WILSON AUDIO/ cost vs. value

Just returned from HE2006 in LA. After hearing a 15-minute demonstration of the new Watt Puppy 8's by Dave Wilson himself, my wife said, "Twenty-eight thousand dollars, is that all they are?" This was, by far, the best I've ever heard Wilson speakers sound. The speakers disappeared, the music evenly pressurized the large room, and the tone, texture, and dynamic swell was closer to live reproduction than I've previously heard from the Sophia's, the 6's or the 7's. In my opinion, the 8's are worth every penny, and I'm betting that the market will agree.

"only $28k, is that all they are?" I love it...

"only $28k, is that all they are?" I love it...

She was already sold on the $48K Acapella's, so I guess the WP8's seemed downright cheap.

I've used that spin on my wife for many an upgrade. How's this? I'm looking at $20k speakers. Really considering them. Decide, however, on $10k speakers, and go to my wife all excited that I just saved her $10k, so my new speakers won't cost anything...you married guys know the deal...It's an Abbott and Costello routine...

I also thought the Wilson room featuring the WP8 sounded very, very good. The state-of-the-art Audio Research amplification/preamplification didn't hurt, either. They used a selection of music that I suspect lended itself to the speaker's strengths...but perhaps that's too cynical. I wish Wilson had also used some large orchestral music and some rock, or at least some driving jazz in addition to the vocals. Would I spend $28k on them. No. I'd break out in hives.

I also thought the Sophias in the Lamm room sounded exceptional, and I could easily live with the sound in the Lamm room.