Wilson Alexia - what's the competition

Audioconnection,

I always include the phrase: there are no absolutes in Audio...everyone has a preference! I think it's funny that your quick to connect the "dark sound" to Transparent cables. I'm not suggesting "dark sound" is bad, it's just not my preference. I submit that some like Rockport speakers because they interpret "dark sound" as "neutral" and/or natural. Dealers want people to believe there are absolutes, but I think that arguments does all audiophiles a disservice.

ricred1, hey i don't want to argue with what you heard or how you describe it...we're all entitled to our opinions and to be able to express them (i am saying this sincerely)

However, not a lot of folks describe Rockport's as "dark side of neutral." I don't hear it that way for sure. Now I do agree with you that the Wilson's and Rockport's sound different.

I'll kindly submit you were hearing the information presented in a different way. The wilson's more up front in perspective and the Rockports deliver in their resolution in a more relaxed way. Which is right...well we'd have to have a few musicians in that same room and compare to the real thing.

Personally, after owning several pairs of Wilson's, I really appreciate the way Rockport's deliver their information, to me is seems more transparent, more resolute and more natural.

I'd love to hear the Alexia's or the XLF using Wilson's new tweeter one day soon!

I recently heard a pair of Focal Grand Utopia's EM's. They were about a week old and still breaking in...however I could hear a similar quality with the Rockports...very high resolution...but delivered in a very appealing way (to my ears anyway). Maybe it's a quality on these beryllium tweeters they both use (but different tweeter mgr's). Anyway the Focal's are clearly another GREAT speaker like the Wilson's and Rockport's...

I've heard those Rockport Avior's vs the Wilson Sasha's in that same room as you...both are great, but I came to the opposite conclusion and much preferred the Rockports...again...we all hear and value things differently.

Appreciate everyone allowing me to express my thoughts...Thanks

Jfrech,

I really don't understand why you feel the need to question what I hear. It's pretty simple, you have your preference and I have my preference. You say many people don't describe Rocport's they way I do. I submit many people on blogs have never heard most of what they talk about. In addition, I believe many people jump on bandwagons and describe speakers exactly like everyone else. Speaker X are "Natural", they "slowly draw you into the music." Speaker X is forward sounding. I draw conclusions based on what I hear, I could care less what brand speaker I'm listening to. Again, it's great you love Rockports, but my opinion is just as valid as yours.

(((Audioconnection, Do you mean Transparent cables are laid back and dark sounding in an absolute sense)))
Yes in an absolute sense..
But that doesn't mean what you have found to work in your system isn't a good fit for you.
Best JohnnyR

Give the Shelby+Kroll Reference Standard Monitor 1.0 and Reference Woofer Monitor 1.0 a serious look.
Bruce Brown of Puget Sound Studios has recently published a review on Stereo Mojo and compared them to the Alexia.
Here is a quote from the review:

" In the middle of the review I took delivery of the new Wilson Alexia’s. Shelby+Kroll boasts great things about their speakers and they had the temerity to ask me to compare them to my new $50,000 speakers. Heck, their website compares their speakers to $100,000+ models!

FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY...

Like Muhammad Ali and Deion Sanders, it ain’t trash talkin’ if you got the skills to back it up! Let me tell you folks, the Shelby+Krolls speakers got SKILLS! The system didn’t run with its tail between its legs; no, it stood there toe to toe with the best. Granted, the Alexia’s weren’t fully broken in, nor were they in their final position and spiked, but the Shelby+Kroll speakers didn’t get embarrassed. I could easily live with these speakers and that’s is not something I say often. I am very picky! I’m a professional audio engineer. Speakers are not just a hobby for me.

They may not be quite as dynamic or play as loud as a full range tour de force, but played within their limitations which are minor, you can’t get any better… Period."

You can check out the full review here:

http://stereomojo.com/SHELBYKROLLReferenceStandardMonitor1.0andReferenceWooferMonitor1.0.htm/SHELBYKROLLReferenceStandardMonitor1.0andReferenceWooferMonitor1.0.htm

Disclaimer : I am in no way affiliated with Shelby+Kroll loudspeakers, just a very enthusiastic owner answering a thread.

Enjoy