Wilson Maxx 3 many questions

[trponhunter]

Not sure I understand the "benefit" of the aspherical array with regards to room tuning. To my way of thinking, it's just more sources for diffraction (also, the diffraction will be different at each setting, depending on how it is adjusted) and also you are forced to listen to the tweeter further of axis - where it less linear. Usually, a simpler speaker is easier to make sound great. Also, with a 9 foot spread between between the speakers, I would want to be about 9 to 10 feet from it. Overall, I still like the idea of sasha - maybe with a sub in a space like that.
If you listen with your ears, and take the emotion out of it - I would find it hard to imagine that sasha with a god sub wouldn't be better.

[Still-One]

If you have the room and the pocket book, the Maxx 3's are the way to go. To me they are more accurate in the mid's, have better bass and you have greater flexibility to focus the drivers to your listening position. There are only a handful of speakers that have the ability to convey the scale of an orchestra, the Maxx 3's are one of them.

Jim

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by daveneumann

Hi Charles, I would echo what Serge has said. Before making that kind of purchase you owe it to yourself to audition the Max 3 in direct comparison with the Sashas. I personally prefered the Sashas over the Max 3 when auditioned in the same room and with the same electronics. Of course everyone's hearing is different and we all have different values and priorities when it comes to music.

Another consideration is whether your McIntosh electronics are the best match for the Wilsons. After hearing several other options, I sold my McIntosh gear for other electronics that, to me anyway, sounded much better with Sashas.

Good luck and enjoy the process!

I think there's something to be said for the new drivers in the Sasha that give the speaker the low level resolution earlier W/P models lacked. I do wonder when Dave will update the other drivers -- or has?

[Charles]

Really appreciate the excellent thoughts. Can't audition the Maxx's, but assume they will sound similar to Sasha's. I have had another concerning thought about the Maxx's similar to the XRT1K's (I was all set to buy the 1K's, then thought about the very high port and my very low a-frame ceiling). The Maxx has a high port also, the upper midrange. Will the low ceiling interfere acoustically with this port? Depending on speaker placement it may be that it (the port) will reside 3" to 6-7" below the ceiling, much better than the huge bass port of the 1K jamming right into the ceiling. This port points somewhat upward at about 45 degrees. What do you think?

[trponhunter]

I think there's a better way to spend $70 k for a room like that. One of the major issues with large full range speakers is trying to get linear bass response. Mnay large, full range speakers cannot get truly extended low frequency response when you place them where the mids and focusing are best - in a room like you describe, this will be even more challenging. A smaller, simpler design wil be easier to position, and proper integration with a good sub can get you true low frequencies - something I doubt wil be possible any other way. I would suggest you work with a really good dealer (one truly interested in creating a great solution for you - not just wanting to sell you more gear) and see if you think they can help.by the way - if you are really serious about getting the maxx's - why don't you hop a flight to a dealer - considering the $$ involved, this would be prudent.

[Charles]

I do have a Krell MRS. I was trying to understand psycologically why I want the Maxx. Minds are funny things. Looking back on my speaker purchases I went from Dalquist DQ10's with Dalquist subs (two of them) to Thiel CS5i's Thiels topline speaker. Kept them for 6 years. Wanted more bass capability than they had. Went to Artie Nudell/Paul McGowan Genesis II's. The speaker below the Gen I's. Kept them for 9 years. The midranges started to go bad, reason for aquiring the XRT30's Mac's top speaker at the time. I like the 30's but I want a change. So I have always had a top tier or just below top tier speaker and I am definitely a creature of habit when it comes to high end audio equipment. I appreciate the thoughts on the Sasha because for the cost of the Maxx I could trade the Sasha in a few years, buy the "new" Sasha and have plenty of money left over for a Krell MRS repair if ever needed. Krell did fly someone out at their expense when it broke and did a nice upgrade on the sub while at the same time fixing the problem but I doubt they'd do it again. The bass in the room has never been a problem nor has the imaging but I am concerned about the high port of the Maxx being too close to the ceiling and I am now thinking seriously about the Sasha's now that I understand why I automatically/subconsciously went for the Maxx or the 1K, these speakers are one level below the top tier and that has always been my level of speaker.

[NoahG]

If you're concerned about ceiling reflections, how about a pair of Polaris:



[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCxix7MTj9E]Dave Wilson discusses Polaris - YouTube[/ame]

[williamhds]

I would order up a pair of the sashas and see how they integrate into the room. You will probably be surprised how well they play. If you are are happy with them then you have saved a small fortune. If you feel they are the wrong choice then your dealer may help with a cost savings to get into the maxx3. (eat a portion of the upgrade cost). If you get the maxx3 from the start you will never know if the sashas were the right choice and you will be stuck with the expense of the maxx. My room can easily handle the maxx3, I went with the sashas and have been thrilled with the outcome. They integrate into a large room, easy to move around, play LOUD ,do not stand out and will support a strong resale.

[Charles]

Williamhds, You make an extremely strong case for the Sasha's. I did speak to Wilson and they said the midrange ports were for tunnng puropses and that my a-frame would not pose a problem. I appreciate everyones' thoughts so much. I am going to ponder this (it's between the Sasha's and the Maxx 3's). I have some equipment going up to Audio Classics. As soon as they confirm the prices I will make my decision and will let everyone know. It should happen by the end of next week. I am terribly excited about getting a new speaker. It only happens once every 7-9 years.

[BlueChiaro]

Originally Posted by Charles

Williamhds, You make an extremely strong case for the Sasha's. I did speak to Wilson and they said the midrange ports were for tunnng puropses and that my a-frame would not pose a problem. I appreciate everyones' thoughts so much. I am going to ponder this (it's between the Sasha's and the Maxx 3's). I have some equipment going up to Audio Classics. As soon as they confirm the prices I will make my decision and will let everyone know. It should happen by the end of next week. I am terribly excited about getting a new speaker. It only happens once every 7-9 years.

I'm excited for you, as well, Charles! By the way, starting this thread turned out to be a pretty good thing for you, huh?