American Made: WILSON AUDIO TuneTot

This video was wholly funded by Darko.Audio Patreon support 🙏🏻
🎥 Camera: Jana Dagdagan (August 2022)
🎬 Editor: Jana Dagdagan (January 2023)
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
Wilson Audio TuneTot video review
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👉🏻 Other episodes in the American Made video series...
American Made #1: Audio Research I/50
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American Made #2: AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt
darko.audio/20...
American Made #3: Magnepan LRS
darko.audio/20...
American Made #4: Schiit Tyr
darko.audio/20...
American Made #5: Cardas Clear Beyond
darko.audio/20...
#americanmade #madeintheusa #hifi
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[@goyol8681]

While I could never own a speaker of this price. Jana's films do an outstanding job of covering all aspects of the manufacturing process, as well as the vision of the manufacturer. Very impressive.

[@TheDealer1228]

Man, people in the comments are all kinds of grumpy. I thought this was a fantastic watch. I could never afford them, but that doesn't automatically negate the asking price. There's obviously a lot of love, care, and R&D that goes into these. Unrelated: CEO seems like a chill dude.

[@tekis0]

Right? I noticed that too.

[@PlanetFrosty]

Great job, Janna. Thanks for doing interviews that speak for themselves in editing, planning and execution.

[@LuceD_UK]

Wonderfully shot and presented, Jana! Thank you. I fell in love with the TuneTots myself. I have a pair in my nearfield office setup. They are on almost every day from the morning till the evening. One word... bliss!

[@jesuscostantino2925]

Another excellent doc, Jana. Great work.

[@Caseman984]

Bang-up job shooting and editing that! Really fantastic work!

[@eliotcole]

Wow. Would *not* want to be in that run-in room without plugs! Thanks for the video, Jana! Great camera work and editing, too. :)

[@mmdusa]

Outstanding job Jana!!! The amount of detail gives me a greater appreciation for these speakers.

[@zephead64]

No matter what any opinions are, I do respect the detail and craftsmanship that is done during the process. Hand making and hand crafting is definitely an art form.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS JANA 🤗, FOR MAKING THE TRIP AND SHARING THIS BEAUTIFUL PRODUCT AND I HAD NO IDEA 🤷‍♂️ HOW MUCH WORK GOES INTO THESE SPEAKERS AND STANDS 🤩🤩 AND QUALITY MATERIALS 💚💚💚

[@stephencosta6814]

😮😮😮wow I never knew how extreme this manufacturing process is it truly is a work of art that is forgotten by so many other manufacturers you’re not just buying a speaker you are buying an art piece that is extremely unique with a great pride of ownership and fantastic. Sound well done, what an excellent video❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌

[@JeffHeon]

These videos are fantastic. It's easy to criticize a faceless company, but seeing the people and their hard work behind the scene gives it a human perspective. You can only say you would have made different compromises or esthetic choices, but you can't deny that they care. Seeing the amount of resources that goes into just a small speaker makes you perceive the price tag differently too.

[@maximo90019]

What a journey into passion!!! While we can disagree on the endgame, if you love audio, you must respect the effort. More please.

[@allistairneil8968]

I like the way homeboy is trying to sand the front flat and the speaker body is all over the place.

[@paullazarro4295]

Thanks Jana! Another great video. I noticed a very common mistake Korbin made when talking about the construction of the Tots. He said ''dampening material'' it's damping not dampening. Unless they are making the Tots moist that is. LOL

[@pablogp3266]

That is one beautifully shot and edited video. Not a surprise on this channel.

[@shunpillay]

Wow! Unlikely that I’ll ever be able to afford even a pair of TuneTots, but this video makes me respect the brand. Amazing. Congratulations to all Wilson Audio owners out there. Awesome video.

[@ibassnote]

Thank you Jana. Great video. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m not buying a high-end audio product unless at least one employee sports a spectacular mullet. Check! This really helps explain some of the reasons why these things products are so expensive. From the workmanship to the business model you are buying something you can believe in.

[@jarroberts2]

As a hobbiest woodworker, I have better dust and fume precautions in my spare garage. I feel sorry for those production workers with only simple masks (If even that) with that sawdust, solder and resin fumes, etc.. These work conditions are completely inadequate for anyone trying to preserve their long term health. They must have very lax labor laws and inspections in Utah which probably isn't surprising.

[@raynewcomb337]

I was wondering if the workers have a union

[@MillCityJam]

They rely on their Mormon faith....

[@56floorer]

yes I was thinking exactly the same thing, a day of that would be misery (I've done my share of sanding) they need suction fans in the ceiling or something to rid the dust fumes etc

[@Dee.J.Mogfry]

I'm an ex welder....you knowvthe risks....I've also be around several soldering processes and tbh you need the minimum to be deemed safe as a company.

