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Upgrading from Martin Logan ESL15a w/Force subs to Wilson Sasha Daw or Alexia 2 w/JL subs

I would like some guidance on switching from ML to the Wilsons mentioned above.  While I do really enjoy the ML I'm looking for something smaller as well a better connection between the highs and lows which both of the Wilsons do better.  There are numerous other things I like about the Wilsons as well.

Currently, I have the McIntosh MC-1.25kwh mono blocks with my ML center powered by a MC-601.  My speaker wire is transparent.  My Processor is a McIntosh MX160 and I am using Roon with a NAS and Lumin Streamer.  I will also be adding a McIntosh pre-amp to improve performance on the 2 channel.  Haven't decided between C2700 or C53 yet.  Adding a Clear Audio Concept turntable but haven't settled in on cartridge.  There is no rush to do anything, so I'm open to opinions.

A couple comments on the Wilson's.....the midrange and tweeter are the same on both but the Alexia 2 has much more adjustability.  While demoing without the subs the Sasha Daw bass hit me but the Alexia 2 went through me.  Sasha has 2 - 8" bass drivers and the Alexia 2 has an 8" and a 10".

I listen to all types of music including Jazz from the 50's - 60's, Acoustic, classical symphonies, rock and progressive/alternative rock.

Thanks in advance for your honest feedback.
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james633
1,023 posts
 
Woots,

I assume you pass the home theater through the C2700. Is this correct or are you doing something custom? If custom it might not work for you. 
The CR-1 is designed for two channel music. Out of the CR1 you will have a right and left lead to the sub/subs. 
If you have two subs you will have a right input open on the left sub and a left inout open on the right sub after connecting the CR-1. You could then run the LFE line out of the MX160 to the open inputs on the JL subs. This will work fine as the two inputs are summed. You will then be running the subs both crossed over to the mains and the LFE of the processor at the same time. 

woots's avatar
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woots OP
293 posts
 
James633,

I think the MX160 has a pass through for 2 channel.  I will be doing 2 subs.  The CR-1 will be connected to the 2 channel but I think there is a connection from the MX160 via a manual switch to have both subs connected to the LFE.  Using the LFE since the home theater piece plays in mono.  I think you have explained it well. Hooking it up is anything thing.....

Woots
brianslids
1 posts
 

Woots,

The last post was on 3-2-2021 so just curious what you ended up doing.  I just received my Sasha DAW's on 9/30/2022 and as much as it stretched my budget, I am in heaven.  They are incredible.  

I absolutely agree with adding subs.  It doesn't matter if you have a full range speaker or bookshelves - some people just have no clue.  I do agree if you have subs to run an external crossover to let the subs handle the heavy lifting.  I've had both configurations, B&W 804's with a pair of subs and replaced with 805 D3 with a pair of subs and nothing can replace a full range speaker - NOTHING!  You'll never get the same benefit a full range speaker has and anyone that says different - please step into my office and prepare to get smacked down.  

My question is what sub's did you go with?  I'm getting pressured into a pair of the JL Fathom V2 13's.  I've heard mixed reviews on the amps they use and needing to replace the V1 after a few years.  I had a pair of REL T9 with my 805 for years and they worked flawlessly.  With the Sasha I was also looking at a pair of the REL S/812.  I know the JL have the ability to "dial" in them more than the REL - but there's been a lot of praise for the RELs these days.

Any suggestions would be helpful!

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woots OP
293 posts
 

@brianslids 

Congrats!!  Way to go!!  After demoing multiple brands I settled in on a pair of S812's.  I also went with the Alexia's and am extremely happy.  As a former REL owner you know the benefits.....but the one I found most useful and successful is how you connect the REL's directly to your amp like your Wilson's, so the subs get the full range. I also upgraded the REL cable and that produced a much cleaner sound.   My system is on the Audiogon systems page under my name.  Let me know if you need assistance getting to the pics.  Interested in your feedback.

m-db's avatar
m-db
971 posts
 

brianslides, if you had the opportunity to directly compare a properly positioned JL F113 with any REL in your system, any pressure you're currently experiencing would be replaced with an eyebrow raising at the reading of woots' waxing.

I did it with a then new $10K Studio III and an early F113.

I believe JL Audio has since remedied your concerns. The F113 was every bit as potent as the Velodyne DD-18 which was also present during that comparison.

I strongly suggest shopping for subwoofers that offer remote volume control. Equalization or optimization presets are another very usable asset. 

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