Wilson Audio SabrinaX Sonic Impressions
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- Link to our SabrinaX Unboxing Video: • Wilson Audio SabrinaX ...
Our first impressions of the Wilson SabrinaX speakers. After about 5 years, the Sabrina has been replaced. A new enclosure made of all Wilson X material, same tweeter as the WAMM Chronosonic, same bass driver as the Sasha DAW etc for $2,000 more than the original version. At $18,500 USD, how good are these speakers?
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Audio Excellence Inc. is a high end audio/video store in Markham, Ontario, Canada, a suburb of Toronto. We've been in business since 1991.
Check out our interviews with designers and audio luminaries like Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio, Paul McGowan of PS Audio, Paolo Tezzon of Sonus faber, Wendell Diller of Magnepan, John Atkinson of Stereophile, Dan D'Agostino of D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and others.
Our website is www.audioexcellence.ca
Contacts:
Adrian@audioexcellence.ca
Vilip@audioexcellence.ca
The speaker I’ve been waiting for. I auditioned it yesterday. Extraordinary. Thanks guys!
I went with the DAW's and I'm very glad i did.. Lower end is amazing.
Went and listened to this speaker today and just wow.
Great discussion, great observations, great insight. You guys have great content on your channel. Thanks for the video!
I'm in the process of getting a pair in black diamond. Should have them in 3 weeks. Great review! I'm so excited about these that I'm a little nervous!
Im getting mine next month!
Without question, Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" album is an extremely emotional collection of work. It's Joni all grown up with an orchestra. It would penetrate most human hearts on any playback system at any price, let alone anything that Audio Excellence offers.
Even if you would not donate the money I would watch but that is even better. Always fun and interesting. Appreciate your honest opinions.
You guys always make me wish that you were my audio store. I do have access to a very nice store and staff here in Bend, OR, but they must practically limit their inventory. What an amazing listening discovery park you have there!
It was the late, great Sam Tellig of Stereophile who first brought the phrase "get off of the merry-go-round" to my attention; to describe a system of such audio excellence (hmmmm, where have I heard that before?) that he could happily live the rest of his life with no compulsion to upgrade it.
Good video, love the off-topic start and the chemistry between the three of you is genuine. I agree with everyone on the panel. I had the opportunity to listen/compare a Sabrina demo pair to a just unboxed Sabrina X. My 14 yr old son, my wife and our dealer listened to the same music/system/room/levels in the same order for an afternoon. For me the Sabrina X bass was the first thing I noticed, it took a grip of the room in a way that surprised with its presence. But this is first hour notes, so obvious grain of salt must be added as the SX drivers will need to break in, again this is preliminary. However, for me, in short, the Sabrina X's tweeter was smoother less beamy, I could listen more to midrange information and the coherence from the original Sabrina is still intact. But it was the ease of the presentation, that to me, to us, made the most difference. The music was just there, hanging in air no perfect seating required, reminded me of the DAW. It was between the Sabrina and a Persona speaker for me, but the Sabrina X presentation sealed the deal for me, and it was out of the box. A definite improvement. Pair on order. Looking forward to a 30 day Sabrina X review. All the best.
Come work with us - we're looking...
Helpful comments. I auditioned the original Sabrina as well approx 1 month ago, then Sabrina X as a local dealer still had their demo Sabrina's on hand. I believe the SX to certainly be better as well. I've ordered and am waiting for their arrival. I'm going from B&W 803 D2's to this. Very excited and can hardly wait! Interested to see more review in time.
@@gerispmakris You are going to LOVE the Sabrina X. They have gotten much better over time, at least in my setup, and I mean it took several weeks if not a few months until the speakers came into their own, for me, they went from great to incredible. Every music genre I have played with them has been wonderful (my son is into IDM, I like classical / jazz / pop, and we even use it now for home theater duty). And to be honest, I removed the center channel from my HT setup because the Sabrina X do such a great job of sound staging...they disappear. That last part was very important to me, they needed to disappear, and that they do extremely well. Dynamics are its strength, they sound like they should be much bigger than they actually are. This is the end of my speaker journey. Could not be happier. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Great insightful discussion, explanations, really helpful in considering SX or DAW for your final thoughts. Thanks.
