakers aren't fantastic and won't be bought. Wilson's have a particular sound compared to Focals or other speakers... Personally I love their sound, even though I also love Focal's sound! Ironically someone may not even like the sonic's of these speakers. Sure there has to be a law of diminishing returns here but nonetheless I bet these do sound wonderful. And with all those adjustments that can be made, your listening experience will be amazingly optimized. Lastly I would say, I would actually like to listen to these in real life. I'm sure they will put a smile on my face, even if I have no chance of ever owning them.

[@davep2945]

Fat Rat basically said all that needs to be said when he said this is KZbin. No matter how humble, kind and benevolent the content creator might be and no matter how innocuous and inconsequential their video, there are those out there who simply have it in their soul to denigrate, belittle and just generally be a-holes. There's no correcting them and no amount of fact or reason will convince them of the error of their ways. Because they aren't here to learn or contribute. They are here to try and tear down those who don't have a putrid hole festering in their feeble heart that they themselves do. I do wish more content creators would moderate their comments section more closely and do like PS Audio does, remove the trolls. PS Audio allows criticism and debate but they do not tolerate personal attacks or blatantly derogatory and inflammatory comments. Sure, I've seen a few get through but it is much more civil there than many other forums.

[@AdrianIII]

Seems like speakers of this caliber deserve to play some classical music.... full orchestra, string quartets, solo piano, etc. It is much easier for pop and jazz recordings to sound good on many speakers. A good recording of a full orchestra is the best test for an "ultimate" speaker. Even though it's not your bag, Steve, I wish you'd start including some classical music recordings in your listening sessions. After all, Beethoven will be 250 this December!

[@markt4385]

I found it very refreshing the move to another location to do this review and most of all you're review of one of the most awesome speaker systems on the planet... And while we're on the subject of ultra-high-end systems; how about a greatly anticipated review of the MBL flagship?!

[@mrfrosty3]

A bit out of my price range but I'm glad there are folks who can fund innovation like this. If you have cats they'll be crawling all over those.

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

When I become a multi-millionaire, I will really appreciate this video 😊

[@jenogilvie-grant2636]

Armed forces! Elvis Costello! Brilliant album 👌

[@brianmoore581]

No doubt those are great speakers. I'm happy for you that you got the chance to listen to them. I'm sure you realize that nobody in your audience is going to actually buy them, so, with that in mind, play a sample of music for us! I fully understand that what we hear will be our own speakers and your video recorder, but just for entertainment purposes show us some action! Show some cones moving! Show some nice angles on them thangs! You wouldn't be doing anyone a disservice. None of us are that rich. These speakers aren't on the shopping list. This is purely entertainment. Make it entertaining!

[@simelane]

Brian Moore you’re right, this was a disappointing first look. Practically zero camera work...

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

Seems a better deal to buy a top tier headphone set, cans+amp+preamp+source vs the impractical size and position requirements to achieve a listener sweetspot, plus the complexity of the speaker and driver designs to achieve "time alignment"

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Gorgeous speakers!

[@roberte.andrews4621]

My paternal grandmother was a Wilson. Maybe we're distantly related. So I'd better be respectful and diplomatic. However, best audio design minimizes connections, as every juncture can create a small distortion. The fewer transducers and cross-overs the better, theory dictates. After 50, audiologists tell us, the male listener cannot hear much over 14-15kHz. So, chances are, the Senior Wilson and late CEO never, ever heard the full spectrum of his magnificent speaker arrays. Certainly, not the way younger ears can. I, for instance, have recently been tested by the audiologists at the VAMC and I cannot hear a note above 5kHz. Fortunately, no musical instrument goes that high, except for harmonics or overtones. This is why great orchestra conductors can practice their art at quite an advanced age. It is a crowning irony that when we are young and have wonderfully sensitive hearing, we seldom have the income to afford the very best in audio accuracy, like the Wilson XVX. As usual, Steve, your presentations are works of art and obviously a labor of love!

[@CobraChamp]

Thanks Steve. I would have appreciated a cost comparison approach in this analysis. None of us are surprised these are good, but compared to what at lower prices? Real people, make this analysis before buying. Also a tip, I bought one of the CD’s you mentioned. I would suggest putting an Amazon link in there so we can buy them through you and I believe you can get a little spiff for recommending it/them...

