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Wilson Benesch A,C.T. & Wilson Audio Watt Puppy8

Have premiered the WPs but may not be able to audition the ACT; however, before I invest in the WPs I'd like feedback on the ACT. I have read great things about these speakers. Musicality and dynamics are important to me. I have a lot of acoustic jazz, jazz fusion, male and female vocalists, blues and house music on vinyl and cds that I will be playing. Amplification will be Spectron amps in monobloc configuration and Joules preamp. Really would like to hear from individuals who have actually heard, or own these speakers and can make comments and comparisons based upon actual experience. Thanks.
winston50
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
I do not have direct experience but the audio compression evident on the tweeter (Soundstage Review of the WP8 see measurements) would really concern me if dynamics were important to me. Frankly, for a speaker at this price point and "quality" it is unacceptable design error, IMHO.
rsorren1
27 posts
 
Winston50, I am a WP-8 owner. I auditioned the Wilson Sophia-2, W-B Act2, and Wilson WP-8 at my local dealer since he carries both lines. At the time I was a ProAc owner. I listen to jazz, rock, and symphonic works. The WP-8 was MUCH better than the other two; also more expensive. Much more open top end, better bass definition and slam. I run ARC REF electronics.
azaud
156 posts
 
I thought I hated the WP8's. Heard them locally with Theta blocks; at shows with various tube gear and Pass Labs (Pre-ed with an ARC Ref 3).
Then I heard them with Bat Rex and 150SE's. Best sound at the RMAF two years ago IMHO.
Just an educated guess, but Spectron will sing better IMO with the Puppy 8's.
I've heard the ACT's with Dehavilland (obviously), and with ARC amps and a Shindo pre (not as bad as you might think...). I've never heard them with class D, or ANY solid state. Maybe there's a reason?
phaser
71 posts
 
Azaud, not sure of the reason no one at shows has paired the ACT's with solid state but I run my ACT's using Accustic Arts power 1 Mk2 with excellent results for both analogue and digital. Prior to the AA I used Accuphase A50v/ C290V combination that sounded good too. The ACT's reflect what is further up the chain - rubbish in - rubbish out. Noticeably better bass extension/definition, greater 3 dimensionality and better dynamics with the AA. To my ears a very nice combination - AA and WB ACT's.
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tomer_tsin
67 posts
 
I had the W/P8 for a year with ARC Reference amplification. I couldn't fall in love with the 70-80Hz pick and lack of low bass, forward midrange, lack of detail and transparency.
WB introduced in Munich high end show the ACT C60.
http://www.wilson-benesch.com/Act%20C60/act%20C60.html

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