Thank you for the insights into this high end gear. I try to use your analytic method when tweaking my two systems. Keep-up the good work. And Jay, ignore the trolls!
I'm sure all your fans were waiting for this one. I checked and checked back until it finally appeared! Jay is trying to convince himself he made the right decision with the Gershmans!
I would like his assessment of the differences between the Wilson Audio SabrinaX and the Gershman speakers, I have a pair of Gershmans that need to be upgraded but because the virus issues between Canada and the US, I've put it off. The Wilson speakers could be their replacement instead of an upgrade.
Looks like this is the Wilson speaker to get. I liked DAW more than Alexia or Alexia 2.
Music First Audiophile here as well......., great review ( article ) as always.
Love the title.....its me too!
I live in Wilson's back yard.. There is a gently used set on our classifieds of Sabrina X that keeping winking at me ;-)
Wow. Some real tension going on here
thats what I thought too :|
My impression is that while Jay liked the Sabrina X over the Sabrina, he had higher expectations which were not met. On another note, I was wondering if Adrian and the gang were familiar with the Magico line and were able to determine to which speaker in the Magico line the Sabrina Xs were comparable? Thanks.
I am really interested in these speakers. I showed them to my wife and she said - no way. They look like graves. If I buy them I need to hear music with closed eyes with my arms crossed in front of my chest to fit the ambience. It will be a hard way to convince her :-(
I agree, love the sound but hate the look, hopefully they'll change the design which I believe leads to more sales than ever 😉
This color the guys have is a bit dull looking.
Get a more friendly color and it looks really nice! If you don’t like the Wilson looks in general…then look elsewhere 🤷🏻. No need to fuss around 😉
Sonus Fabre-very attractive. Your wife should like them better.
I would say angry robot coffins.
I’m sure your wife buys things you don’t like either
Can you please do a vedio for Focal Kanta 2. Please suggest couple of intigrated amplifiers and DAC for this speakers . Thanks 🙏🙏🙏
I thought Jay has rated the Gershman Avantgardes over the Sabrinas?
Thanks for this review. I’m buying these speakers and I have the Hegel H390. I was wondering if you thought the H590 would sound even better in a small room or save the cash?
Hi Adrian and Vilip. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks. [SITUATION] I currently have a 7.2.4 home theater system that is also used for 2 channel music listening. This system comprises Focal Aria floorstanding speakers, Chord DAC and Nuprime power amplifier. [COMPLICATIONS] I want to build my first ever "high end" two channel system in a different room but I do not know how much I have to spend to obtain a WOW experience . My thinking before watching this video was to buy a NAD M33 and add a pair of speakers like the Goldenear Triton Reference ($9K) . [QUESTION] Is Wilson Sabrina X US$19K going to provide me with with a substantially better experience compared with the Goldenear Triton Reference. Thanks.
I heard the Sabrinax with a Boulder 866 and that combination was very emotional in a good way. I wonder how the Sabrinax will sound with something like the Luxman L509X or M900U.
Great video guys!!!
How did it compare to daw and alexia 2?
I haven't heard the DAW or Alexia in person. But what I can hear using Jay's videos is that the DAW gives me the impression of a bigger stage. It would be nice give the DAW a listen. I didn't pay attention to the DAW because I have the impression they might be too big for my room, 18x13.
I heard it with the same setup as we. Dealer had the Boulder 866 and McIntosh MA 352 and switched them up for me. I much preferred the sound of the MA 352. Just my opinion.
They sound great with Luxman.
@@DDSRacer01 I agree. My audition was an introduction to a modern day Luxman integrated. I also heard the Sasha DAW in another room at the store with different equipment and came away thinking that the SabrinaX sounded better to me (not sure what cables were being used). It was upon reflection of this experience that I came to realize how good the Luxman is. I'm farther down the road with a different manufacturer and happy with what I have, but I was impressed with the Luxman/SabrinaX combo. The SabrinaX is still on my list of speakers I'm considering when I finish with my equipment. As many other speakers I hear, the SabrinaX continues to occupy space in my mind.