[@torchbox]

If you get a chance go out to LMC Home Entertainment in Scottsdale, AZ. They have on their showcase room the Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic thats $685,000 with pair of subsonics. The kind folks there were able to play few songs for me and - wow- that my friends for me was the most ultimate system I’ve ever heard. Luckily, it made me appreciate my system even more knowing I didn’t spend anywhere near that to get 80% of the way :-)

[@imhighonlife9075]

I have a pair of these in my garage gym. Pushing them with a Sony dh 190. Source unit is a vizio DVD player. Great review.

[@rickmorty7284]

😂😂😂

[@kozmiczian795]

So, with Wilson Audio, the emphasis is primarily in the shape and positioning of the drivers, and resonance damping . . . and not so much on the drivers construction, themselves . . . does Wilson make their drivers?

[@CockatooDude]

They do yes.

[@bigal5190]

I done got a pair of these for Christmas.

[@mitchsleigh9633]

Even though it really irritates me when people record speakers, I kind of wish you did it with these 😂

[@daleboylen6427]

I feel I need to point it out when a reviewer calls a non time coherent speaker time coherent. Unless Wilson has radically changed their design's, they use a 2nd order crossover and wire the mid range unit in reverse polarity, making it impossible to be time coherent. Woofer and tweeter are moving OUT while the mid range is sucking IN. For time coherence you need to use a 1st order crossover. Wilson speakers are not time coherent, sorry. Any Stereophile impulse response test on any Wilson speaker shows this clearly. Tweeter leads the mid, woofer lags behind both. NOT time coherent. 2nd order crossovers have 180 degrees of phase shift (time delay). The problem caused by higher-order crossover circuits is that this phase difference is ALWAYS CHANGING as one moves away from the crossover point- a DIFFERENT time delay is being imposed on each and every frequency. This ever-changing phase difference (ever-changing time delay) CANNOT be corrected with any additional circuit. The math also shows, without question, that this ever-changing phase difference/time-delay distortion cannot be "fixed" by inverting the tweeter's polarity. Flipping a tweeter's wires from + to - serves only to flatten the frequency response, when one measures using continuous sine-wave test tones or continuous pink noise. The output of a crossover network is a vector sum with real and imaginary components in polar coordinates. What you have in a 1st order at the crossover freq is one vector at .707, +45, and the other at .707, -45, which adds to unity in vector space with a combined phase shift of zero. But because the vectors rotate together with frequency, they are always 90 degrees apart, and they always add to unity voltage and zero phase in vector space, no matter what the frequency. In a first-order, both drivers are at zero phase in their PASS bands, and at 90 degrees in their STOP bands. (Close, anyway. The only places either of them truly reach 0 or 90 is at DC and at infinity, both of which are well outside the audio band.) However, when either driver is at 90, the output amplitude is ZERO, by definition, so it contributes nothing to the sound. Its major contribution comes within its PASS band, where its phase is close to zero. Now, in between DC and infinity, both drivers make a contribution depending on the frequency relative to the crossover frequency. In a first-order, they are ALWAYS 90 degrees out of phase, regardless of the frequency, and they ALWAYS sum to unity and zero phase. If this isn't clear, you need to look into the math (including complex variables and vector addition). At the crossover point, for example, one driver is at .707, +45, and the other is at .707, -45, as I stated previously. Due to the fact that this is vector addition, they sum to unity at zero phase. And they do this not only at the crossover frequency, but at every single point from DC to infinity. The first-order is the only crossover that does this. Wilson doesn't like using 1st order crossovers, stated David Wilson.

[@PUMPADOUR]

I was just about to buy thous speakers, I am glad I read your opinion, and now I decided not to buy this shit! They are so horrible!!!

[@daleboylen6427]

@@PUMPADOUR I didn't say they were horrible. Never said they were shit. Those are your words. I said they were NOT time coherent, because anyone that can READ an impulse step response graph should clearly know this. Guttenberg has been doing this long enough to know this. Or should. Here is that test on the Wilson Alexandria: www.stereophile.com/content/wilson-audio-specialties-alexandria-xlf-loudspeaker-measurements From the reviewer "In the time domain, the Alexandria XLF's step response at the listening position (fig.8) indicates that the tweeter and woofers are connected in positive acoustic polarity, the midrange units in inverted polarity". The 2nd order crossover Wilson uses has 1/2 cycle or 180 degrees of phase shift at the crossover points, but changes at each and every frequency as you move away from the crossover points.The math shows, without question, that this ever-changing phase difference/time-delay distortion cannot be "fixed" by inverting the tweeter's polarity. About the step response: Music is not a square wave, but I will make the argument that the square wave (or step function) is the best test signal yet devised for predicting musical fidelity in a loudspeaker. The square wave, after all, is simply the mathematical summation of an infinite number of phase-matched sine waves in a specific frequency progression. As such, any transducer that passes a clean square wave is eminently qualified to perform well on any musical signal it will ever encounter. Wilson does some things quite well: the cabinets are inert, no major resonances, for example, but one might think that at $200K a pair, they could at very least NOT completely DESTROY the original waveform. I was pointing out Steve's insistence that Wilson's were time aligned, or time coherent. They are not. Prove me wrong.

