Wilson Audio’s Alexx Loudspeaker – AXPONA 2016
The presence of the Wilson Audio Alexx wasn’t too hard to miss over the AXPONA weekend. Images of the $109k loudspeaker seemed to follow me around show as I made my way from floor to floor. I finally got a chance to hear the new behemoth on Friday afternoon in one of the only listening rooms located on the 2nd floor of the Westin.
The very large (average height) room was hosted by Michigan-local Paragon Audio/Video and was completely packed for the entirety of my visit. I think quite a bit of regional buzz was making its way around the show for the mid west’s premier of new big guys from Wilson.
The stacks of components driving the giant floor standers were varied and built out around analog and digital intentions. Heading up the analog side was a full set of Doshi Audio 3.0 Line, Phono and Tape stages ($17k each) leashed to a Brinkmann Audio Balance Turntable ($27.5k) equipped with a Koetsu Azule Platinum Cartridge ($11k). My listening session was derived from a full stack of dCS Vivaldi digital gear consisting of the DAC ($36k), up sampler ($22k), and master clock ($15k). Along with the CD/SACD transport (which I didn’t hear) the total for the stack came to $115k for the system.
The top portion of the Alexx loudspeaker features MTM (Midrange-Tweeter-Midrange) geometry and is intended to derive more dynamic range from the mids. Two midrange cones straddle a 1″ silk dome tweeter and are actually two separate models of drivers (5.75″ and 7″) designed to cover different portions of the mid-band area. The modular design of the top array also allows for time correction between the 3 independent enclosures. Low end frequencies are covered by one 10.5″ woofer and one 12.5″ woofer. The Alexx bass porting system even allows for switching between back or front options depending on the needs of the room.
A DSD file of Bob Dyan’s Girl From North Country was rendered with amazing mid tone texture through the Alexx. While perhaps not the most analytical sound I heard all weekend, the tone was rich, full and lovingly recreated to sound like good ‘ol Mr. Zimmerman was right there in the room with you. The vocal image was also pleasing and large within the confines of space between the speaker cabinets. Extension on both ends was very good, but if you like midrange entertainment then these loudspeakers should appeal to you on many levels. It was easy to pick up on all the positive qualities of the Alexx even without a direct comparison on hand, which speaks volumes to the quality of its design.
Promotional video for the Alexx below:
I’m glad the Wilsons are unearthing tones and rich textures today. It wasn’t all that long ago that dynamics and frequency extensions were the main objectives. Much more palatable now.
For me, it was the original Sophias that made the switch over from “hifi” to musical. The MAXX 1s also, they were spectacular and a big departure from the older Wilson sound.
I also heard these Alexxias at Axpona with master MC Nick Doshi running the demo, and showcasing his pretty incredible phono stage.
Sound was one of the best in show for sure.