Is the sabrina x better than Focal Kanta 2?? Which Mcintosh integrated amp pairs well with the Sabrina X?
Great video and informative 👍
Thank you for the reviews! I’d love to see a review of the Paradigm Persona (3F) with Anthem STR separates
Music first!
It is said that Sabrina X is at 95% performance of Sasha DAW? So how about Sabrina X compared to Yvette?
The Yvette is excellent as well - I'm sure there are improvements in the works to make an Yvette Series 2. Darryl is still a young person.
Audio Excellence, what are your favorite amps for this speaker? Thanks
Mike and the mechanics...the living years is the title adrian😀 nothing wrong with Mike Rutherford from genesis!
I think back in the day when David was still around and promoting the original sabrinas he would intentionally demo them to folks with cheaper gear. Even receivers if I recall. Sounds like daryl at Wilson has carried on his father's legacy.
thank you - you guys are great! many comparisons to the sasha daw - how does it compare to the yvette?
💯💯
Thinking pairing the Sabrina x with Macintosh preamp c53 and amplifier Mc 462 or 312. Do you have any experience with this combo???. Thank you for your comentaries and Best Regards from a follower from Malaga ( Spain ).
Maybe you've already taken the plunge by now, but I heard these speakers with Macintosh gear a couple of weeks ago and found it lively and engaging with plenty of resolution and detail, but quite ragged. Borderline 'cheap and cheerful'. From my experience of Macintosh gear I blame that rather than the speakers. That said, I can't say for sure if it was the same combo that you mentioned, but I've never heard a system with Macintosh amps that made me want to own them. They seem to lack control and sophistication. I hope to listen to these speakers with an Ypsillon integrated amp after lockdown ends.
@@vinyltone4970 thank you for your valuable response. I would like to upgrade my system: Gryphon callisto 2200 and Dynaudio contour 3.0, to a better one as I am moving to a new house. Perhaps it is better to go on with it or look for another alternative. Thanks a lot!!
Sircasm....Jayded.....very clever YT handles created here today. Not sure why I watch this channel. I don't have $20,000 for a complete stereo system let alone $20k for speakers.
Would the McIntosh MA 352 or MA 5300 pair well with the Wilson Audio Sabrinas and TuneTots?
Do you think the D’Agostino progression integrated can drive the DAW.
C70 vs new C22... please do it...
We're reviewing C22 next...
Vilip thats nice. Since its kind of identical to C22 just cheaper because its non anniversary i guess i would love to hear thoughts.
I have a Mac D1100, Roon nucleus, and a Mac 462 amp. What speaker would you recommend in the Wilson and Sonus Faber lines for my setup? Thinking about the Sabrina X or the SF Olympic Nova V.
I recommend stop streaming and buy audiophile vinyl
I wonder how they compare to the Yamaha NS5000. I’ve heard many times that the Yamaha system is better than systems that are 3x the price.
Has Jay departed AE? I thought I read that elsewhere.
Yes... for now...
Wow I will sell the house and buy these ones :D
Hi guys, would the McIntosh MA 352 or MA5300 pair with with the Wilson Audio Sabrinas and TuneTots??
Would the McIntosh MA252 be able to drive these speakers and how would it sound? Thanks
I'll try it and let you know...
I recently listed at a local dealer here in my area. The sound with the MA 352 is very engaging. Much better than the more expensive Boulder 866 which I had the chance to compare with side by side. Just my opinion. I was very impressed. I'm considering this switch from my current NAD M33.
How far from the facing wall do you position them?
anyone have an opinion of how the Wilsons would compare with the Magnapans - 20.7 or 30.7?
Easy thing … they are not as good. The Sasha is more of the same qualities in every regard. So in the sum the difference is not that small. The Sasha is also not the speaker for the bigger room. It works in smaller rooms just as good and easily trumps the Sabrina in the same environment. I auditioned both but bought none of the two because the Sasha shows that the Sabrina is a step down and the price for the speaker that would do it for me was just to high. Wilson is sure a good company but their success made them a bit greedy in their price politics.