[@michaelhope007]

Excellent evidence of Wilson not providing adequate OH&S standards. Any lawyers watching here's a class action for you .

[@sixergixer]

Fascinating video, Jana and John! Would love to see more of these, though I imagine filming is tricky when proprietary stuff is involved.

[@kennyyoung4477]

😌awesome work to jana like a wilson product meticulously crafted

[@ready4audio805]

Great job Jana, looking forward to many more of your mini documentaries!

[@CoastalEddieUSA]

What a fantastic and inspiring video about an American company and thank you highlighting that not everything is made overseas. 🇺🇸

[@christopherviers8302]

Most Excellent...!!! What a great video...!!! I really enjoyed watching the entire process - definitely interesting and informative...!!! Seeing Jana was also a nice touch...!!! Kudos...!!!

[@paulhewitt6953]

Great to see craftsmanship like this

[@geoffwarner8021]

Tbh its the soundstage how the speaker disappears in ur listening environment, , gives u goose pumps for ur fav tracks,takes u bk or forwards in ur life, give a gr8 product for every one to enjoy…quality/affordable ….thats the holy grail 😊

[@orvarino]

Impressive. My vision might be playing tricks on me, but isn't the woofer a Scan Speak Revelator 15W/8530K00-ish? This is no criticism, I have them in my A4 Monitors I built 20 years ago (with a similar soft dome tweeter). Didn't have the skills to do the finish so I found this old man who renovated Steinway Grand Pianos. So he put a 8 layer shellac finish on them. He said a bit embarrassed when I picked them up: "This will be quite expensive...". It was $220 for the pair. Still serves me well even if I'm now is older and could afford "a proper setup".

[@mrhd5831]

These guys have been building the same speakers for 20 years now.

[@Benvos]

His description of his listening spaces at the end made me giddy, imagine having that all at home, incredible.

[@marcbegine]

Now you can understand the msrp of the Tune Tot, labour intensive, hand crafted, personal costs, QC etc...

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Great video, thanks Jana and John

[@JJTMARQUES]

I love loudspeakers, I built a pair myself it's a challenge but also a huge pleasure because when you love what you do and the result is as expected, then it's like two worlds kissing. It's not the first time I've heard Daryl Wilson and I love the way he talks, the content he involves his entire wilson audio team in an incredibly allocinating and passionate way.

[@arik2360]

Nice speakers, but.....the dust removal of grinding machines could use improvement😳..for example Mirka. At the same time, employee safety would improve👍

[@Johan-vl4bi]

Yet another great document signed by Jana! Keep it up!

[@rpkett]

Another excellent job, Jana!

[@JonPickles]

Jana’s videos are amazing. I’d love to hear these speakers. Not my fave design from the outside but its all about the music (Sound)

[@mikelanier5617]

Thanks John for these fantastic videos that show the amount of time and effort required to build great hifi products 👏 Video production is stellar as always! Here's to a great new year for you and all 👍

[@Aged-Mark]

Fantastic video. Transformed my opinion about Wilson Audio products!

[@piker3000]

those beads of adhesive were so damn perfect!

[@PixelPiraat]

I fear for the health of those workers due to all that fine dust that is flying around

[@freeradical6390]

The green and white speakers on the right look like stackable washers and dryers Great vid! Thanks Wilson!

[@josephchamberlain3681]

Fantastic as always Jenna

[@GPintoFerrao]

Thanks for this video I appreciate a lot watching how all Wilson Audio departments are working on mainly what the TuneTot speakers concern

[@realitychecks2920]

Ok, this helps a lot in understanding the craft needed to create one of these gems. A lot of Labour !

[@theequalizer2727]

Building a car with 30,000 parts is actually a lot of labor for not much more than $14,000.

[@stephannordmann5346]

Best documentation ever of my favorite speakers 👍💥💯

[@plan9fromthenw]

More of these please but I understand the workload. Video and editing job so well done it makes me feel like I can smell the glue.

[@thudson9653]

Great work Jana! Nice to see a deep dive into speaker manufacturing from a premier speaker company.

[@brentwalker3300]

OMG, it's Jana. Good to see you.

[@dksculpture]

Thanks Darko and Jana. Very interesting.

[@FFrrEEddRRiiKK1]

Such a professional video. Top shelf.

[@hifi-photo-Brian]

UTAH, the great speaker state! Wilson Audio, Tekton, Zu Audio, and RBH.

[@jimm8619]

@@TheNorliss LDS Rock

[@aceofspades6667]

Motab choral is serious business.. I’ve been to the tabernacle to see em play. The acoustics are insane. Pipe organs hit hard on lows

[@pulpskate]

These videos are great - very cool to see both the process and the people behind the gear 🤩

[@Buryone]

I've heard this brand played at audio shop in Houston (Icon I believe). One of the flagship models no doubt but I can say I was truly blown away by the amazing sound. Great video seeing the work involved in even the smallest version of their line up!! If I had the coin I would have them in my own home.

