How can Wilson Audio speakers sound that good if they are using OEM drivers?

I think you make a mistake by saying Wilsons use OEM drivers. Sure, they are sourced by OEM companies, but they are also built to very detailed manufacture's specifications.  It's like saying "how can Honda's Formula 1 race cars be all that great when they have the same basic engine as a Honda Accord?"  And many Indy cars are just Fords and GMs, right?   Um...... yes and no..

@grannyring dude you are just so........last century! :-p

I can't but agree. My ca 1975 Tannoy 12" dual concentric loudspeakers, with paper woofer and 2" aluminum tweeter, still surprise visiting audiophiles with their quality of sound. Great soundstage depth, imaging that seems to exceed the room barriers, great clarity, bass, and detail. I never tire of them, and they are listened to for three to six hours daily.

The Wilson Maxx 2's I  listened to were, to me, hyper-detailed and tiring to listen to. This was at a dealer, so I didn't necessarily hear them at their best, but my old Tannoys never disappoint.

Regards,
Dan

It is the engineering ,and No they are not stock at all custom matched drivers to a low tolerence ,and cabinets that have a lot of vibration isolation  materials and cabinet ,and Crossovers are 
very optimized for the drivers parameters .that is what you are paying for. They have not been that successful just stuffing boxes.

Well, I am listening to Wilson speakers now - Sophia 2's.  They sound wonderful to me.  There have been really great sounding speakers for decades, using all manner of materials. Materials can make a huge difference by easing the inevitable engineering hurdles and trade-offs one must overcome to manufacture a non-resonant cabinet, drivers that don't breakup in their passband and can integrate smoothly, etc., but it's the engineering that makes the difference.

Personally, I've listened to the Wilson WAMM, Maxx 1's and 2's, and every incarnation of the W/P.  Never was impressed - hyper detailed is one good way to describe it - until the Sasha. Still a bit analytical, but I like it a lot nonetheless.  But I'll stick with my Sophia's; as one person described them, "The Wilson speaker for people to don't like Wilson speakers".