Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Superb sound quality conveys weight and impact with surprising power and depth
- Transparent to changes in front-end components, amplifiers, and wiring
- Combines excellent dynamic punch with startling transparency
- The entire outer enclosure is constructed from Wilson's X-Material, resulting in true tonal purity and pitch-black backgrounds
Product Considerations
- Requires a high-quality amplifier that will happily drive impedances as low as 2Ω
- Meticulous placement is needed; small movements can dramatically affect qualities and timbre, so they demand proper setup
- May reveal inadequacies upstream that need correction
- The non-parallel and non-contiguous external paneling is something to consider aesthetically
- The speaker terminals on samples tested may have a gap at the bottom when fully tightened, so they wouldn't lock down on standard spades unless a washer is added
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SabrinaX's outer enclosure is constructed entirely from X-Material, while the original used X-Material only in its baffle and lower spike plate, and the SabrinaX has a slot that's 120mm long and 20mm across instead of a circular port
- It's more apt to consider the SabrinaX less like an updated Sabrina, and more like 'Honey, I Shrunk The Chronosonic XVX'—because there are so many parts of that mighty loudspeaker that have directly trickled down to the SabrinaX
- The 8″ woofer is the same one used in the Sasha DAW
Takeaway: The SabrinaX is a high-performing speaker that packs a lot of technology into a smaller size and is able to play a variety of music due to its clarity and balance. This speaker is worth considering for a dynamic and transparent experience in a beautifully engineered package.
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Manufacturer details
Evolution
The SabrinaX is a ground-up rethinking of the Sabrina, perhaps the most universally loved of Wilson's small, floor-standing loudspeakers during the last several decades. The original Sabrina attracted a loyal, almost cult-like following. It was a rare combination of traditional Wilson virtues such as musical authority, dynamic resolution, midrange beauty and integrity, and a sense of inherent musical "rightness." This list of achievements and qualities would be uncommon in any loudspeaker. When considering Sabrina's compact size and relative affordability, it becomes obvious why so many audiophiles and music lovers admire Sabrina. The design goal with SabrinaX was to preserve the original model's inherent affability, flexibility, and its astonishing technical prowess while, at the same time, elevate its resolution, bass...
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Wilson Audio emphasizes driver time-alignment in its designs, adjusting for listening position and amplifier characteristics, claiming increased realism in sound reproduction.
- The brand incorporates a proprietary mix of materials in their cabinets, such as X-Material, S-Material and V-Material, each chosen and implemented to control resonance and improve sonic performance.
- Wilson Audio places great importance on providing a bespoke level of service, offering a Wilson Audio Setup Procedure (WASP) that is performed by trained dealers in the client's listening room.
- Wilson Audio integrates key components manufacturing in-house, demonstrated by the acquisition and use of AudioCapX capacitors wound to exacting standards, allowing precise crossover design.
Select products
SabrinaX
- Positioning: The entry-level floor-standing loudspeaker.
- Description: Offers a compact design suitable for smaller rooms or spaces where placement flexibility is essential. Unlike higher-end models like the Sasha V, it lacks modular adjustability, making it less adaptable to varied listening positions.
The WATT/Puppy
- Positioning: A reimagined classic, positioned above the SabrinaX in the lineup.
- Description: This model pays homage to its iconic predecessor while incorporating modern technologies. Compared to the SabrinaX, it features an adjustable spike and bubble level for precise setup, enhancing its adaptability in different environments.
Sasha V
- Positioning: Sits mid-tier in the range, offering advanced features without reaching flagship status.
- Description: Incorporates V-Material in critical areas for improved vibration control, a feature not present in the WATT/Puppy. Additionally, it offers a two-position front spike track for enhanced time alignment, providing greater adaptability to various listening positions.
Alexia V
- Positioning: Positioned above the Sasha V, offering more advanced technologies and performance capabilities.
