Wilson MAXX II speakers-

My MAXX 2's arrived last week, and straight out of the box they presented sound and images more accurately, more musically, than any other speaker system I've had through my room--and there have been many. Compared to my prior setup of Wilson 7's plus WATCH Dog, the MAXX 2's literally redefine the music listening experience in terms of scale, realistic dynamic shadings, as well as image solidity and dimension. The MAXX 2's make any other speaker I have owned or heard under controlled conditions, sound compressed and dynamically challenged--with the possible exceptions being the Grand Utopia Be's and the Wilson Alexandrias.

The MAXX 2's greatest advantage over the original MAXX is one of harmonic truth and integrity. The original MAXX's could, in some contexts, sound slightly cool, slightly mechanical by comparison-- especially within an all SS/digital system. Piano and voice through the MAXX 2's have just the right amount of warmth, naturalness and fullness to complement their stunning representation of dynamics, pace, power and timing in music.

My room is 16 X 19 X 8, and I too was concerned about the space-constraints and possible mismatch. While I am sure more space would be better, I don't feel shortchanged in the least and am convinced I am realizing virtually all the magic these speakers have to offer.

My advice is to listen to the speakers if possible, but for me, they were about the greatest value I could have run into in terms of musical involvement.

well, i wouldn't mind a pair in ferrari blue (dark royal blue metalic)! i have levinson 33h amps (really nice once you really get to hear them at home- warm, dynamic, grainless- levinson has come a long way- funny; they sounded very clean but "analytical" at the store). i reject any argument that you HAVE to use tube amps to get wilsons to sound musical- either wilson's evolve to the point where you have a variety of choices of associated gear or you don't. anyway, i don't need a lot of volume, just a well delineated midrange (i'll never forget how the wilson wamm's presented separate instruments in a symphony orchestra)... thanks for your responses.

Maxx's are like 94 db efficient so you don't need much power

Yes, I know the 33's and 33H's well. They are exceptional amps that would mate extremely well with the MAXX 2's, as would a cornucopia of amplifier types, from single-ended to high-current solid-state.

I did not infer that you have to have tubes with any Wilson's to successfully match them within a system. However, my opinion is that the original MAXX's had a slightly more definable "character"-- cooler and less complete, less robust--less neutral than the more chameleon-like MAXX 2's-- again, referring only to tonal balance.

All speakers and components at this level should be carefully matched to the listener and his/her preference. The MAXX 2's performance simplifies such a process, as they should at their price. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend seeking out a trial.

I am waiting for the update for my original MAXX - which i love dearly (replaced a pair of B&W Nautilus 800).

By the way - I run them in a room 15' x 15' (though with a ceiling height of 14' and opening into a room of 15' x 30'. However, my listening chair is only about 6 1/2 ft away from the speakers which are about the same distance apart and toed in - this is a great set-up with precise imaging and a wide deep stage. (see picture in My System) MAXX can definitely be used in a smaller room and close up!

(FYI: I run them with KR Kronzilla Doublemonos (tube) with 40 WPC - and I have no power problem whatsoever...)

You will have a lot of fun with the MAXX II!!

Cheers,
Arthur