[@ilaion11]

It's amazing until you hear something better. No doubt I would get something like Totem or Borresen (which I believe makes the best speakers right now), any time over Wilson!

[@pauldavidthomasfrodo]

I work in construction, why are they not using sanders with VAC's,, makes the sand paper last longer, the items does not over heat and pretty much no air bourne particles. The lungs of these guys, I'm surprised they are doing this. Nice to see hand made products however.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Impressive build quality and finishes. Two turn offs as a once and done buyer. Sealed crossovers and the use of visible felt…which dries up and needs replacement over time = very expensive repairs only done by Wilson. Great job Jana!!

[@rsundar1973]

Thanks for the video. For those who think a 200$ pair of BestBuy speakers or Bose will beat these, I feel sorry for you.

[@boynamedphillip]

Love the guy working on the speaker wearing Skull Candy headphones :)

[@agforte]

Beautiful video about their manufacturing process. It would have been even nicer to have them talk about their sound engineering part.

[@Magoo71]

Great Job Jana! Good story and great video!

[@AudiS4orce1]

Amazing craftmanship and excellence! This shows the level of IMMENSE work that goes into building these speakers and honestly makes their prices more justifiable... I don't understand all the ridiculous negative comments, YOU try to build something this amazing, have processes to make it consistent, AND to make them sound great with fantastic engineering. Only a HANDFUL of companies could build such speakers, compare this to PS Audio $40K speakers ALL made in China, with chinese drivers and NONE of this level of craftsmanship... KUDOS all around to Wilson Audio, maybe one day I can afford one of their products!

[@dilbyjones]

Word. Its like... just try to get flatness right. I've seen tons of speakers and this company has some real strengths.

[@kas4751]

Those midbass drivers look like Scanspeak Revelators. Likely modified to Wilson Audio specs?

[@yippie6862]

...And that's why the TuneTot's are $10,000. I always had respect for Wilson Audio but after watching this video I had no idea the amount of time, effort, cost, and technical expertise it took to manufacture these speakers. Also, impressive that almost everything is made in in house. There were only a couple things that made me scratch my head a bit. Maybe I'm wrong but I was surprised it looked like cotton batting was being stuffed into the cabinet? I expected something more exotic and long lasting would have been used.Perhaps they have their reasons. I was also surprised they were packed in a regular cardboard box for shipping. The finished product is so good I half expected the speakers to be packed in a plastic/metal case or wood crate. :) Perhaps, that's asking too much. Minor and perhaps flawed nit picking on my part. Only because the speakers seem about perfect. Great job Wilson Audio Team!

[@stephensmith3111]

I vaguely recall reading an interview with David Wilson where he said that they pay their staff generous wages commensurate with their status as highly skilled professionals. Don't skimp on paying your people. They also need to cover the long term costs of continuing research and development, product refinement, and myriad other expenses of the day to day operation of a business that most people who carp about high prices completely fail to realize. Plus they deserve to make a reasonable profit. If anyone thinks that one can get into audio, especially at the high end, with an expectation of getting fabulously wealthy, they are sadly mistaken.

[@robertnelson3179]

Thanks Jana on this BTS very cool. Being from manufacturing back ground I loved it loved the detail on the painting part most having been trained to paint aircraft.

[@craighayes3316]

Well, as the saying goes, " You get what you pay for." Wow, amazing Wilson Audio.. seems to be a great place to work, too . Great video and great quality. I hope you can provide more content along this theme.

[@mindtraveller100]

" You get what you pay for." Oh, how i wish that would be always the case...

[@craighayes3316]

@@mindtraveller100 well, sometimes...

[@mindtraveller100]

@@craighayes3316 Sometimes, yeah. My rule is, if it is the cheapest, i´m sure it´s not one of the best; but if it is the most expensive, it may not be one of the best either...

[@lsdave]

Dude building some of the most expensive speakers out there is listening to Skull Candy headphones lol

[@andreimartinas8465]

Trev definitely needs a raise 😀

[@heavenonearth7049]

incredible stuff, inspiring people too love to see this level of passion.

[@freddynietzsche4604]

Their floor standing speakers look like liquor store ATM machines.

[@mindtraveller100]

All of them?

[@kingtubby999]

really fascinating, great as always Jana

[@klaymoon1]

Hi Daryl, is Tune Tot V coming? I really wish you will release one!

[@clarablack1101]

Dana rocks!!

[@mgsboedmisodpc2]

Great work Ms.DagDagan

[@whatevahz531]

@17:10 "We want to foster a culture of divine kinship." & make stacks upon stacks baby!! LOL

[@davidwidlake9250]

Wow. Another brilliant video from Jana. I had an idea that these cost £5,000 a pair in the UK. I was very wrong - £13,000 a pair (January 2022 price). Seeing all the steps involved made me think they are worth it. I've seen a pair in a London dealer (and the Chronosonic XVX) and will have to ask to listen to them one day.