- Description: Features an all X-Material enclosure with V-Material strategically placed for superior vibration damping, surpassing the Sasha V's implementation. Its crossover has been refined for better impedance and sensitivity measurements.
Alexx V
- Positioning: A high-end model, positioned just below the flagship offerings.
- Description: Introduces an open gantry design and a QuadraMag midrange driver, advancements over the Alexia V. It also incorporates an all X-Material enclosure with V-Material in strategic locations, enhancing vibration control and sound clarity.
Chronosonic XVX
- Positioning: One of the flagship models, offering top-tier performance and technology.
Description: Features an ultra-precise time-domain adjustment mechanism, allowing for microsecond-level alignment, a capability beyond the Alexx V. Its modular design provides groundbreaking adaptability to various listening environments.
WAMM Master Chronosonic
- Positioning: The ultimate flagship loudspeaker, representing the pinnacle of design and engineering.
- Description: Offers true full-range performance without the need for a subwoofer, unlike earlier designs. It incorporates the most advanced time-domain adjustability and driver technology, setting it apart from the Chronosonic XVX and other models in the lineup.
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Wilson Audio
What if you spend more?
The WATT/Puppy
Introducing a remastering to one of, if not the most, iconic loudspeaker designs: The WATT/Puppy. Inspired by the original WATT/Puppy's legacy, the development of this instantly recognizable design began with a hopeful vision: to create a WATT/Puppy that would honor the original designer by utilizing current technologies and innovations refined for more than 50 years. Simply put, to build a WATT/Puppy that Dave Wilson would have built if he had the resources then that Wilson Audio now possesses.
Material DNA
The original WATT/Puppy underwent a total of eight evolutions from 1986-2011. These eight iterations utilized a variety of materials, each strategically integrated and available during their respective development periods. Each evolution of material usage pushed the boundaries of what was achievable in loudspeaker capabilities at the time.
In the early years, Puppy enclosures employed a laminated 60-lbs version of High-Density Fiberboard (HDF), while the WATT incorporated Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA).
Thirteen years after the retirement of Series 8, The WATT/Puppy now is constructed with the most refined versions of X-Material for the internal bracing and external enclosure, S-Material for midrange coupling to the front WATT baffle, and V-Material for the top of the Puppy, serving as the vibration-sink interface for the WATT.
Each of these unique materials is meticulously chosen for its specific performance characteristics, whether in the realms of vibration control or sound reproduction. This commitment to material excellence is one of many elements that ensures The WATT/Puppy delivers the best audio quality possible for this relatively compact design.
Get a Grip
The rod handle on the rear of the original WATT was initially designed in 1985 as a practical way for David Wilson, founder of Wilson Audio and a recording engineer at the time, to transport his custom-made studio monitors to recording sessions. This functional and robust handle has since evolved for The WATT/Puppy. The current design is stylized for a secure and comfortable grasp at any angle. Similar to the original WATT handle, the new handle effortlessly supports the weight of the WATT during transportation and installation.
AudioCap Copper Capacitors
Wilson Audio's proprietary AudioCapX-WA capacitors are uniquely wound in-house by our Reliable Capacitors (RelCap) department to meet extraordinarily tight tolerances. This process enhances low-level resolution, revealing the subtle nuances of sound reproduction with remarkable clarity and depth.
Elevating our commitment to sonic purity, we have developed a new copper version of the AudioCapX-WA capacitor, a similar design initially unveiled with the esteemed Sasha V series. This iteration has been further refined with copper end-spray and gold leads, ensuring that high-frequency micro-details are rendered with exquisite resolution.
Golden Anniversary
Wilson Audio's 50th Anniversary medallion was created to commemorate five decades of Authentic Excellence in sound reproduction and craftsmanship. Available exclusively throughout 2024 on The WATT/Puppy during Wilson Audio's historic 50th celebration, this limited-edition medallion is a badge of honor for this remastered iconic design. The color of the medallion corresponds to the color hardware chosen for The WATT/Puppy. Whether Clear or Black hardware is selected, the medallion will mirror that finish. Additionally, a unique Red medallion will exclusively accompany red paint variations chosen for The WATT/Puppy, making this version the rarest of them all.
