Wilson Audio X-1/Grand Slamm
Data[edit]
General
- Manufacturer: Wilson Audio
- Model: X-1/Grand SLAMM
- Years of manufacture:1992 - 2005
- Made in: United States of America (USA)
- Color: various Wilson standard colors (lacquers - high gloss) and virtually all special colors available on request (at extra cost) Info on colors: 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
Technical data
- Construction: 5 way bass reflex system
- drivers: bass: 1 x 15 inch, 1 x 12 inch, midrange: 2 x 6 inch, tweeter 1 x 1 inch radiating to the front, ultra high frequency 2 x 3/4 inch radiating to the rear and diagonally upwards
Power handling (rated/music rating):
- Efficiency: 97 dB (2.83 volts, 1 meter).
- Frequency Response:
- Transient response: (for LS with multiple drivers) 19.5 Hz - 22.5 kHz (-3dB SPL).
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Minimum amplifier power recommended/required by manufacturer 20 watts per channel
Special Features
Modular loudspeaker
The three upper modules are screwed onto the bass module in a special frame and are individually and independently adjustable/movable. There are two crossovers. A lower crossover and an upper crossover. The upper crossover contains (from version II) special protective resistors in a hermetically shielded "fuse box", which also provide some adjustment. These protective resistors are not to be compared with normal resistors. Among other things, they act as a predetermined breaking point in case of overload.
The lower module (bass module) and the three upper modules are each made of a special material manufactured for Wilson Audio. The material used for the bass module is Wilson Audio's "X-Material". All materials are a closely guarded secret by the manufacturer. What can be said about the X-material is that it has absorbing properties like rubber, but is harder than steel. The material of the three upper modules is also adapted to the purpose and the frequencies.
The internal wiring is specially made for Wilson Audio. From version II on, the US manufacturer Transparent Cable is involved. Version I still has some internal wiring made by MIT.
Due to the movable upper modules the loudspeaker can be adapted to different listening distances and rooms as well as ear heights by means of enclosed diagrams. Listening distances from about 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.
Remarks[edit]
The X-1/Grand SLAMM is probably one of the very best loudspeakers in the world - if not the best. The amount of work that has gone into this speaker is staggering. However, the sound is also incredibly good, so it justifies the effort. Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to listen to a perfectly set up and perfectly adjusted X-1/Grand SLAMM with extremely powerful!!! (amplifier) electronics understands the effort and the myth surrounding this loudspeaker. The high efficiency should not deceive here. This loudspeaker needs extreme! amplifier power to play out its full potential. Seven loudspeaker chassis per single loudspeaker want to be brought under control. For the maximum possible dynamics, sonority and control, all drivers must be driven extremely fast, with high current, in the shortest possible time.
As a recommendation for power amplifiers, therefore, almost only two power amplifiers come into question:
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)
The Krell monoblocks are even more powerful than the Mark Levinson monoblocks and the loudspeakers can handle this without any problem and convert it into dynamics. The Mark Levinson monoblocks are nominally weaker than the Krell MRA but more musical and therefore the first choice.
Of course these speakers will also work with other/weaker amplifiers. However, in most cases they can't reach their full potential and therefore often cause - unjustified - criticism. (An S-class Mercedes or a 7-series BMW with 37 KW [50 hp] is also not satisfactorily motorized).
The problem of the sound not separating from the speakers can be remedied very easily and extremely effectively 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.
Pictures[edit]
Reviews[edit]
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