Wilson Maxx 2

Thanks again Samuel and to clarify my comments above on the Maxx's are on the originals not the 2's which I have not heard yet. I share your opinion that the newest generation of Wilson is less mechanical sounding than the previous as evidenced by yourself. They truly have eliminated the ever so slightly mechanical and hifi characteristics of earlier models that were initially quite impressive in the "sound" category and transition their line into the truly musical camp. That's a real accomplishment as they've maintained the traits like slam and imaging that make them impressive and appealing from an audiophool mentality to pushing true musical instrument capability in their newer models. The coherence of the Sophia and WP7 were truly remarkable for the design and if the Maxx2 has picked up the mantle then you truly are a happy man. I myself am chomping at the bit to hear them. Anyone in New England with these willing to open up their casa and host an Audiogon listening session? ;^) I'll bring the adult beverages...

Cytocycle,

What did you think of the Rowland 302 with the Maxx's? Was it the new Maxx 2?

I currently have the Rowland 302 with the Wilson Watt PUPPY 7's.

Do you own the Rowland 302? What do you use it with?

There are so few Rowland 302 owners....I enjoy it but feel a tad lonely....seems most rowland users have other products by Rowland (perhaps it the price of the 302....I got it used so made it affordable somewhat)

Michael

Karmapolice

The Rowland 302 were impressive on the Maxx 2's, I heard Halcro's on the original Maxx's.

I own Lamm M1.1s (not many of those owners either) that I use with my WP7... It's a magical Combination... I have a Rowland Synergy IIi Preamp that is now running on DC (no more power cords)

It's interesting to read all these comments started by a listen to my home system. Thx Cyto.
The Maxx-1 was very good until I heard the Maxx-2. The Series 2 has better integration of the drivers, faster, and better resolution of the silence between the notes. More control and slam in the bass with more extension too.
Each generation of Wilson's gets better, more musical (which is more accurate) and more fun to listen to for hours on end (if I only had the time!)
Only one correction- the amps are Rowland 301's not 302. The 302 is the stereo version, these are mono. How do they sound? Quick, fast, even, and controlled throughout the range. Incredible dynamics and pace. Solid bass and control. Smooth and articulate highs. Wide and deep soundstage. What more could one ask for from a power amp? Lower price?! Try the 201's, a bargain priced version with 250wpc into 8ohms and similar sonic signature and don't fare too badly on the Maxx's. The 301's and derivatives are probably the best sounding amps Jeff has done yet. The 301's are seemingly unlimited in power on the Maxx (either series)too.
And just to be on the up and up- I am an authorized dealer for Wilson, Rowland, Vandersteen and more.
Bottom line for anyone owning a pair of Maxx-1: upgrade NOW. Don't wait, there is no sonic negative, only positives. Onward, upward, and forward to audio nirvana!

BTW- the initial question was: are the Maxx Series 2 sensitive enough for an SET amp? I'd say so but haven't tried one IMS. Specs call out an 8ohm nominal with a 3ohm minimum; 92 db@1W (2.83V) @ 1meter. Factory minimum power amp size: 7 Watts!
If your SET amp is equipped with an XLR input, email me and we can arrange a listen in Scottsdale using your amp(s).