Wilson Audio MAXX resistors

So much attitude and lack of information here. They are accessible for two reasons; in extreme environments you can adjust the balance to some degree. And yes, they are there for protection as well as equalization in the crossover network. Fuses were determined by Dave to adversely affect the sound and extremely high quality resistors did not. If you don’t want to know there are resistors in your crossover you’d better not look. I have replaced several sets over the years, mainly due to lightning strikes, once for acoustics. I’m getting ready to replace some in a 15 year old pair this week due to a lightning strike. I was a dealer for many years but no longer am. Those who criticize Wilson’s design capability have the right to their opinions. Let me spend some time with one of your designs and I’ll let you know whose opinion I value most...

Hifi,

I agree with the attitude, the ones that feel personally offended if one dares to question a design choice made by the maker of their speaker seem to have it in spades :-)

Anyway, I must clearly question your statement replacing said resistors due to "lightning strikes" are you serious ???  In the rest of the system that the speakers presumably were hooked up to at the time of the "Lightening Strike" there are components way way way more fragile than the above mentioned resistors, did you replace them too ??  Once a lightening strikes anything it usually disintegrates.  That would go for the Amplifiers Preamps etc which are connected to the electrical grid directly - your speakers are not  - they are only connected to the amplifier thats connected to the grid and it would be TOAST.  

So you'll have to come up with a better explanation to why the resistors needed replacing - if you read comments above you may find an answer.

And for the record, I never questioned the value/sound/looks of Wilson Speakers - In fact I think he has done a fantastic job with his company - what I do question is the use of resistors as fuses - electrically it makes  zero  sense.

Good Listening

Peter   


  

Little confusion. Electronics may have fusible/flame proof resistors. Usually these open under 1 watt. Nice to prevent an amplifier failure from cascading and melting the entire thing.

Not practical for a speaker. Actual fuses and self-resetting devices are much more practical, though for homes, honestly should not be used either. More parts to break and age over time. VERY useful for pro speakers.

Properly sized for a speaker’s power handling, a resistor should outlive all of us. Still, if you are going to play, I highly recommend Mills.

Best,

E

Erik,

You should read the entire post :-)


Good Listening


Peter

Don't most resistors fail due to pushing to much current across them? As in "high volumes."