Am I broken? Am I stuck? Do I have to return my audiophile card now?

There’s a line from the show “Mad Men” — What’s happiness?  It’s that moment before you want more happiness.

A man’s got to know his limitations.

As a dealer of high ticket items once stated: “it’s only money.  You’ll make more.”

@bigfatpaulie we have the same speakers. I also have the RME ADI-2 BE Pro. I did a blind test w my daughter and wife with the Weiss 501 DAC. They could easily point out the Weiss every time. It's on-sale used on tmraudio for 6kish. I can't imagine your dealer would let you have the Sasha for that same amount w the X as trade-in.

Love the Sashas.  Not so taken with the Sabrinas.  

If it were me in your situation, I know I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t buy the Daw’s. Especially if it’s a great deal. I would also be looking into room treatment to get the most of them

Paul....."But I am happy with the Sabrina's!" Keep them and buy more LPs....simple enough....

I own the original Sabrina and love the sound. However, every component upgrade, be it amp, preamp, DAC or cables, brought further improvements to the overall presentation. You can upgrade your DAC and possibly cables to start with. Yes, you won’t reach the levels of Sasha DAW but you have not even pushed the Sabrinas to the limit. 
 

@ozzy 

Unless your dealer is Tyrus

Love it

I was seriously considering going from Harbeth 30.2 XD to SabrinaX, but opted for 40.3 XDs last weekend. 

One of the reasons was the likely itch to upgrade from entry level. 

The other was off-axis listening - Harbeth's sound good outside of the sweet-spot and from what I understand, Wilson's not so much.

I still lust after Wilson's though...nice dilemma for you:)

So, here’s the deal ... you need to determine the point of diminishing returns. Are the Sashas THAT MUCH BETTER than the Sabrinas? What’s the percentage of improvement? If it’s a wide margin, then I say to go for it because tomorrow is not guaranteed. OTOH, if the Sashas are only a small improvement, then there may be no logical or practical reason for the trade ... in that case, apply the extra money toward a better amp and/or DAC.

Carpe Diem - If there is a deal there that allows you to do the move I would take it. Those opportunities don’t come up often. I would make the leap personally. I have had a few life events that caused me to be in a hole but I’ve still gotten a new DSP last week because it is more than twice the fidelity of the one I’m using and being part of the early adopter program is exciting to me. They are asking for input and feedback which is fun. It’s an experience I wouldn’t have if I waited. Let us know what you decide! 
 

- Steve

Hi bigfatpaulie...you ask a fine question, thanks.

I choose not to view other responses to provide my gut feeling as a seasoned music lover and not a gear person.  It appears your Sabrina's are working really well in your room, which is vital to great sound.  I'd upgrade the gear, knowing you can always make a speaker move in the future and maybe, by that time, yet another speaker may be your preference.  Onwards and upwords!  

More Peace, Pin      (bold print for old eyes)

Carpe Diem - If there is a deal there that allows you to do the move I would take it. Those opportunities don’t come up often.

Yes there is the "rare opportunity" thing, if that's the case.

I'm sure I'm not alone in still occasionally kicking myself in missing certain rare opportunities that are unlikely to come again.

And I've been extremely happy in TAKING rare opportunities that wouldn't come again.   For instance, I was always a fan of MBL omnis, which were way too expensive.  But I saw an add for a "rare opportunity to own MBL" in which an MBL speaker had been cosmetically damaged in shipping to a customer, and so it was being sold at less than 1/5 the price!  Even though I didn't have much money at the time, I stretched to grab those and was very glad I did.  I got to live with MBLs for a good 10 years!

Likewise, in years before a deal had fell through for a pair of Thiel 2.7 speakers in ebony.  I lusted after those things, loving the Thiel sound (I had big 3.7s I needed to replace) and LOVING the rare ebony finish that would match my decor.  I kicked myself for not getting those when they sold.   Thiel 2.7s were rare enough, but in ebony...super rare.  So when another pair finally came up years later I grabbed them.  So glad I did because they were everything I hoped, and just the right finish. And I've never seen them for sale since.

Then there are missed opportunities.  For instance I was gagga over some Waveform Mach Solo speakers that I once reviewed.  One of the best speakers I've heard in my home, in a gorgeous finish, but I let them go.  I thought about those speakers for years, and kept my eye on the used market.  But that model had been manufactured just when Waveform was going under, so they were essentially never on the used market.  About 17 years later a pair popped up for sale!  It was the last one Waveform ever built AND it was custom modded with better drivers by the manufacturer (was his own pair).  AND it was within driving distance local pick up.  AND it was at an INSANELY low price!   All perfect, right?  Except this occurred when I had a rare extended time out of work.  I just wasn't confident about spending any money at that moment, even though some work would eventually come.  So...I watched as they were eventually sold.  And...of course....work came not long after!    Still kicking myself....