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Product Strengths
- Remarkable soundstage width and depth, creating a vivid and immersive listening experience
- Excellent detail retrieval and clarity across the frequency spectrum
- Powerful and controlled bass response
- Evolutionary transmutation that embodies Wilson Audio's entire current philosophies and peak technologies
Product Considerations
- The price point may be a limiting factor for some potential buyers, especially given the proximity to the Sasha V's price
- Requires careful setup and positioning to achieve optimal performance
- Bass response may be overblown at times
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sabrina X: The WATT/Puppy clearly betters the Sabrina X
- Vs Sasha V: Uses identical drivers but the Sasha V deploys larger cabinetry
- The Wat Puppy is a little dog that is demanding of attention versus the Sasha—which is effortless
- Vs Watt Puppy System 8: The WATT/Puppy outperforms the System 8 in every area, from low frequency extension and slam, to soundstage depth and width
Takeaway: The WATT/Puppy is a high-performing speaker system that combines advanced technology with a legacy design to provide a detailed and engaging listening experience. Its ability to create a wide and deep soundstage while maintaining clarity and control makes it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with meticulous sanding, polishing, and assembly
- High level of detail reproduction with a clean and uncolored treble, thanks to the diamond tweeter
- Stable and efficient design with a wide frequency range and high sensitivity
- Iconic design with a teardrop-shaped cabinet to minimize diffraction and internal Matrix skeleton to reduce resonances
- Delivers music with extremely low distortion, allowing complex passages to breathe freely
Product Considerations
- Wheels underneath may mark parquet floors
- May lack some punch and dynamics in the mid-bass for some listeners
- Setup can benefit from careful physical adjustments for optimal performance
- Grills may be compelling as toys for young children
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 802 D4 is more musically compelling than the 802 D3
- The 802 D4 delivers more accuracy, especially in the mids and highs, than the 800 D2/D3
- The 802 D4 has an advantage in airiness, transparency and resolution, though the KEF Blade Two Meta has more brutal dynamics
- The 802 D4 has less exaggerated sibilance, though the Focal Sopra No3 is more powerful in the midrange
Takeaway: The 802 D4 is an ultra high-end speaker that combines advanced technology and top-shelf materials, delivering exceptional detail and a clean soundstage for an immersive listening experience. It is a speaker that may fill the soul with music.
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Product Strengths
- Excellent clarity, detail resolution, and agility in sound reproduction
- Impressive bass definition and punch, delivering huge amounts of bass effortlessly
- Combines muscularity, insight, scale, and attack for an engaging listening experience
- Design is unique and striking, with impeccable build quality and a flawless finish
- Offers extensive specification and numerous control options, all implemented expertly
Product Considerations
- Sonic presentation might be a little too 'safe' or 'civilizing', potentially losing some of the vibrant energy in music
- Lacks some features compared to competitors regarding connectivity and adjustability
- Requires a large listening space to avoid overpowering the room
- The provided remote casing feels cheap and insubstantial compared to the overall package
- Room correction (ADAPT) is not as automated or precise as some other systems and the application may crash
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: KEF LS60 offers more flexibility, including a subwoofer output, but at higher volumes, Focal Diva is the clear winner
- Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90: Beolab 90 is in a league of its own and provides a more complete audio experience
- Vs Scala Utopia Evo: Diva Utopia is cheaper in the long run, as the Scala Utopia Evo needs additional components, such as Naim Classic components
- Vs Diablo Utopia Color Evos: The Color Evos may represent the ultimate Focal experience
Takeaway: The Diva Utopia is an all-in-one speaker with impressive sound that expertly combines performance and design. It offers a unique blend of luxury and high-end audio quality that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a simplified audiophile experience.