[@mensrea1251]

@@daleboylen6427 I think he was being sarcastic?

[@stephenhylander9395]

HI Steve! I’m new of all of this, but it seems to me that Audiophiles are really looking for what’s “Not There”, ie, the Unintangibles, or the “Umami” if you will..of sound and audio. A Quest for noticeable silence, a breathing room, a bass drum pedal squeak, never before noticed. I LOVE it all!! Steve, Thanks for turning me on to this Channel. I really DIG IT!!!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Stephen Hylander thanks for being a part of it!

[@stephenhylander9395]

Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac ... Steve, When you mention the Mr. Katz’ Jazz recording that was done on an AKG Stereo mic, and it is a point of reference recording (paraphrasing) It made me think of the Vintage Big Band recordings from he late 30’s-40’s. I was listening to Arie Shaw’s “Come Love” just yesterday. I happened to see the clip of the Sopranos episode where it was featured, and brilliantly so. I went back to the inter webs to see if I could find a decent facsimile. Re Listening to that recording, touches upon everything that you were explaining in this review, and, goes to throw an even BIGGER wet blanket over the apologists who now treat auto tune as an instrument. These musicians were true artists, using their instruments with unbelievable dynamics....all while being recorded by usually only 1 center room mic! If you have a chance, go and give it a listen. You can hear 1939, you can feel the space of the recording room, you can sense the urgency of the entire band, wanting to nail it on the first take! And then the Vocals!!! I mean, Come on!!! It may sound like a huge leap, but these recordings (big Band, Big Room) very much remind me of the first 2 Led Zeppelin Albums, where Page uses the entire room and atmosphere, and especially space, as another instrument. Sorry for the novel! Check out that track if you have a sec. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXSbe4ivmKyYmpY

[@Ian-nc4im]

This reminds me of that scene in Star Wars where Luke Skywalker was doing all those pushups and Darth Vader wanted his DOR. I’ll never forget Luke looking up at Darth and bleating out that he had no where to go... I feel like after watching half of this and the absurdity of these speakers and the price... and when Luke Skywalker had Darth Vader on the stand about the code red.

[@AlexKnightVancouver]

Am I the only one that thinks these things look hideous? I would not want these in my living room. A speaker should sound great as much as it looks beautiful.

[@gurdyman1]

I agree. They are very ugly.

[@fullalbums5675]

If anyone's interested, the drivers on these cost no more than $6k, I can see Scan Speak Illuminator midrange (around $350), Scan Speak Revelator midrange x2 (less than $200 per driver) etc. They are the best drivers available though so they should great, but the price tag on them is little insane

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Yeah, I would love to hear music I love played thru such speakers once in my life. Wouldn't it be cool if you could spend an hour there playing your fave music for a price? Nice to see The Name of This Band is Talking Heads get some love. A true gem of the Central Park Concert I attended. Very polyphonic double lp/cd and just look at that line-up! Oh, ohh, What A Day That Was!

[@jaysaudiolab]

Interesting Steve. I just brought the Sasha DAW into my room which I'll be reviewing soon. I have my preliminary opinion but I can't say anything with certainty yet.

[@brianjacobs967]

lovely speaker.

[@allanw.4500]

Thanks for the Casey Abrams tip.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

I don't care what they sound like, there's NO WAY there's more than $10k worth of materials here. Charge a multiple of cost and maybe we'll talk. You are overcharging by an order of magnitude

[@oeneroorda2699]

Very nice Steve. I am pretty sure that a Mahler symphony on these speakers doesn’t even come close to the sound you hear in a concert hall. I am speculating of course, but I am pretty sure. High-end hifi is an unfulfilled dream.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

Jesus, those things look like they're gonna transform into an Autobot any second.

