Stereophile - Sabrina 5

erik_squires -  - nice explanation. My first thought looking at that rather appalling frequency curve is the HOLE in the midrange from 2k-4k (-4db) is due to the crossover not allowing the tweeter to play low enough or the midrange to play high enough. That assumes that either is capable of playing in that range. Assuming the drivers were capable of playing that range without significant distortion, a bit more overlap would likely have filled that hole nicely.

The other thing that stands out to me is the ascending frequency curve. That curve runs contrary to the universally preferred descending "Harman Curve" that is favorable in most real world listening conditions. 

steve59 - I agree. Many of the industry's most beloved speakers had absolute crap measurements. I've enjoyed a few myself!

I have a relatively limited amount of personal experience with Wilsons; I have one friend with a pair of Sabrina’s, and a pair of Sasha Vs, and have only spent an hour or two with each.  But this friend is definitely more into analytical-sounding speakers than I am, and less of a tonality/midrange guy than me.  So that response curve actually makes some sense - it would seem to significantly emphasize highs over the midrange. 

@dpac996 

+ 10 Anton Ego!!!!

I get that it's fun to pick on #1- we all do it at one time or another. I was up for saucy comments on Wilsons overpriced over hyped over worshiped speakers. I even wrote a nastygram here about some AlexxVs that underwhemed me.  

Then I heard a set of W/P 8s set up correctly. It was a full U turn experience. 

Now I own a set of dark red Sabrina 2s and their 250# each mass and bespoke finish speak to me even when they are idle. The sound? Transformative- at least to me. 

How many American brands managed to stay alive 50 years and still be considered "reference"? Wilson, Audio research, Bryston come to mind. There is value in staying power. 

I like French Vanilla. maybe you like chocolate chip. It's all so personal and subjective. 

I'm always amazed at posters with strong, authoritative opinions about gear they have never actually listened to. Often based on articles written by unidentified others of uncertain skills and interests. Usually with incorrect information. 

After years enjoying most of the higher B&W models; discovered Wilson Audio. My ownership experience with Wilson started years ago with the then new, Watt-Puppy 7.  Still a desired speaker.  On to the Sasha and for the past years, the excellent Yvette.  Spent plenty of time at dealers listening to all of their speakers.

Wilson, in certain models, intentionally wires the midrange out of phase (backwards) with the speaker's bass and treble units.  It's done, of course, in the service of  increased sound quality and is fully considered in the design of the crossovers.  The ultimate result is verified through electronic testing and extensive listening sessions.  Can't tell you if any I've owned use that technique. but they all sounded great.