Wilson MAXX II speakers-

My MAXX 2's arrived last week, and straight out of the box they presented sound and images more accurately, more musically, than any other speaker system I've had through my room--and there have been many. Compared to my prior setup of Wilson 7's plus WATCH Dog, the MAXX 2's literally redefine the music listening experience in terms of scale, realistic dynamic shadings, as well as image solidity and dimension. The MAXX 2's make any other speaker I have owned or heard under controlled conditions, sound compressed and dynamically challenged--with the possible exceptions being the Grand Utopia Be's and the Wilson Alexandrias.

The MAXX 2's greatest advantage over the original MAXX is one of harmonic truth and integrity. The original MAXX's could, in some contexts, sound slightly cool, slightly mechanical by comparison-- especially within an all SS/digital system. Piano and voice through the MAXX 2's have just the right amount of warmth, naturalness and fullness to complement their stunning representation of dynamics, pace, power and timing in music.

My room is 16 X 19 X 8, and I too was concerned about the space-constraints and possible mismatch. While I am sure more space would be better, I don't feel shortchanged in the least and am convinced I am realizing virtually all the magic these speakers have to offer.

My advice is to listen to the speakers if possible, but for me, they were about the greatest value I could have run into in terms of musical involvement.

Yes, I know the 33's and 33H's well. They are exceptional amps that would mate extremely well with the MAXX 2's, as would a cornucopia of amplifier types, from single-ended to high-current solid-state.

I did not infer that you have to have tubes with any Wilson's to successfully match them within a system. However, my opinion is that the original MAXX's had a slightly more definable "character"-- cooler and less complete, less robust--less neutral than the more chameleon-like MAXX 2's-- again, referring only to tonal balance.

All speakers and components at this level should be carefully matched to the listener and his/her preference. The MAXX 2's performance simplifies such a process, as they should at their price. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend seeking out a trial.