WILSON AUDIO Alexandria X-2 Series Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. WILSON AUDIO Manuals
  4. Speakers
  5. Alexandria X-2 Series
  6. Owner's manual

WILSON AUDIO Alexandria X-2 Series Owner's Manual

X-2 series
Hide thumbs Also See for Alexandria X-2 Series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Alexandria X-2 Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for WILSON AUDIO Alexandria X-2 Series

Summary of Contents for WILSON AUDIO Alexandria X-2 Series

  • Page 2 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o ® i s a r e g i s t e r e d t r a d e m a r k o f W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s , I n c . C u b ®...
  • Page 3 A b l e O f O n T e n T S 1 – i � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7 e c t i o n n t r o d u c t i o n 1 �...
  • Page 4 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3 2 n c r A t i n g t h e s p h e r i c A l i n g s...
  • Page 5 A b l e O f O n T e n T S 4 � 8 – e � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5 7 e c t i o n x t e n S i o n p i k e S...
  • Page 6 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9 3 i s c e l l A n e o u s W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 7 W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 8 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 9 S e c t i o n 1 – I n t r o d u c t i o n...
  • Page 10 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...

  • Page 11: Section 1.1 - Introduction

    T r O d u C T i O n Section 1.1 – Introduction From all of us at Wilson Audio Specialties — thank you for purchasing the Alexan- dria® X-2 Series 2 loudspeaker. The information contained within the pages of this man- ual will inform and instruct you as to how you may enhance and prolong the enjoyment of your Alexandria loudspeaker.
  • Page 12 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l Aspherical Propagation Delay A musical waveform is a complex overlay of frequencies, amplitudes, and phase relationships.
  • Page 13 1 . 1 – i e C T i O n n T r O d u C T i O n and width. Misalignment of the drivers will also introduce tonal anomalies that destroy the otherwise convincing “presence” of an instrument or a singer’s voice. Wilson’s solu- tion for propagation delay correction has long set the standard for precise driver posi- tioning in order to insure correct time alignment for a wide range of real room listening igure ypical loudspeakers exhibiT less Than opTimum...
  • Page 14 The signature curves in Alexandria’s cabinet are a further evolution of Wilson’s philosophy that truly great forms follow a corresponding function. They are a visual metaphor for the solution Wilson Audio pioneered to address issues of phase coherence exacerbated by large speaker systems. Typical of the creative process, the solution itself came as a metaphor, or rather, an analogy to the field of optics and the design of wide- angle lenses.
  • Page 15 1 . 1 – i e C T i O n n T r O d u C T i O n W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 16 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 17 S e c t i o n 2 – I n Y o u r R o o m...
  • Page 18 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...

  • Page 19: Section 2.1 - Room Acoustics

    2 . 1 – r e C T i O n O O M C O u S T i C S Section 2.1 – Room Acoustics You are surely excited about setting up your Alexandria X-2 Series 2 loudspeakers and doing some listening, but before you begin, we would like to discuss some of the important room acoustical information that will help you set up your loudspeakers prop- erly.
  • Page 20 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l your Alexandrias. Speaking in a moderately loud voice and at a constant volume, project your voice out into the room.

  • Page 21: Section 2.2 - Room Reflections

    2 . 2 – r e C T i O n O O M e f l e C T i O n S in the room where your voice transitions from bass-heavy and diffuse to neutral. Mark this point with tape. Continue your progression until there is an obvious interaction with the opposite wall in front of you and mark this point with tape.
  • Page 22 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l faces. The sound literally reverberates back and forth until it is finally dissipated over time.
  • Page 23 2 . 2 – r e C T i O n O O M e f l e C T i O n S occasionally interrupted by curtains, wall art, or drapes. The best (but least practical) solution to eliminate slap echo is nonparallel walls. This is because, rather than support slap-echo, nonparallel walls allow the sound to diffuse.
  • Page 24 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l directly beside the speakers. It is our experience that all of these room treatment devices should be used judiciously.
  • Page 25 2 . 2 – r e C T i O n O O M e f l e C T i O n S leak out of the room through windows and doors. In general, placement of the speaker in a corner will excite the maximal number of standing waves in a room and is to be avoided for most direct radiator, full-range loud- speaker systems.
  • Page 26 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l air duct panels applied to that part of the wall where the reflection occurs. Section 2.3 –...

