The installation went well. This is one heavy subwoofer. It looks so much better with the XVX than the older Thor. When I post pics you will see what I mean. The install occurred yesterday morning and took about 2.5 hours.
It's pretty amazing the difference between the old Thor and the new Thor. Without question the whole frequency range has more clarity. I don't really understand how this is possible and I had been using the new crossover for weeks so it's not the crossover. If you have never had a sub you will discover that a sub makes a very audible improvement to the entire frequency range, if integrated properly the main system.
Next, the 20, 25, and 31.5 tones on the Wilson subwoofer CD are noticeably improved. I have some organ music that has very soft 18-25 Hz tones. The new Thor did a significantly improved job of producing these notes. On regular music I can notice an improved mid and upper bass. It will be weeks before I can fully evaluate all the improvements.
I have been extremely busy with my "Science Project", getting the house open for the summer, etc. Also recently purchased two new vehicles. No better time to purchase a vehicle than right now, IMO. I will be getting pics up over the weekend. I am listening to Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash sing duets. It's very pleasing to hear the improvement in the bass and the remarkable increase in clarity of the entire frequency range.
Buying this new Thor's Hammer will be one of the best decisions I have ever made regarding a high end audio purchase.
I hope everyone has a safe and tremendous Memorial Day weekend.
Best
Charles
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Charles Updated System
Most recent updates: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer
Amps: McIntosh 1.25KW’s (3) set on floor on custom made cultured marble slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCD1100 SACD player, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 23)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie and Wilson Watch Controller (abbr: WC)
Cables main system: Audioquest Wel Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); Wel Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for BR player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for tuner; cables for DVD player not listed
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from WC to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to WC; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.
Room (mancave): 40’L x 15.5’W A-frame; max ceiling height 8’ min 5’; wall within wall construction built of 2 x 6’s; built over garage with custom hardwood floor with gym seal with over 40 Lowes stiffened wooden I-beams supporting floor; complete isolation from rest of house