Wilson Alexandria V2

Dgad

I think it took me much less time to get them set up versus the Maxx's. I will say that you will notice some component matching issues. Specifically, the Maxx treble is "hot" by comparison. Thus, you can grind out much more detail, while still being musical. I found that my previous set up was taming that top end a bit. For example, I have a line conditioner that is very detailed that I can let loose now. Perhaps some minor cable changes too. I think that would be all. Now you have no excuse:-)

Sorry, meant resistors but fudged it because that was in your intro.

The Alexandria X-2 is a mind-blowing speaker, way better than MAXX 2, which is an awesome speaker in itself. Obviously you need a big room for the X-2s, though I assume you have one since you owned the MAXXs.

Microdynamics is astounding and the attack is unreal. It will bring live recordings to life like you wouldn't believe. With the X-2s, you truly understand what people mean when they talk about the difference between a great sounding speaker and one that brings you to the performance.

Having said that, personally I would spend 1/3 of that money and get a pair of MBL 101Es instead. This is a sound experience like you wouldn't believe. Until you've heard an omnidirectional speaker of this quality, you have no idea how difference and amazing speakers can sound away from traditional front-firing ones. Immense soundstage, truly 3D holographic imaging, a musical stage that floats in front of you that you can walk around. Certainly not as forward as the Wilsons and lacking that attack and slam, but this is more than made up for by the many ways it is better than the Alexandrias.

Try a demo first before you plunk down that amount of cash for the X-2s. You can't go wrong with the top of the line Wilsons, but it doesn't hurt to make sure you're getting the absolute best speaker for your budget.

FWIW - blowing the resistors is perhaps a good sign. If the output is clean and with ultra low distortion it is quite natural to want to turn it up...and up....and up. It all sounds just so natural and completely effortless.

Many speakers just sound so terrible when turned up that this problem never occurs or only occurs during a house party.