I was considering a von Schweikert VR55 active and Lumenwhite Kyaras, both in the Alexia 2 price range and equally easy to drive with a tube amp (although I've got 130 watts/channel with ample current). I don't like Magico's sound/musicality so they are out. This Alexia 2 has received numerous accolades and is said to be as good as the Alexx in most respects.

My concern for the Alexia 2 is it's listener position. With it's pinpoint tweeter positioning, does one have any more than one seated position to hear good sound? Does it have a widespread good sound horizontally and/or vertically?

I have to agree. Wilson has some of the worst design of all of the high end. Their build quality and impressive paint jobs make them seem far more attractive than they are.

Not that I need a speaker to be good looking. But it's hard to imagine them being called beautiful, from an aesthetic point of view.

Dear Priaptor. Just for your reference I am using Tannoy Autograph with 60 years old vintage speaker and one pair of Alexx. I agree with you that modern speakers change very fast line up and in very short period you can see how your valuable investment loses value quickly and unfairly. So, I will be curioused, what is your choice now after than Wilson & Magico?

I wanted to address some implied factual errors in Priaptor's post. Unlike what Priaptor implies, Wilson is extremely concerned about its existing owner base, and how they are affected when a new model is released. Indeed, Wilson is in general terms very sensitive and protective of the substantial investment required when purchasing a pair of Wilson loudspeakers. Part of this is manifested in a sensible upgrade and model replacement cycle. I believe the word "churn" grossly misleads the reader as to the actual model-replacement cycle at Wilson. Some examples: The original Alexia, the loudspeaker the Alexia Series 2 replaces, was launched in September, 2012—over five years ago. The MAXX Series 3 was seven years in production before it was replaced by the Alexx. The current Alexandra XLF was release in the fourth quarter of 2011, and will soon enter its eighth year of production. The Duette Series 2, also current, was launched mid-year 2013 (with no imminent replacement planned). The Sasha Series 2 (again, no replacement is in the works) has been shipping for more than four years. The suggestion that Alexia Series 2 "will probably be a graveyard speaker in the next half year..." is unsupportable by the simple math and Wilson's current and historical model-cycle timeline.

The other contention that that Wilson provides "no upgrade path" is also misleading. Perhaps Priaptor means that Wilson loudspeakers are not upgradable? This is, of course, true. It is also true of nearly all loudspeakers currently in the high-end market. There are several good reasons as to why Wilson abandoned the upgrade-path design model many years ago. Two of a long list of reasons: only a small percentage of customers took advantage of upgrade programs by upgrading their product. They preferred, instead, to buy either a model higher in the line, or to purchase the new replacement model outright. They could and can do this with relative ease because the resale value of Wilson speakers was and remains very high—amongst the highest in the industry. The second problem with upgradable loudspeakers is that they are, by definition, technologically limiting. Upgradability precludes improvements that would obviate the ability of the platform to be upgraded—good changes and improved technologies are left out if favor of upgradability. A downside that is not compatible with a company culture that is compelled to remain at the cutting edge.

Instead, Wilson has supported their customers by creating a series of unique upgrade programs. These are designed specifically to protect existing owners when a new product is introduced. To my knowledge, Wilson is the by far the most aggressive at protecting the owner's investment via these types of programs within the audio industry, These include, among other things, extremely generous (Wilson sponsored) trade programs where an existing owner can receive a credit through a Wilson authorized dealer toward the new model. These programs are made possible by and, in turn, play a large role in Wilson's remarkable resale value on the second-hand market. Another factor for Wilson's industry-leading resale value is its loyalty to all clients, whether that customer purchased a new Wilson loudspeaker or one on the second-hand market. Unique to the audio industry, Wilson Audio stocks every part for every loudspeaker it has ever made. The service life of a Wilson loudspeaker is therefore indefinite. Furthermore, Wilson's Certified Authentic program ensures that buyers of previously owned Wilson loudspeakers that have been certified are provided the peace of mind of a factory-sponsored warranty.

We'd be the first to admit that Wilson loudspeakers are not for everyone. We are very fortunate that there seems to be a relatively large group of music lovers and audiophiles who resonate with what we do. We never take our success for granted. As a result, Wilson owners are extremely loyal; many have owned several Wilson models over the course of several decades. We value their loyalty, and are committed to reciprocating it in everything we do.

Wilson definitely does seem to be on a shortened development cycle, but to be honest a good amount of that is driven by the industry; once your product is more than three or four years old, good luck getting a mention in any of the audio magazines any longer and if you want people to remember you are still around you need to release a new model.

Not sure if the following is true, but, I hear there are no geographical constraints on the dealer anymore.

Jumping off the Magico/Wilson merry go round is freedom.