Reference Sounds – Wilson Sasha V with Wadax Atlantis Reference and D’Agostino
Listening Impressions
Even though we did not do an A-B comparison, it was immediately evident that this system was in a very different class compared to the Wilson Audio Sasha DAW system heard during in 2019. The previous system relied on the Mark Levinson No.519 player/streamer as a source, and while this is a great player in its own right, there is very clearly no comparison with the Wadax components, either price-wise or performance-wise. But while it’s tempting to point the finger at the Levinson, that does not tell the whole story. In 2021, I heard the higher-tier Wilson Audio Alexx V with the rather more upscale Rossini SACD player, DAC, and Rossini Master Clock in the very same room, but even though the Sasha V are strictly speaking lower-tier loudspeakers, I have to say the current system sounded even better in some ways!
The system managed an utterly seamless combination of transparency, control, tonal saturation, rich texturing, 3D soundstaging, and overall breadth. Surely, the Wadax combo has a very large stake in this, providing hitherto unavailable information. But I should also think if the speakers were not up to the task, they would not relay this quite so effortlessly.
As a fan of Titanium, Diamond, and Berrylium tweeters, I will admit to keep thinking relatively lowly of the “normal” fabric dome tweeters that Wilson uses these days, but honestly, based on what I heard during this demo, I truly cannot fault these drivers, whether they use exotic materials or not. They sound fast, open, and precise, as well as extended, dynamic, and very realistic.
Having heard my fair share of Wilson Audio loudspeakers, not only across demos at shows but actually in the same Reference Sounds listening room, I feel quite confident in separating the new speakers’ benefits from those injected by the Wadax Dream Team. While I can’t be 100% sure without hearing the new V and the older DAW side by side, most notably, I have a strong feeling that the new model has further evolved in terms of resolution, openness, and transparency. Especially the upper midrange and the treble had the cleanest behavior I have heard yet from any Wilson speaker, and that includes the Alexia V and Alexx V!
Perhaps the new D’Agostino Momentum MxV S250 also has something to do with the perceived increase in transparency and resolution, although I would expect more or less the opposite from a design that has a bigger transformer, more transistors, and higher current delivery. In other words, I would expect a more relaxed sound. Now, I must add that the sound was, in fact, relaxed but never slow. From an earlier demo, I recall feeling that the D’Agostino had a hint of Jeff Rowland DNA. By that, I am referring to the Rowland-typical smooth lushness at the cost of a bit of crispness and incisiveness. That earlier experience was admittedly with the Progression amplifier. But if this sonic signature is still in the current products, I did not hear it. The music could certainly be smooth, but never more so than was in the recording. And that is precisely how I think it should be.
It’s predominantly in the bass where the Sasha V is distinguished from the higher-tier models like the Alexia V and Alexx V. As one may assume, the Sasha V has prodigious bass with lots of power and slam, and the speakers have no reserves in terms of dynamics or impact. But with its immaculate midrange and treble behavior, I can’t help but notice that its bass does not achieve the level of articulation, speed, and precision of which the Alexia and Alexx are capable. Of course, that’s only to be expected and fair, given the large discrepancy in cost, the different drivers, and the sheer size of the Sasha’s larger brethren.
As for the Wadax combo’s sonic attribution, I am quite certain that they are responsible for the rare combination of utter precision, resolution, and control with a total absence of an electronic signature of any kind. I hear no synthesis, no coloration, just pure, clean music.
There is a lot of control yet no feeling of listening to an overdamped sound. Somehow, this system is hugely focused and disarmingly effortless at the same time.
Would you like a listening session?
Reference Sounds is not just a distributor but also functions as an extension of their extensive dealer network, and Michael is always happy to demonstrate the products in his Almere Listening Room by appointment.
More Reference Sounds
HFA Company Special (the old Amstelveen location)
Wilson Alexx V with Dan D’Agostino
Wilson Sasha DAW with Dan D’Agostino
Video on the Hifi-Advice YouTube Channel
Wilson Audio Alexx V showcase at Reference Sounds
External Links
www.referencesounds.nl
Wadax
Wilson Audio