[@Frase909]

Great video, their products look amazing! Always appreciate some fine craftsmanship (I am sure they sound okay too :D ).

[@josephstark4944]

Great job guys. This was super cool to see

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Great video as always. Waiting for more of those how its made style videos.

[@bartbarelds8454]

Awesome speaker manufacturing but I prefer the Magico way. CNC metal machining seems far more precise than some manual sanding of surfaces..

[@asan1050]

Darko Audio Thanks Much!

[@jonathanmoore8886]

Seeing them being made makes me more likely to buy them

[@carlmcmanus3777]

I apreciate your level of quality and craftsmanship but can you invest in some vacuum sanders for your guys before they're all stricken with lung disease.

[@alwynralphs8433]

Couldn’t agree more, that dust in the sander room looked terrible in such a modern factory. Some of the masks used looked like they need to better, more akin to diy use.

[@ericfish8431]

We have nicer masks that the company has for us to use. The people using those crappy masks are doing so by choice. And as for dust (at least in the fabrication shops) it’s so heavy since the material is so dense it just falls down. We have no issues with breathing it in. Plus we have exhausts in all the rooms sucking it out.

[@robertsupercalifragilistic7404]

I love my Wilson Watt/Puppy 7. I recently replaced both tweeters due to aging. It was very expensive, but I’ll have them for another 20 years. They still perform and look like new.

[@richardgallmetzer4605]

The final assembly (15:45) looks less than perfect, somewhat clumsy!

[@rajoconnor]

Now I want some Wilson Audio Speakers!

[@inandouttv5365]

Amazing work on the tour and manufacturing process! The sanding shop is horrible. The guy carries one unit by hand taking stairs and then sanding it in a t-shirt with dust and debris flying around and on his skin. Nobody cares about employees health?

[@csabakereszturi945]

One of the few cases when you get what you paid for (on the used market).

[@yourdiytechlife]

Wow, great video! I really loved the insight in to the character of this company. It really makes me want to search some out and make a purchase, that might have to wait a few years until finances get in line 😊

[@juanpedro3082]

Espectacular.

[@hawkins55]

Wonder if I don't want it painted or polished but otherwise all the same, how much money I would save to get that speakers which would give me the exact same sound.

[@benediktbernet1585]

Thanks for the very well done video and the great insight into the manufacturing process!

[@ganck1147]

I don’t know if its only me but i never quite got the wilson hype since i heard the watt/puppy many years back. These spks like most ultra expensive hifi stuff are over built & over engineered. One of my pals who is an avid classical music listener told me he feels that wilson makes some of the most unmusical sounding spks on the planet.

[@techrider2088]

What speakers does your friend like?

[@aceofspades6667]

Sabrina

[@dilbyjones]

I would love to hear these.

[@ganck1147]

@@techrider2088 he only like Harbeth spks since he only listens to classical music.

[@pdufour]

I just can't ignore the grain mismatch on the speakers in the background during the CEO interview (17 mins) . At least painting them solves that particular problem. I had some laughs though during the presentation. Good video.

[@derekjarman1638]

I like how Daryl says his staff create, they don't work. Would probably be a great place to work.

[@imosolar]

I love my Wilson Audio TuneTot speakers with ISO Base and tube power amplifier class A 40w

[@yippie6862]

40 watts is enough to drive them properly?

[@chetstern5933]

Needs ample amp pairing. Would recommend more than 40w. Currently running 100w tube amp which is excellent

[@marcbungener1877]

I have their Sophia Serie 1 from 2001 and their sound is fantastic. No plan to change anytime soon.

[@everyman6328]

Absolutely love this. For me, there’s value added by a craftsman putting work into building something. I’m sure CNC machines in China are more efficient, but this put Wilson on my radar. In fairness, I’m an obnoxious American.

[@dilbyjones]

Sweet work. I would love to see an internally amplified one. One can dream.

[@mephistoGR]

So what's the material used for the cabins? I didn't get it. Also, where, how and by whom are the drivers made? Somehow this video make me lose some appreciation for the brand and the products.

[@ericfish8431]

It’s a special material called X material that’s made only for our speakers. We also have S material for certain parts and V material for other parts. A lot of our drivers come from a company called scanspeak, they are designed by wilson though. So most of the drivers coming from them are only used in our speakers

[@D1N02]

Seeing the amount of work goes into it you get why they cost as much as a small car

[@sloboat55]

Excellent

[@paulbaker4941]

The capacitors fall out of the production machinery, and then are gently placed in a box

[@videosuperhighway7655]

Wow there is a lot of labor time involved in these speakers.