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Elegant and powerful, our BXT turns any pair of Kii THREE into unrivaled floor-standing speakers.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- When combined with the BXT module, the system delivers tight, dynamic, and nuanced bass reproduction
- The addition of the BXT allows the system to reveal subtle details in the lower frequencies that are typically missed
- The BXT system offers a balanced sound, with the midrange frequencies benefiting from the addition of the BXT module
- Are relieved of some bass duties, letting them focus more on the mids
- The combination with the BXT module creates a cardioid dispersion pattern, reducing reflections from side and rear walls—minimizing the influence of room acoustics
- Ease of use is another strength of the concept
Product Considerations
- Some perceive it as sounding 'too digital' or 'too analytical' on its own, lacking the warmth of other speakers, but the BXT module helps to address this
- The display on the Kii Control is considered small, making it difficult to read in poor lighting conditions
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus ATC speakers, ATC speakers have a warmer, more colorful sound
Takeaway: The system, especially when paired with the BXT module, delivers exceptional sound quality with deep, controlled bass and reduced room interaction. For those wanting a system with great clarity and power, this could be a good pick.
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Most affordable way into the true 800 series form factor, with the solid aluminum turbine head and the fully curved matrix-braced cabinet
- Features a one-inch diamond dome tweeter, which is a standout strength
- Midrange and vocal region from the Bowers favor a leaner, more technically accurate sound, going for outright clarity, and vocals sound particularly clear and clean
- Bases have casters integrated or built into them, making them easy speakers to move around for optimal positioning, and integrated spikes can then be used to securely position them
- Show-stoppingly gorgeous and sound simply fantastic
Product Considerations
- A much fussier speaker in every regard and require more thought and work to get the sound balance right
- Possible to come across maybe a little bit too lively in the treble
- Amplifier power, quality, and capability is hugely influential—hugely important for these speakers
- Due to their revealing nature, they don't play particularly well with poorer recordings such as metal and older rock
- Tweeter can get fairly harsh when the volume is turned to the extreme, pushing 90+ db for louder music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Bowers & Wilkins are a much fussier speaker in every regard than the Mission 770
- Paradigm Persona 5H is a little more "liquid" sounding
- Wilson Audio SabrinaX's finish is superior to that of the Bowers & Wilkins, dynamic, easy to drive, with a very familiar and very resolute sound
- Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4s are refined like an Aston Martin, and Tekton Ulfberhts are more like a Corvette C8
- Bowers & Wilkins 805D4 lacks the midrange prowess that the 803 has, and will most definitely need a subwoofer for even mild extension into bass
Takeaway: The 803 D4 speakers offer a fantastic listening experience with clear vocals and a grand soundstage, making music more engaging. They are an investment that can potentially improve over a long period of time through system upgrades and continued optimization.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a large, detailed—and scalable—sound that doesn't lose quality at different volumes
- Excels in creating a wide and deep soundstage, enhancing the listening experience with a sense of expansiveness
- Is emotionally engaging, creating a connection between the listener and the music
- The Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) significantly improves sound quality by absorbing unwanted frequencies, resulting in clearer and more accurate high-frequency reproduction
- Offers customisation for bass tuning with different port options to suit various room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Is a large and heavy speaker, requiring a substantial space and stable flooring
- Represents a significant investment
- While generally easy to drive, benefits from high-quality amplification to reveal its full potential
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiovector R6 Arreté: R6 Arreté sounds extremely weightless and transparent, but doesn't have the same depth of bass as the Reference 5 Meta
- Vs Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition: The Serafino deliver the music nicely wrapped in a warm envelope that's very addictive, while the Reference 5 Meta focuses on detail and transparency
Takeaway:
The KEF Reference 5 Meta is a high-end loudspeaker that provides a detailed, emotionally engaging—and expansive—sound experience. With its advanced technology and customizable features, it is a great option for those looking to invest in a top-tier audio system.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- ATC designs and builds every drive unit in-house, including voice coils, crossovers, and active amplification, allowing for complete control over every loudspeaker design decision
