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
I've owned both the WP8s & Sashas, which have afforded me the luxury of listening to each of them in my home environment. To my ears the Sashas are a big step forward. I used them both with Lamm M1.2 Ref monos. I really love the presence that the Sashas have. The 8s had the same presence, but to a lesser degree. Happy Listening.

Thank you for the comments. The Lamm M1.2 stands alone. I have never heard anything like it and if I can find the best preamp to go along with it, I'd like to own them someday.

D.H.
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.
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.

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.