[@danielesbordone1871]

If I win 50 million bucks in a lottery , I still wouldn't buy these speakers.

[@paultuerena]

Daniele Sbordone You could just say you’re not an audiophile 😊

[@richardsinger01]

@@paultuerena or just not stupid?

[@paultuerena]

Richard Singer You win $50million, and these could be the perfect speaker for you... and you completely negate the possibility that you’d buy them... even though you’ve not heard what they can do... that sounds like you are not an audiophile (or stupid if you prefer) lol

[@danielesbordone1871]

@@paultuerena , if being an audiophile means buying speakers that cost more than a Ferrari and dip below 1 ohm , then yeah , you're right , I'm not interested.

[@paultuerena]

Daniele Sbordone fair enough, our priorities are clearly different

[@V00ify]

so much for a vid on these speakers.

[@farhanakhtar8252]

They look like the thing that doc oc used to make the star thing in spiderman 2

[@billd9667]

It amazes me that a $330K pair of speakers, in this day and age, use a soft dome tweeter and what appear to be paper cone drivers. So much for material progress in audio. I guess that the money went into the cabinet(s) and crossovers. Oh, and the research/testing... The only problem with this level of audio is the way it reveals faults and hence sucks all of the fun out of it.

[@j-rod6420]

Agreed,I've seen a lot of high end speakers here on youtube and so on.These really are hideous and have no real style .And yes the drivers actually look cheap.

[@brianjacobs967]

@Joe Feyereisen the Chronosonic series (this and the Master) not only have angle adjustments but also have forward and back alignments as well. I spoke with Peter from Wilson last night about electronic crossovers, they have tested them extensively and just dont feel they are better than traditional crossovers but are open to them in the future when the tech advances. The crossovers they use are now made in house and sealed in a block of epoxy. They have even experimented with integrated power for their subs and determined it is a compromise they can not make.

[@billd9667]

lol. Considering the space concessions that you have to make, there is something to be said for the value of *any* Magnepan vs this speaker. At least they don’t ruthlessly reveal marginal recordings. I have never met a “bad” Maggie. They are all sweet-sounding, yet crisp. Add a pair of RELs and you’re off...

[@brianjacobs967]

@@billd9667 the flagship magnepan 30.7 are actually larger than these by two inches.

[@paulgolub6823]

@@brianjacobs967 And over 10 times less expensive.

[@geoffreywelsby7434]

Would of loved to have a little sound demo through these monsters.. 👍👍👍👍

[@biomorphic]

So, this speaker can't cost more than $30.000 in the making and they sell it $329.000. I mean, this is a bigger steal than supercars. Supercars, at least, sometimes, can even gain value, speakers most likely don't.

[@actuaryphil]

If somebody uses these in an audio bar, I would be glad to pay $20 for a drink to sit and listen.

[@technoxtreme178]

...that's actually not as silly as it sounds (pun intended). Might go along way to paying for these and letting more people enjoy them. "AudioBar" we don't have one in my city, but these speakers got me thinking. Though, I think this system is another $300K or so for the rest of it besides the Wilsons.

[@chartliner]

I would be interested to hear Steve compare these Wilson's to the Focal Utopia Grand EM's which Steve rated as the best of a number of other high end speakers many years ago. At the time he said the difference is that if you closed your eyes you would believe there was a symphony orchestra in the room. The technical reason why none of the other speakers could pull this off was because the main driver of the Focal's have an electromagnet on the 60 odd lbs of mass. Are the Focals still the best or do the Wilsons have an edge?

[@BogdanWeiss]

B&C IPAL woofers will shred anything that wimpy hifi can deliver & if you get a chance have a listen to KV2 Audio - blows away 99% of so called hi-end premadonnas

[@mavos1211]

In my day when you wanted to see what you’re stereo could do you would put Dire Straits money for nothing on and turn it up to 11

[@gil3green]

Sooo which ones sounded the best. XVX, the big open back with the 15’s, or the large Italian ( I believe) horns you reviewed a short time ago.

[@scottspinner1]

Fab when you buying a pair.

[@joeextraknow2854]

I thought a $350k McLaren is over price. Still struggle to think of the $60k new 2020 Corvette. Now, after watching this, I think the Corvette is a steal deal.....got to buy.

