Wilson Spikes


During a little confusion getting my Sophias shipped to me, the spikes were forgotten. This has sionce been resolved, but as a result of my inquiries I felt I needed to ask.

I was quoted for a set of replacement spikes - £350 - not dollars - pounds. I guess this is about $600 for eight spikes.

I read in my new edition of audiocandy that a set of spikes can be had for £3.95 - say $7.

What benefits does Wilson claim for these spikes? And was my local distributor just trying to take advantage of my difficult situation at the time?
dmurfet
The effects of cryo treatment are permamnent unless the the material is reheated to its anealing temperature.Tom
Morbius, my understanding is that your point, though good, is also debatable (not by me of course) as there are educated people with views on boths sides.

Ultimately, I don't know which is true, but because of the obvious improvements to me, I hope the state of material does not change back once it's been cryo-treated.

Since most things ulitmately are temporary to one degree or another, systems, human beings, etc., I would like to ask you, how soon after treatment do you anticipate the material returning to it's original state?

Obviously if the time period turns out to be days or weeks or perhaps months, it may not be worth the hassle and expense. But if the material changes back but it takes years, that may not necessarily be a problem.

Please feel free to point me toward any white papers that you'd like to share (and that I may comprehend).

-Thanks
Stehno,

The problem is that unless you can induce a phase change in
the material - the Equation of State of the material says
that the material will return to its previous state when it
warms back up.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
Why not Chad? In fact I've had one of my entire racks including the associated Audio Points (12 in all) cryo-treated.

It makes just as much sense as cryo-treating electronic parts as both act as conduits transfering energy.

In one case it's electrical energy and in another case it's mechanical.

-IMO
I had Wilson MAXX and for what you pay for the MAXX you would think the spikes would be high quality, but they aren't. I love Dave Wilson and Wilson speakers, so I am not critizing his product overall, but the spikes on the MAXX and the WAtt/Puppy need upgrading. I purchases some brass custom Audio Points that were more solid and gave better rigidity than the Wilson spikes; and to me improved the sound. They are worth the money! Check them out at www.audiopoints.com Don't spend the money they are asking for Wilson's spikes, they aren't worth it.
Gregm, that was really funny!! LOL.

Dmurfet, I don't know if Wilson or many other component manufacturers claim much if anything about the mechanical diodes (spikes) they make and/or sell with their products.

I wouldn't be surprised if some to many install them for looks, to hope for sonic gains, and/or to simply give the impression that they realize the performance gains from certain resonance engery transfer methodologies.

If they did realize the often times incredible sonic potential of superior vibration control methodologies, one would think the mfg'er would certainly make mention of the product and technology and performance gains that can be had when properly executed. And not just mention it as a footnote if anything at all.

If they (any mfg'er) ain't saying much about the technology that may very well be an indication that they don't have much to say.

Just remember that like all speakers or amps or cdp are not created equal, neither are the mechanical diodes.

-IMO
Since the spkr. is expensive, it follows that so will be the spikes. This is known as "banging the customer out". Generous amts. of KY help.
Nope, I'm not joking, thankfully, the dealer I bought them from had only forgotten them and forwarded them when I reminded him.

It does strike me as very steep though....
Greg - I don't think he's joking! A set of three Goldmund cones (used) goes for never less than $250!
Relax: it's only 63 euro/spike and, you know, these spikes are very special. The alloy used is proprietary, it's cryoed as well, and the cryo process is proprietary.
More importantly, the spikes are specifically and individually machined for each position on every speaker unit.

Which means of course, you'll have to try each spike in every position to ascertain which combination sounds best...

On a more serious note: you're joking, right?