Wilson Audio X-1/Grand Slamm specifications

General

Tech nical data

Special features

Modular loudspeaker

The three upper modules are screwed to the bass module in a special frame and can be adjusted/moved individually and independently of each other. There are two switches. A lower switch and an upper switch. The upper switch contains (from version II) in a hermetically shielded "fuse box" special protective resistors, which also cause a certain adaptation. These protective resistors cannot be compared with normal resistors. Among other things, they act as a predetermined breaking point in case of overloading.

The lower module (bass module) and the three upper modules are each made of a special material/material manufactured for Wilson Audio . The material for the bass module is the so-called "X- Material" by Wilson Audio . All materials are a closely guarded secret by the manufacturer. However, it can be said about the X material that it has absorbent properties like rubber, but is harder than steel. The material of the three upper modules is also adapted to the intended use and the frequencies.

The internal wiring is specially made for Wilson Audio . Starting with version II, the US manufacturer Transparent Cable is involved here. Version I still has some internal wiring manufactured by MIT .

Thanks to the sliding upper modules, the loudspeaker can be adapted to a wide variety of listening distances and rooms as well as ear heights using the enclosed diagrams. Listening distances of about almost 2.5 meters to about 15 meters are possible.

Bi-amping or bi-wiring is possible according to the operating instructions, but is not recommended by the manufacturer. However, the sound gain is significant here.

The X-1/Grand SLAMM is probably one of the very best speakers in the world - if not the best. The effort that has been put into this speaker is gigantic. However, the sound is also incredibly good, so it justifies the effort. Who has only had the opportunity once to perform a perfectly positioned and perfectly adjusted X-1/Grand SLAM at extremely powerful !!!Listening to (amplifier)electronics understands the effort and the myth around this speaker. The high efficiency should not be deceiving here. This speaker needs the most extreme! Amplifier power, to play out its full potential. Seven loudspeaker chassis per individual loudspeaker want to be brought under control. For the maximum possible dynamics, sonority and control, all chassis must be driven extremely fast, with high current, in the shortest possible time.

As a recommendation for power amplifiers, almost only two power amplifiers are considered:

1.) Mark Levinson No. 33 Reference Power Amplifier (1 pair of two mono power amplifiers)

2.) Krell MRA Master Reference Amplifier (1 pair of two mono power amplifiers)

Where the Krell monoblocks are even stronger than the Mark Levinson monoblocks and the speakers are the cope without a problem and implement it in dynamics. Although the Mark Levinson monoblocks are nominally weaker than the Krell MRA, they are more musical and therefore the first choice.

Of course, these speakers also play with other/weaker amplifiers. However, they are usually not able to exploit their full potential and therefore often provide an occasion for - unjustified criticism. (An S-Class Mercedes or a BMW 7 Series is also not satisfactorily motorized with 37 KW [50 hp].)

The "problem" of the sound image that does not detach from the speakers can be solved very easily and extremely sustainably by bi-wiring or bi-amping. WARNING: Do not use bridged power amplifiers. These can destroy the speakers - see also warnings from the manufacturer Wilson Audio .

SoundStage July 1999 http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/fritz06.htm

SoundStage August 1999 http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/wilson_grand_slamm_review.htm

SoundStage January 2002 http://www.soundstage.com/surrounded/surrounded200201.htm

Sound&Vision 03/97 http://www.spalinger.ch/Download/alien.pdf

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/wilson-audio/floorstanding-speakers/x-1-grand-slamm-series-iii/PRD_124915_1594crx.aspx

Manufacturer: Wilson Audio
Model: X-1/Grand SLAMM
Years of construction:1992 - 2005
Manufactured in: United States of America (USA)
Color: various Wilson standard colors (lacquers - high gloss) and virtually all special colors available on request (for an additional fee) http://www.audio-components.de/seiten/wilson/finish/finish.htm
Dimensions: height 183 cm, width 42 cm, depth approx. 68 cm
Weight: approx. 300 kg/piece (without packaging)
New price approx.: EUR 72,000 - 92,000 depending on version

Type of construction: 5-way bass reflex system
Chassis: Bass: 1 x 15 inch, 1 x 12 inch, mid-tone: 2 x 6 inch, high-tone 1 x 1 inch radiating to the front, ultra-high-tone 2 x 3/4 inch radiating to the back and obliquely upwards
Load capacity (nominal/music bar.):
Efficiency: 97 dB (2.83 volts, 1 meter)
Frequency response:
Transition ranges: (for LS with multiple chassis) 19.5 Hz - 22.5kHz (-3dB SPL )
Impedance: 8 ohms
Minimum amplifier power recommended/required by manufacturer 20 watts per channel