[@Cnote9696]

Not comparing the two but the Technics Linear Phase Speakers (5000, 6000, 7000) from the late 70's were also time aligned and I wonder if this is why I enjoy them so much? Anyway, enjoyed the review keep up the good work.

[@Cnote9696]

Do car enthusiasts complain about expensive Ferraris like Audio enthusiasts complain about expensive Wilson speakers.

[@brianjacobs967]

no, they just brag how their modded car that drives terrible can do one thing the ferrari cant.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Nah, just audiophiles complaining about expensive gear. Weird.

[@ReinoldFZ]

In internet is common to have complains from non consumers. From my very limited resources I got to get some recommendations by the audiophiliac, anybody reaching this level of equipment is fortunate or passionate.

[@finscreenname]

I do Conner. Take a ratrod. Some think they are the coolest things on 4 wheels. I personally think they are piles of junk with license plates and don't even get me started on "Patina". I go to car shows and look at some of the coolest cars on the planet. 99% I would never own if you gave them to me. Not my style, color, make whatever it may be but I can appreciate the love and work and at the same time think they are crazy for doing it.

[@gianpaologliori3604]

Steve No criticism of your channel - it’s excellent - but I would equally be sceptical of HyperCars like the McLaren Senna and I love cars. I just think it’s not a great achievement to produce something very good with an unlimited budget. I would admire these speakers more if they produced state of the art sound without being huge, heavy and unaffordable. When I was a kid I dreamed of one day owning hi end hi-fi when that meant something like a Linn LP12 or Oracle turntable. Now I do. I will never own a $320k loudspeaker as even if I had the money there would be something better to do with it. Let us by all means encourage excellence, but not excess. Those guys at Wilson should be applying their expertise to making things that people can at least aspire to and save up for, not room decoration for oligarchs. And yes that applies to car makers and everyone else! So I don’t think it’s “weird”.

[@garynewman2935]

Surprised you didn’t listen to the “Ramones” like all New Yorkers. 🤣

[@FrankySilverFace]

I honestly feel I'm far more smarter than the person who bought theez. Edit: thx Steve for the show. I've never seen nor will I (probably) ever see these in action. It's still interesting to learn about them. And at 600 plus lbs they barely put weigh the average American audiophile : D

[@quant2011]

Dear Wilson and Audiophiliac, beat this: Two GR research open baffle servo sub down to 15hz or so: $2k. Four AER drivers for midrange (2 per side):, model BD3 sensitivity 106dB, they play up to 80kHz!!! 4x3900 euro = $18k , Two RAAL Lazy ribbons $2600. Put all this in open baffles +active crossover. 22,600 usd for drivers + approx 2,500 active crossover. $25k gets you super wide range, ultra quality drivers, no box resonances, dynamics and transients to kill for. Then play some Nancy Wilson "How Glad I Am" with $300k in your pocket....

[@thomasmeyer8798]

The big Wilson speakers always look so threatening. I would always feel being watched in the living room.

[@neuromantoo]

They are some diabolical looking hardware. "Listen to us, or we'll eat you."

[@thomasmeyer8798]

@@neuromantoo Yeah man! Looking like the acoustival brothers of the Mondoshawan (The 5th Element): plentyofpopcorn.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/the-fifth-element-aliens.jpg

[@Chris-dp5fd]

Thanks for the review, the wealth envy is strong in this one! And thanks for sharing the musical selections. You've expanded the libraries of some of us in the hinterlands who don't get out much 😄

[@sidhartha4397]

right outside the building there was a guy panhandling for food

[@schiltz371]

i would truly be curious to hear a side by side comparison of these speakers compared to big name brand speakers. on youtube its damn near impossible for me to understand why these speakers cost more than most people's houses. its like someone explaining how muck better 8k is over 4k when your eyes can only take in so much information. with respect i remain skeptical.

[@CrustyCurmudgeon]

My experience tells me that the higher I go in the hobby, the more all this critical precision replaces the emotional satisfaction I get from the music. Some may enjoy that, I have found it to be counter-productive. If I can get both - great. But that seems rarely the case. Nothing replaces live, and for this money I'd rather invest most of it in travel and great seats to see live shows (once we can do that again) and be satisfied with a more modest rig. $50k would buy a killer system, and given all the front-end needed to drive these properly, you'd still have enough left over to book a private jet to places all over the world to see live shows. Chose your poison...

[@chrishatcher9239]

I'm pretty sure there's a BOGO offer on the amplifiers