WILSON AUDIO/ cost vs. value

Catalogues.

Trying to buy a friend, I see...:-)))

I like Macrojack's comments on the "real" (somewhat relative) value of any speaker. What he is trying to bring out is that we really need to take a step back and see what we are paying for, his moto and mine would be "by paying more, you may not get more". macro goes on to say , how anyone cares to spend their money is their business, he just wants to get things in focus, he enjoys making critical assessments of price structures. I like his approach. I hate to keep briing up the Seas (stop HYPEING the Seas' would ya please!!!) I added up the price of the drivers as sold retail on madisound add in the Xover parts, + finely made cabinets, attractive, the price comes to very close to exactly what I pd for the kit. Sure I had to pay Richard Grey a fair price (he charged much less than what I actually gave him), took him all of about 30 minutes for BOTH!. Speedy on the gun. Then considering whats in it for the designer of the xover, Dr Apolito, nothing really. I can account for every $ in my speaker. Whats its true value, well each has to make his own conclusions after hearing. You may find its not for you at any price. For me its adifferent story(that is I'd pay much more). The B7W's I bought a few yrs before the seas' kit, cost me $800 for the 602's. Frankly after knowing their sound after a few yrs, they are not worth what i pd. I;d say $500 is fair price new. I see they've come down in price to $700 new/603's, taller cabinet. .
Macro asks, "are you getting value for what you are paying for?" Its a harmless question, but one that should be asked, especially as our $ is shrinking in value in this current economy.
Look it was Mr Wilson that opened up this 'can of worms" in the first place, with his ad statement.
No one is bashing Wilson, just trying to put things in proper perspective.
I actually heard the Wilson line 6 yrs ago, can't recall the associated components, or the exact sound, just know what I heard at that time.

Everyone has a personal point at which price and value intersect. Trying to judge the value of any item as though that personal judgment somehow translates universally is fruitless. Who cares?

If Wilson speakers aren't one's idea of good value, then move on, but stop trying to convince others that your value assessment should apply to anyone other than yourself.

>>>"No one is bashing Wilson, just trying to put things in proper perspective." <<<

I'm still chuckling at that comment. Obviously, you haven't read the thread through, or decided to skip over the posts that were full on baseless attacks, numbering at least a dozen.

MacroJack did a good job of describing basic economics and margins within general commercial enterprise--not high end electronics or speakers however. He wholly skipped many fundamental equations. Using gross anecdotes and generalities is no smoking gun nor evidence of poor, moderate or good value. What the ad says can stand or fall on it's own merit. Based on Wilson's history, standard of quality, incredible used market value and top-line dealer support, I'd say the ad is more true than not.

It's easy to take on-line anonymous pot shots. Another thing altogether to put your procuct, business, reputation and _word_ on the line for any Tom, Dick or Harry to scrutinize or belittle.

Dave's done it for years. Who among AudioGon rock throwers cares to claim the same?

Thought so.

It amazes me how these threads predictably run ad nauseum.

For me, my mantra has "ALWAYS" been....."let your ears and your wallet decide. It should be that simple. If someone is happy with an $800 DIY kit, I have no problem. However, why is it that the same people all too often try to inflict their economic beliefs that those on the other side are either wrong, arrogant, seeking status or etc, etc?

Bottom line is that there is no correct answer other than for each of us to do what lights up our ears and rocks our sonic boat. I have owned at least 25 different sets of speakers over the past 35 years. Over the last 10 years I have worked my way up the Wilson line from WP 5.1's,WP 6's, MAXX's, X-1 Series 3 and now the X-2's. I couldn't agree more with the comments as to their absurd price. However I have toured the Wilson factory in Provo and seen the workmanship as well as the quality control that goes into the production of a pair of these speakers. It takes at least 2 weeks to build and finish a pair. The quality control is exceptional and the customer service is secondary to none.The staff at Wilson audio are always receptive to a phone call to give advice as to one's concerns. I have also visited Dave Wilson's home to hear a demo between the X-1 and the X-2. That was in October 2003. Just when I felt that I had the perfect system, I knew after hearing the X-2's, my X-1's sounded broken.I have done this hobby for 35 years. It is what I enjoy after a busy day at the office. It is rest and relaxation.I ordered my speakers in November 2003 and had to wait until April 2004 to take delivery as only 2 pair per week go into production. The wait was worth it. For the installation my dealer flew 2 installers to my house to take down my X-1's,crate them up and arranged to ship them out. They spent 2 days at my house setting up the X-2's and fine tune the system. In the course of those two days, many phone calls were made to Wilson Audio to ensure the exact positioning of the upper modules. When they left I felt that everything I have strived for in audio over the previous 35 years had been reached. What other company in the speaker business provides this same degree of customer satisfaction? IMO there just isn't a better speaker in the market today than the X-2. Certainly there are many in this price range or even higher. It is curious to me how it is only Wilson Audio that always takes the beating for his high priced speakers. Dave is sincere in his passion and quest to bring audio nirvana to we audiophiles. He is an absolute gentleman. Was it expensive for me? Absolutely. Based on my mantra, that is my story. I am certain however that I will never buy another set of speakers. My journey is complete.