I just went through a similar experience with home theater processors. I bought new and have been using a Lexicon MC-12 for years. I like the processor so much that I even bought a second one. I have tried to keep my system current and most recently I became interested in an Anthem AVM90 processor as a replacement for the MC-12. I pulled the trigger and bought the Anthem and I do like it but I also miss the MC-12. The AVM90 has the capability to play formats that didn't even exist with the MC-12 came out and it is -in part- with that in mind when I bought the AVM90. This hobby has ALWAYS presented one compromise after another and I believe it is the nature of this hobby to do so -  whatever choice you make there is always another step/improvement that will soon come to mind. Go for or stay with the speakers that - in the long run- will provide the most satisfaction. You have already said one speaker will never be as good as the other and that is something that is likely to keep coming to mind in the future.

Have you spoken with a therapist...might be good to get a firm grasp of this traumatic situation...keep us in the loop

@pmiller115

I have seldom ever experienced compromise in the pursuit of the high end in either my home theater or audio systems. There are some rules: always research the heck out of any purchase, and never spend less that twice as much on the next purchase.

I started building my audio system about fifty years ago… I had some mis-steps in the first couple years. But after I got my feet on the ground,,. That was the end of any compromised steps forward. I now own the very best main audio system and headphone system I have heard.
 

We (partner and I) reached a great home theater with flagship Meridian processors and top notch speakers and amplification about 18 years ago and have just been upgrading monitors since (Sony 77” OLED currently). While I am sure there is an opportunity to improve the processor at this point, when I do, it will be to, the forefront, and I doubt there will be any compromise.

I think my reference to compromise may have been misunderstood. What I meant was not compromise in the quality or cost of the equipment we buy and listen to but rather the compromise I think most of us understand we may be making, for example, when we sacrifice the amount of finite detail our equipment produces to achieve a more melodic and musical presentation of the music we listen to. You strive to achieve what is pleasing and this often means sacrificing one or more qualities in favor of other qualities that more sonically please us.  

@pmiller115 

Thank you for your follow up comment. 
 

Yes, we are using compromise in the same way. I have found that sideways moves in audio equipment virtually always amounts to compromise; trading one set of strengths and weaknesses for another. I did that a few times in the first few years into high end audio. This is where I came up with my personal rule of thumb, never invest less that 2x in upgrading a component. Typically, unless you like warm sound and you bought a hyper-detailed component (research precludes this) then all aspects of sound quality improve at the new level. Hence, no compromise.

I think a lot of controversy in this pursuit comes from sideways moves. Lots of folks have fairly simple objectives at first… like high levels of detail and slam, for instance. They get a component that accentuates the characteristic they like and it’s a giant killer… the best ever. Then over time the get more experience and become aware of more nuances… then you are in the realm of compromise, unless they are moving up. Really high end stuff is really good at everything in their desired sound type. 

OP - great thread that you have started with lots of opinions.  If you are going to stay active in the hobby, which sounds like you are, go for the upgrade.  Far more likely you’ll regret an opportunity lost than one taken. 
 

If you can turn off the audiophile in you and just freeze time, enjoy your current system, stick with what you have but the fact you are having the existential crisis you are leads me to believe you’ll be thinking about how to tweak, upgrade your system which no matter how hard you try to stave off those thoughts of what if I had also upgraded my speakers, you’ll really regret not seizing the opportunity. The stars have aligned for you, wife approval, dealer willing to bend over backwards.

A lot going for you on this opportunity, you already know you love the brand because of the experience with your existing speakers, you’ve gotten the opportunity to talk with Wilson Royalty and a dealer who is extremely supportive.  You’ve also always longed for the speakers you can upgrade to.  In my book, you have to take the plunge.  Almost no risk, I’m sure the dealer will work with you if you are not happy and if you are going to stay on the crazy roller coaster ride that is this hobby, one upgrade will enable another that will take your system to new heights, even if some of the upgrades aren’t what you hoped for initially.  I doubt this will be the case with this upgrade.

Magic Eight Ball says absolutely, yes, without question seize the day.  If this was a sport, your coach would be telling you, “Don’t over think it, Take The Shot!”

If you can afford the Sasha ask for home demo. I think you will not be able to return the Sasha.   Thank me later. 

Hey BFP... you must be in Europe, PSAudio has dealers over there. They are direct marketers here in the states.

So here’s the deal. Tell your dealer you want that home demo. He won’t take your Sabrina’s when he brings your Sasha’s. So, you can opt to keep them if the sound is not what you want... no sweat. ALSO tell your dealer to throw a pair of PS Audio M1200 mono block amps in the trunk. My Wilson guy here was impressed with those amps when installing some new Alex 5s in someone’s home. And he sells D’Ags, Constellation, etc. Actually should be pretty reasonable with his double down deal and you get your amp upgrade at the same time. You can always get your Gryphon’s in the future.

Happy Music... Bob

Maybe I just happen to be uniquely blessed with my mate, but she’s been good for decades with having an ever-expanding number of systems all over the house, even multiple systems in the same room.  High powered, flea watt, vintage, new, bookshelf, massive floorstander, separate components, receiver…. Adding systems is the perfect strategy to make indecision work FOR you instead of allowing it to create frustration.  We’re at fourteen pairs of speakers in thirteen systems at the moment (one system runs two pairs - JBL Control 30s on front eaves and on back eaves.  Closest neighbor is almost a mile away so we have music in front and back yards.).  There’s still some swapping in and out of various speakers and other components from time to time.  It never loses its appeal.