Sabrina X or the Sasha Series 2???
Jay is the personality, or lack of, that used to make me dread going into a store I knew was the only dealer in town that had the gear I was looking for. Maybe it is a maturity issue.
Sounds to me you like your that dreaded customer, the Karen type that nobody wants to see coming
Great video! Would these speakers be better on the McIntosh ma352 or the Hegel h390?
Any plans for Wilson Audio to launch a speaker line in the $4k to $8k range??
highly doubt that unfortunately!
Don’t think so…as the TuneTot is already 10k
don't understand why these people talk about audio gears, and music, sound but did not show 1 single minute of music/sound demo of the gear they are talking about. it is like me talking about great exhaust sound of a 6 figure sport car for 20 minutes without showing few seconds of the exhaust sound. or someone talks about how good are the kicks, punches of this MMA fighter for 20 min, without showing a clip of his fight/move.
Why do you only compare this to other Wilsons. You were raving about the Gershwin before. How does this compare to the Gershwin or other speakers you have loved recently
I second that, but it's Gershman.
These are marketing videos for the brand, that's why they didn't like Jay not raving about the speaker. They can't mention other brands
Wilson Sabrina X or Gershman Grande Avant Garde ?
I perfer GGAG
Jay come to me! YG Acoustics Carmel 2's with 300 hours on them on a Lampizator Balitc, Kubala Sosna cables, Shunyata Delta V2 power cables and 700 watt @ 4ohm Mola Mola Kaluga Monoblocks. NJ welcomes you! have a listen! Then I will take you to the land of happy happy in this price point ASAP.
like these wilson but funny thing i readed on a forum i guy had a disgution with his wife that sayd the sabrinas look like coffins and she don,t wants them in living room lol on one side better im single not sure what it may take longer buying speakers or finding a potential gf or wife
I am shocked you put these things on a 390 not a 590 or something better like the H30 bridged as monoblocks. Thank god you used the Dan D'Agastino's. I will be interested in your 30 day impression after 250-300 hours.
How about you review the lyngdorf steinway system. The one with I think 4 12" dipole bass pr. side. That will sound good. Try it if you dare. Only thing it lacks is the drive from example jbl system horn and so on that dynamics. The lyngdorf is so controllede and easy to listen to. The bass is so articulate every frequency is so detailed but pleaseant very balanced. Look its so easy to play expert in audio. then you make an analogi with cars or something very stupid or like dark compare it to camera and foods. Think of this as brigth and the other more like a cassette deck. Listen for yourself got damn it. Hifi nerds and a lot of other people cant hear shit. Nice cosy channel love listening to you. MAke some analogies . This sound brighter this sound little warmer this is.. Hif iis a little stupid but still addicting
If you like Rock music, listen to the JBL 4367.
…no, listen to big Marshal‘s
The "bierrss"
jump to 7:24 ..... blabbering till then
Jay, you are into the land of diminished returns. They could do nothing to the Sabrina , put an x in the model name and still charge you an ex $2000😎
Nah, land of diminishing returns is at $50k plus, huge improvements in each step under that, actually huge improvement from Alexia 2 to Alexx as well
Nerdy. So depressed watching this and I own the Chronosonic
In the event you guys come across a used pair of Sasha’s (no more than 1 model old) let me know, I’m looking for a pair in excellent condition
We listed a pair of Sasha 2 - sold in 2 weeks as someone drove in Sarnia and heard them, and loved them, and purchased them and then drove back home with them.
1first
Hosers with baseball caps .
Money pit
too pricey...I believe I could get as good of sound quality with the Dali Rubicon - Epicon 6...❓
Politics wtf???
Well save yourself some money and get some ATC scm150a will be a much better speaker and cheaper
Agree
This kid sounds like he has a constant cold ,and does-not know as much as he thinks he does,
Many videos he says how great a product is ,then a month later it was not as good ? No thanks !
Great discussion, great observations, great insight. You guys have great content on your channel. Thanks for the video!