Wilson Audio Sabrina X vs Revel Ultima Salon 2
I think you made great observations. Considering that the Wilson's were given the prime spot, and couldn't be moved would make me worried. IMHO, There is nothing worse than a speaker that has to be set in a 'perfect' position. And, the fact that the Revel's couldn't be accommodated equally raises another red flag. Bob |
There is not a doubt in my mind that the Salon is a better speaker.... but I find the Sabina (never heard the X) more engaging. The Sabrina has a bit of a bass hump around 80hz-ish? I think. This makes them sound “bigger” than they are. The revels reach down lower but never had the impact to pull me in. Both are great and I could happy live with either. The wilson will have better resale. |
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I don’t think that Mac is the right amp for the Sabrina X , you’ll have to use the 2ohm tap if it has one, then the wattage might not be enough because the lower the impedance tap the less wattage you get on transformer coupled tube amps, think the same applies with the Mac https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sabrina-x-amp-suggestions/post?postid=2125370#2125370 The Ravels are a far better loading for the Mac https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/708Revfig01.jpg Cheers George |
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Tested by Sterophile the DAW is a far easier loading for an amp in the bass, than the Sabrina X is. Big difference in phase angle in the bass -60 degrees for the X vs only -35 for the DAW. And the min impedance is far broader for the X. https://www.stereophile.com/images/1219Wilsonfig1.jpg Cheers George |
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In fact this proves my point further about the mcintosh being stable into lower loadsI never said they are unstable, most amps with output transformers tube or transistor are inherently stable, just won’t deliver the big current needed into the broad area of difficult bass loading that the Sasha X have. A 100-150w Gryphon or John Curl JC1’s will do it far better than a transformer coupled Mac into the Sasha X. However my point still also stands, the Ravel’s would be a far better speaker load if spearl8 wants to keep the Mac And this comment of the OP’s proves those points made by Stereophile and myself. spearl8 Also, with the Wilson I had to keep my eye on the volume control. It seemed to run out of gas earlier than the Revel. It may have been the Mcintosh gear but the bass was better controlled on the revels. Cheers George |
The Revel Salon 2 speakers get my vote!!! This is one magnificent speaker system!!! I get to hear the over 48K a pair Wilson speakers at my local audio shop all the time, and I like my Salon 2 speakers better. That's what makes the Salon 2 speakers so very special, they have been and still are one of the best sounding and best value speakers in the world today. The Salon 2 speakers are definitely one of those "End Game" speakers. They're just that good. |