- In the active version, a more clearly defined soundstage has clearer, more well-defined individual elements, where everything pops out more from the background
- The active version has more energy, drive, and a more vivid overall presentation, resulting in a more tactile, energetic, and higher resolution sound
- The SCM50's woofer has an enviable ability to resolve textures and timbral colors, capably rendering the skins of bass drums, the flutter of tom-toms, or the dark voicing of orchestral bass viols as bows are dragged across their strings
- The SCM50 has an almost eerie immediacy that seems to glean the intent of the musician before their bow touches the string or a note escapes their lips, making piano reproduction breathtaking
- Connectivity is limited to a single XLR input, which may require adapters for single-ended sources
Product Considerations
- The active version is heavier than the passive version
- The owner must manually turn each speaker on and off, as there is no trigger or auto startup circuit
- The active version may pose challenges for owners of subwoofers needing high-level wiring connections, although workarounds exist
- Careful attention must be paid to positioning a pair of SCM50s, as the full-bandwidth—ported design means that placing them too close to a boundary wall will result in bass bloom
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SCM50 wins hands down over PureAudioProject Duet 15s for resolution, clarity, and dynamic shading
- The active version excels over the passive in solidity of soundstage, neutrality, and ultimate detail retrieval
Takeaway: The ATC SCM50 offers exceptional sound quality, whether in its active or passive configuration, thanks to ATC's engineering and in-house design. The ATC SCM50 is a choice that will bring musical joy for years to come.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stunning and unique aesthetics with a high-quality finish, including nine layers of natural wood and lacquer
- Very impressive audiophile soundstage that is layered with depth, allowing the listener to look 'through' the speakers
- Balanced sound with a sweetness to the treble and clear, focused vocals, regardless of the music content or volume
- Tight and controlled bass delivery that's detailed, articulate, and has a bouncy character—suitable for various room sizes
- Easy to drive with high sensitivity and works well with a range of amplifiers, even those significantly less expensive than the speakers themselves
Product Considerations
- Some audiophiles might find the overall dynamic liveliness a little too polite
- The bass, while satisfying, might be considered modest and not provide huge amounts of bass for bass enthusiasts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Serafino has a warmer sound than the Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4
- Serafino is smoother and more relaxed in the higher frequencies than the Gryphon EOS 2
Takeaway: The Serafino speakers offer a unique blend of beautiful design and balanced sound, making them great for enjoying music for extended periods. Their elegant appearance and easy-to-listen-to nature make them worth considering for an all-around listening experience.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Dramatic, futuristic appearance with science-fiction-solidified, large wedges of carbon fiber that look like they are approaching warp speed while standing still
- Tight and quick bass due to the four smaller drivers working in concert
- Silky yet extended treble
- Image in the room was delightful in its solidity, with vivid imaging, giving equal weight to lateral staging and depth delineation
- Very good value for money when compared to their competitors
Product Considerations
- Finishes of the cabinets are limited to two colors (black and white)
- A run-in period is needed to get rid of the slight brittleness in the drivers when box-fresh
- A big loudspeaker, so ensure adequate space for them to breathe
- Backloading of bass may cause some positioning problems in some rooms
- One reviewer noted a fairly wide trough, centered at roughly 200Hz, that maxed out at nearly 10dB, so music that relies on this power region may not sound as good
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiovector R6 Arrete´: The reviewer preferred the isobaric bass of the R6s, though the price difference certainly does make one sit up and take notice, and in every other way—in the reviewer's opinion—the Børresen X6s outperform the Audiovectors, though it's a fairly close run race
- Vs Børresen X3: The X6 offer a bigger 'feel' and digs a bit deeper in the bottom end than the X3
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature: Crossover between the midranges and the tweeter rivaled the clarity of the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature
Takeaway: The Børresen X6 speakers offer excellent value for the money and create a sense of scale uncommon in speakers at this price. With adequate space and solid amplification, these speakers offer a very attractive proposition.
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