this is exactly my current dilemma (at least until I listen to more speakers, then it'll be a quandry).
I agree with the results alluded to. Wilsons generally do not measure as well as they are perceived. Revels do, especially the ultima2 line. The salon2 is clearly an epic loudspeaker, with the flatest full range response curve I've seen in measurements in the 25kish price point The sasha is an improvement over the wp8 design, and it shows in measurements, but it's not flat.
Stereophile: Wilson Audio Sasha W/P loudspeaker
Stereophile: Revel Ultima Salon2 loudspeaker
now, these are not definitive measurements. They are done by one man, who also edits a magazine that sells advertisements---an uncalibrated microphone, a loose stand, a subway rumble can all color 'measurements'---and I'm sure you can think of many other spitefully subtle ways of manipulation if one has motivation.
that said, I have no reason to not believe those numbers, especially when they line up with the nrc's measurements.
now we come to the real deal: what's important. Flat response? Looks? Cachet? In a nutshell, this is my take on wilson sasha: beautiful loudspeaker, would visually integrate in my loft with ease, sound more than adequate, but in the end I might feel a bit had. You see, you can compare wilson to rolex. A decent product made by both, but those in the know don't respect rolex---it's what every tom dick and harry associates with luxury/status. They know the real deal lies with patek phillippe, iwc, or even a cheaper brand than rolex. Wilson, when you get past the fans, the looks, feels the same way. It might be a decent, even fine, even great product, but the fanbase is so off putting, the carefully crafted marketing and lifestyle so gag inducing, that one just might put that ugly as sin salon2 in their living room out of righteous indignation.
thanks for listening!
