Wilson Duettes with 250DR or 300DR

Posted by: jGolf53 on 27 May 2018

Any one out there in Naim land driving Wilson Duettes with the 250DR or the 300DR? Impressions, comparisons to other Amps and comments.......

I've been home demo-ing the 250DR....excellent sound and much improved over my Levinson 432 (400 watts per channel). The 250DR is quite bright at higher volumes. All this controlled with the NAC-272 sources = Tidal, Classe SACD2 and Uniti Core

Posted on: 27 May 2018 by MarkMcK79

I had an extended loan of Sophia 2s for a couple of years and had no trouble driving them with a Supernait. I cannot imagine that either of those amplifiers would have any difficulty with the Duettes at any volume level.

If I recall correctly those speakers have some tone-shaping possibilities with different fit-able resistors and cables. It is also very important that the speakers are placed using Wilson’s speaker placement method. Have you tried these two things?

Posted on: 27 May 2018 by jGolf53

Thanks MarkMck79 ---- I have new Transparent Super speaker cables and the Duettes are fitted and tuned for the upright bookshelf position. I am pleased with the improvement the demo 250DR gave me over my Levinson 432 amp....much improved sound stage, separation and depth, zero transitor noise. But a bit bright at higher volumes...just gets louder, loses sound stage and depth. Don't get me wrong----I like the sound and depth of the 250DR and should be happy with that...but I am like many other "audiophile-nuts".....on a continous quest for perfection

Posted on: 27 May 2018 by MarkMcK79

It could be worth experimenting with the resistor values as this directly impacts treble response.

The few times I’ve called Wilson Audio they’ve been extremely helpful. They may have a suggestion for a specific value that could help. Also, how old are the speakers? I know that they recommend changing out some resistors in their crossovers after extended usage, similar to Naim re-caps.

Posted on: 27 May 2018 by jGolf53

The age of the Wilson's is a good question. They are 10 years old but have very few hours on them as this was a 2nd system, now primary. Around 100 hours a year.....I know, I know.....

Posted on: 27 May 2018 by MarkMcK79

I still would not hesitate to send Wilson an email or call them. Since you're in the US you should have no trouble getting in touch with them.

(BTW, I think the Wilson/Naim combo is excellent. Wish I had the means to go in that direction but I am clearly priced out of even their lowest offerings.)

Posted on: 27 May 2018 by J The Kop

I have Sasha with 500Dr not Wilson Duettes, but from my experience with Wilson speakers, position, spikes, toe angle are very critical. A few centimetres make big difference with Wilson speakers.

I had Naim 250 with Sasha previously as my second system, 250 had no problem with Sasha in a small room. My room is small 12x14 feet only, so never had to turn up the volume much.