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Auditioned Wilson Sabrina X vs B&W 803D4 and Shocked

I recently auditioned the Wilsons vs. B&Ws and am a little befuddled. I had money in hand and was ready to purchase the Wilsons, but after reading the stellar reviews of the Sabrina Xs, I didn't think anything could compare in that price range. The source equipment was the McIntosh MC611s and the MC12000, which closely replicated my equipment. 

It was not even a close comparison; the B&Ws were clearly better in every aspect. The midrange was glorious, the highs were crisp, and the bass filled the room. The Wilsons were anemic with bass (roughly 14'x16'). The midrange was clinical, and the highs were nothing to write home about. I'm perplexed because Sabrina's bass output (per the reviews) belies its driver size. We even experimented with the 4 and 8-ohm outputs on the Macs.

Has anyone experienced something similar, or am I missing something (synergy, cabling, etc.)? I really wanted to love the Wilsons, but at $20K, I am not impressed. I know the B&Ws are $5K more, but I heard that Wilson is doing a price increase for 2025, which will level the price gap. I would love to hear about some experiences involving both brands or the discrepancies I heard in the presentations.  

jeffreyw
jafant's avatar
jafant
21,553 posts
 

jeffreyw

Save yourself some money by purchasing a pair of B&W 805D series and add a small subwoofer. Thank me later.

 

Happy Listening!

jc51373
563 posts
 

What I find most amusing about the original posters post on these two speakers and not even a year later he's listening to crappy pair of Kefs. There is no planet where those Sabrinas are as you described. B&W are bright, the tweeter is awful and I am not the least bit surprised the OP moved on from them so quickly....I bet if he bought the Sabrina x he would still own them. 

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw OP
309 posts
 

@jc51373 

I'm the original poster who listens to a "crappy pair of KEFs." I will enlighten you a little to further supplement your amusement. I previously owned a pair of B&W 802 D3s and sold them because I moved into a smaller place. I missed them immensely, thus my auditioning of both. My dealer is licensed to sell both B&W and Wilson. The Wilsons were completely outclassed by the B&Ws. I had money in hand and was ready to buy the Wilsons! The dealer even admitted it! There is a lot of hype with the Wilsons. Not to my taste, though.

Also, to educate you a little further, "crappy" KEFs have state-of-the-art engineering and research that is a benchmark in the industry. We all have our preferences, and that is what makes this hobby great!

Lastly, it is low-class to demean someone's choice in audio equipment. A true audiophile appreciates all gear and offers creative suggestions and input to their fellow enthusiasts. 

As the saying goes, it's better to be considered a horse's behind and not speak, than to open your mouth and prove it. 

Enjoy your Wilsons! wink

 

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