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Wilson Sasha versus Watt Puppy 8

Hi Folks:

Recently had the opportunity to listen to the Wp's successor with a Boulder amplifier. That was also a treat because it was the first Boulder I have ever heard. Impressive but not to my taste.

In any event, I was slightly surprised to find that I prefer the sound of the WP 8, which, to this day, is the best Wilson I have ever heard and that includes the original Alexandria and the excellent MAXX 2's. The Sasha sounded a bit more "refined" but, at least on this system, seemed to give up a little richness in the treble and bass energy. Still a very good speaker indeed. Anyone notice the same thing on other systems?

My WP 8 experience was in New York at the last Sterophile show with the amazing BAT VK150SE's. A fantastic time indeed.

D.H.
danhirsh
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
03-03-10: If room size was not an issue I would buy the WP 8 for now and wait a few years for the MAXX3 to be on the used market. That's what I am going to do.

great advice. W/P 8 to Sasha is an incremental jump. Used Maxx 3 will be a huge jump when they are more common & older on the used market in a year or two.
thesaint519
162 posts
 
Hi Danhirsh. As far as preamps go, here are a few that are heralded by dealers and reviewers alike ( when pairing with the M1.2):

- VTL 7.5
- Audio Research Ref 5
- Lamm LL2.1
- Lamm L2 Reference

I'm partial to the Lamm L2 reference even though it does not use a remote control.
danhirsh OP
26 posts
 

Thanks for the advice. I love the ARC Ref 5 and Ref 5SE even more. The 40th Anniversary Reference, I would like to hear someday.

Best:

D.H.
bianco
2 posts
 
I am listening to my wp 8 as I write this and I do love them but was thinking of either a Sasha used set or possibly the new Sasha 2 but then again maybe waitinga few years for a used Alexia
Any thoughts anyone ?
gpgr4blu
1,082 posts
 
Hi Bianco:
I've had Wilsons since the WP6. I thought the biggest improvements overall were between WP 6 and WP 7. But even more so the WP 8 to Sasha. The Sashas are significantly better in every way, especially in a more natural midrange than the WP 8. Obviously, few have heard the Sasha 2 but based upon the design changes, it looks like the biggest difference will be in the tweeter and the crossover from the mid to the tweeter.
I have heard the Alexia and XLFs on numerous occasions and can say that the tweeter has a slightly different sound than the tweeter that you are used to. I have not yet decided if I like the new tweeter better than the old. I never really found the old tweeter lacking. May be a great time to grab a used Sasha.
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