Wilson Benesch ACT 1 - Upgrade Kit ?

As far as I know, the upgrade kit replaces the standard drivers in the ACT1 with the TACTIC drivers in the ACT2. I don't believe there's any other change.

The TACTIC drivers are several orders better than the standard items in the ACT1, improving bass and midrange definition significantly, as well as being faster. However, I wouldn't call it anupgrade to 'near ACT2 level'. The ACT2 is a taller cabinet of different internal construction. It has two ports instead of one giving much more scale. To top it off, the ACT2 has an Esotar tweeter which is so sweet that it's not far short of a panel.

The TACTIC upgrade significantly improves on the standard ACT1's performance, but it doesn't take it to an ACT2. Sorry...

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Thanks Frank and Simon for your enlightenment.
Actually, stronger and more defined bass is one of the shortcomings of my current set-up - and a frequently commented feature of the older ACT 1. A "sweeter" treble would be clear advantage for classical music, and voices, etc.
Looks like I’ve got the option of going all the way to ACT 2s (definitively preferable, except for lots of €-$-£!! ) or trying this upgrade kit and checking the impact / benefit of a small subwoofer.
BTW: Subwoofers: Was the flavor of the month in some German HIFI magazines recently – any opinions in the NAIM fraternity?

Urs

Thanks John,

Esotar indeed! I must have been in Dynaudio land when I wrote that post. You're right - super revelator it is.

I'm not sure about the double-ported nature of your ACT1s but I know the ACT2 cabinets are a few inches taller. That may account for the extra scale and weight.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Hi,

The trebble definition of the ACT 2 is way better than the ACT 1 as is the sense of scale. I believe Frank is right when he says that the modified ACT 1 will fall short of expectations. The cabinet volume and the tweeter really make a big difference above and beyond the tactic. But one more consideration, the first ACT 1s did not have the isotactic polyproylene diaphragm, while those being sold now do. The first models had a scanspeak mid and bass driver. The modified version I heard last year in my system, but I wasn't able to compare it to the very first version. The isotactic polypropylene diapghram is just one feature of the TACtic driver, which is said to have an ultra-tiny, super strong motor and a high tolerance aluminum housing to reduce shadow effects and air pressure/aerodynamic disturbances that interfere with the motion of the driver. Personally, I'd go with the Act 2 if you can find the funds.

dave=

News for you WB fans out there -- WB has pictures of their new Chimera speaker up on their website. They look like downscaled Bishops -- same two-box construction with tweeter (it doesn't look like a Super Revelator) and Tactic mid/bass in the upper box, complete with CFC Bishop-like top.

The lower box contains what appear to be four Tactic bass drivers in an Isobarik configuration, rather than the eight drivers in the Bishop. Overall height appears lower than the Bishop, though width and depth look the same. I can't tell whether the cabinets are ported or not -- Craig was talking about trying an ABR the last time I spoke with him, though the bass drivers in the Chimera have lead wires to them.

No news of pricing, though I expect £12-14 grand.

Mar