Wilson Alexia - what's the competition


The critics seem to love it, but what's the crowd's view vs. competition probably Focal Maestro Utopia, Vivid Giya, etc?

And has anyone heard this without the cost no object slew of electronics and cables that Wilson uses at shows? The Stereophile show report listed these $45k speakers being shown with about $350k worth of electronics and cables...the cables were well over twice the price of the speakers! Anyone heard them with slightly more humble accompanying kit?
rfarris

Showing 2 responses by soix

I'm not a huge Wilson fan, but I heard the Alexia at the NYC show a month ago and I was very impressed -- moreso than with any other Wilson demo I've heard. I actually preferred the sound in that room to the MAXX3s, but they were in different rooms with different equipment so fwiw.

That said, at their $48k asking price I'd make damn sure to hear several other contenders -- even if I had to fly somewhere to do it -- as there are a ton of great speakers in that price range. Specifically, for almost $20k less(!!!) I'd give the Joseph Audio Pearl 3s (also sounded great at the show) and Rockport Aviors a serious listen. I also got to hear the Vivid G3 which was another best of show contender for me, and that clocks in around $8k less than the Alexias if you can handle their looks (which I found to be pretty cool in person, and I'm usually pretty conservative). And for $10k less the Magico Q3 would be on my list as well. Closer to the Alexia's price range the Vandy 7s would be a must hear for me, and I'd give the Raidho 3.1s a shot too (the 2.1s also sounded great at the show, again one of the best for me).

Man, going through all these great options made me wish I was in your position (sigh). Have fun and best of luck, and I'd really like to hear what you find along your journey.
Ricred, out of curiosity what did you prefer about the Sashas over the Aviors? Do you remember what electronics were in front of them? Thanks for thoughts.