Wilson Audio Pedestals

[Charles]

Hello everybody, after extensive listening to the new Heavy (red) Pedestals that I placed under my MC3500 mono blocks a little over a month ago I can report that I am quite happy with the improvement in sonics that I have achieved. I have been searching for an audio noun or adjective that best describes how the 3500's handle my XVX, and that word would be "weight". I have a friend that has very good ears and has been in audio for many years. He was very impressed with the 1.25KW's and has listened to them for many hours through the XVX in my room. When I bought the 3500's I bought them because I had been considering the MC2KW's but I just couldn't get there, so I bought the 3500's instead. I didn't know what to expect. Immediately, I noticed a difference in the bass and you can read about my comments on this in the Mac Forum. However, I also realized that the granite blocks they set on did not provide the best acoustic isolation for them. I was happy to see Wilson recognize the need to manufacture the "heavy red" Pedestal designed specifically for heavy gear like my 3500's. These Pedestals have significantly improved both the overall resolution of my system and the weight in the bass produced by the XVX woofers. I have always been a believer in the very best that one can afford regarding power conditioning, 20 amp custom lines, speaker cables and IC's, power cords, passive or active room correction, and acoustic isolation. I much prefer passive room treatments and analog crossovers like the Wilson ActivXO electronic crossover to digital room correction, but I recognize that excellent results can also be achieved using a digital approach or a combination of both. It is rare that a room is "perfect" and the interaction of the room with the system is critical, if you desire to maximize the sonics of your system.

So, I can highly recommend the Wilson Audio Pedestals as a superb addition to your 2-channel highend audio system.

Best

Charles

[Charles]

I would like to provide an example of the added natural weight the addition of the MC3500's plus the Heavy Pedestals have added to my system. One of the very best recordings that I know of is the Berliner Philharmoniker Sir Simon Rattle Ludwig Van Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 BPHR 160093 5 CD/SACD Hybrid collection. If you enjoy Beethoven as I do, this collection is a must to own.

The first movement of the 5th symphony possesses an added bite and mid and upper bass with the 3500 plus the Heavy Pedestals that is immediately noticeable and very enjoyable. This quality carries through to all the movements and you can hear it continuously throughout all the music. The drums are amazing and there is no trace of harshness. The strings are incredibly smooth and musical. The pace is amazing.

There is no question that providing the best isolation that you can afford for your system will significantly improve your sonics from top to bottom. I chose the Wilson Pedestals, but there are other isolation platforms and devices out there. Ivan can describe them to you in detail. Sticking with Wilson McIntosh and Audioquest has allowed me to keep costs at least within the realm of reason and to coax the very best out of my system. While very expensive, these Wilson Heavy Pedestals really do augment and improve the sonics of your system, if you are not using some form of acoustic isolation for your heavier gear already.

Best

Charles