Hi Everyone!!

Sorry it has been a while - I've had a few big things come up which really slowed things down.  Anyway, I really appreciate all the advice, insight, experience and thoughtful replies so thank you to everything that replied.  

In the end, with much personal hesitation and a lot of encouragement from my wife, I did make the leap.  When I told her I finally bought them her reaction was, "Finally!"

Delivery day was a mixed emotion day for me.  I loved and have spent so much time with SabrinaX, I just wasn't keen to see them go.  It was like saying good bye to an old friend for the last time.  I know that may sound silly to some, but it is how it felt to me.

Getting the Sabrina's meant a lot to me - I had dreamt of owning Wilsons since being a teenager and finally getting my very own pair really meant a good deal to me.  With that said, the pair of Wilsons that I always dreamt of were WATT/Puppies - These were always the end game goal.

They arrived this week.  First, they are HUGE.  My wife's comment when she came home and saw them, on the other hand, was "I thought they would be bigger"  You see what I have to put up with! ;) 

Listening...  Oh boy.  I describe them as heavy artillery.  These are really the big guns.  The Sabrina's are a wonderful speaker.  Fantastic.  But these...  I see it like this; The Sabrina's are top of the line Cessna -  A great versatile plane.  The DAW's are a F-22.  Darryl Wilson described the Sabrina's as "congenial" and they are.  The DAW's, on the other hard, are "demanding".  There is no "background music" with them - the constantly force your attention, even when not playing.

Thank you again, everyone, for your heart felt advice and guidance.  I think I have a lot of very late nights in my future.

@bigfatpaulie : a big CONGRATULATIONS to you! Also, thank you very much for coming back and updating this thread.

Thanks for the update. You have a good wife… I’d hold on to her. You must be quite the waffler. 
 

Congratulations on your purchase. Yeah, that’s why more expensive speakers are more expensive… performance. I’m happy you did it. You will enjoy them more each time you listen to music. 

Congrats on the new speakers.  You will love them!  I went through a similar ordeal for the last year.  I had the Alexia 1 and thought I needed an upgrade.  I loved the Alexia's but you know how this hobby is.  I auditioned the Alexx V's and still was not 100% convinced.  Pulled the trigger and about a month ago they arrived.  I'm very happy with the purchase but I do shed a tear for the Alexia's every now and again.

You're still spending a sh*tload of money, much of which goes for the name and the reputation rather than the performance.  You actually get an extra star on your audiophile card.

Jerry

@carlsbad2 And I thought this post would be free of Wilson haters and trolls?  My fav from this minority was a comment a hater made about the Chronosonic. XVX's.. The reviewer had said they were one of the five best speakers in the world.  The hater responded in the comment section "I heard them at a show. My ears hurt so bad after listening for 2 minutes I had to leave the room".  When I read that I was on the floor laughing so hard!

@carlsbad2 

I don’t see your system posted. So where do you come up with this assessment? Have you pursued high end audio for decades? Experience with hundreds of systems? What are the values upon which you base your judgement of Wilson… that you cannot afford them? And therefore they are not worth it? 

@ghdprentice preach somewhere else. My comment was not negative.  Your speculaton about my wealth is quite correct.  I make $10 an hour.  

@bigfatpaulie congrats on your new speakers! Enjoy!

@steakster +1.......Great story.  I had a similar experience.  Great speakers are great speakers whether you like their particular flavor or not.  I also own the Magico A-5's in a second system.  I love them but clearly they have a different voice. 

Congratulations!

It's always better to scratch that itch especially if you're able to!

They look super cool. And I'm sure they sound just like you imagined they would, if not even better.

Enjoy them.

The other side of this is that I used to want to pursue a better amp/DAC for my Sabrina's but now I don't really.  After having heard the DAW's I know the Sabrina's will never reach that level, regardless of gear.  So spending on a amp/DAC seems silly when, if I am going to spend the money, I know I should just get the DAW's as that will offer a greater improvement.

Yet another audiophile learns that it really is all about the speakers. Always has been, always will be. 😎

You can keep your audiophile card, but you may have to take a different road. You want the dynamics of the bigger speakers. Totally get that. There is more than one path to get there. Subwoofers my friend. Subwoofers!  Cross the mains over so you don't tax the amps and driver the woofers into distortion and let the subs do the rest. Subwoofer companies produce in much higher volume than Wilson with a lot more competition. You can get that low frequency performance and slam of the bigger Wilson, probably better from subs, while making the rest of the bass better from your current Wilsons and giving your amp more room to breath.

@bigfatpaulie 

Congrats…until the next upgrade…

check in again if you want a DAC upgrade

@bigfatpaulie 

Congrats…until the next upgrade…

Check in again if you want help with a DAC upgrade

@steakster The Wilson are more Dynamic and imaging is more 3-D  (holigraphic) while the Magico has a smoother overall presentation with a more even tonal quality if that makes sense. Very sweet highs and mids.