  • Page 27: Section 2.4 - Your Room

    2 . 4 – Y e C T i O n O u r O O M butions than will smaller rooms. Volume resonances, wall panel resonances, and low frequency standing waves combine to form a low frequency coloration in the sound. At its worst, it is a grossly exaggerated fullness, which tends to obscure detail and distort the natural tonal balance of the speaker system.
  • Page 28 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l sitting. Additionally, these long rooms are often quite lean in the bass near the center of the room. Rectangular rooms are still pre- ferred to square rooms because, by having two sets of dissimi-...
  • Page 29 2 . 4 – Y e C T i O n O u r O O M The asymmetry of the walls in L-shaped rooms resists the buildup of standing waves (see Figure 4). Alexandria X-2 Series 2 in a Dedicated Home Theater Home theaters can be organized many different ways.
  • Page 30 This can cause out-of-phase cancellations, or comb fil- tering, which will cancel some frequencies and change the tonal balance of the music. The Wilson Audio Setup Procedure (Section 2.1) is the best method with which to posi- tion your loudspeakers. Start with the speakers about 18” from each wall and, if you need to move them relative to the side wall, move them away from the wall, not closer.
  • Page 31 2 . 4 – Y e C T i O n O u r O O M barely see the surface of the inner side of each Alexandria. Toeing in the speakers pro- vides meaningful improvements in resolution of low-level detail in the midrange as well as appreciable improvements in soundstaging performance.
  • Page 32 W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 33 S e c t i o n 3 – U n c r a t i n g t h e A l e x a n d r i a...
  • Page 34 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 35 3 . 1 – u e C T i O n n C r A T i n g T h e l e x A n d r i A Note: You will have many modules to unpack that will need to be separated into right and left channels.
  • Page 36 3. While one person holds the crate, the other person should roll the woofer enclosure out of the crate. Be very careful not to scratch the module dur- ing this process. 4. Finally, move the woofer cabinets over to the “Zone of Neutrality” as deter- mined by the Wilson Audio Setup Procedure. If you have not yet performed this room analysis, please refer to Section 2.1 of this manual. Reminder: Place the odd serial numbered woofer on...
  • Page 37 3 . 1 – u e C T i O n n C r A T i n g T h e l e x A n d r i A 1. Cut the bands on the crate. 2. Remove all the screws from the top and sides of the crate.
  • Page 38 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l 8 - p 9 - r igure eSiStor lAte over igure ropAgAtion elAY over derside of each module. Be very careful in unpacking the remaining mod-...
  • Page 39 3 . 1 – u e C T i O n n C r A T i n g T h e l e x A n d r i A Crate Contents Checklist Now that you have everything unpacked, you can inventory your items. 1 - Owners manual 2 - Woofer modules (left & right channel) 2 - Lower midrange modules (left & right channel) 2 - High frequency modules (left & right channel) 2 - Upper midrange modules (left & right channel)
  • Page 40 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l 12 - Tether bolt threaded covers 2 - Polishing cloths 8 - Large Brass spike pads 1 - Bottoming tap - 3/8”-16 1 - Tap Handle 12 - ¼” x .468” Washer 12 - ¼” - 20 x 1 ¼” Socket head screws...
  • Page 41 3 . 1 – u e C T i O n n C r A T i n g T h e l e x A n d r i A W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 42 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 43 S e c t i o n 4 – A s s e m b l i n g Y o u r A l e x a n d r i a s...
  • Page 44 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...

  • Page 45: Section 4.1 - Initial Assembly

    In order to realize the capabilities of the Alexandria, we strongly recommend that you have it installed by a trained Wilson Audio installer. Your dealer will have a person trained in the art of the Alexandria installation. If you choose to do this installation yourself, here are some guidelines to assist you.
  • Page 46 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l sure to match each wing to its corresponding woofer module. Carefully lower the wing onto the woofer module. Locate six 1/4 inch diameter – 1 1/2” hex head screws. Attach wing assembly to woofer (see Figure 11).
  • Page 47 4 . 1 – i e C T i O n n i T i A l S S e M b l Y 12 – w igure hen re inStAlling the ropgAtion elAY lAte inSert the tether boltS in the reAr �...
  • Page 48 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l ers beneath each bolt. • Repeat the above process for the other channel. Section 4.2 – Geometric Time Domain Alignment Materials Required: • Tape measure • Known listening position (see Section 2)
  • Page 49 M e O M A i n l i g n M e n T verified by Wilson Audio. The graphs and charts used in this section are a result of this testing. Room Setup As indicated in Figure 13, the Alexandria system allows for different listening dis- tances (away from the speakers) and listening ear heights (measured distances from the floor to your ear).
  • Page 50 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l 3. Make sure that you are in your intended listening position. 4. While sitting, have someone measure your ear height from the floor di- rectly below your ear.
  • Page 51 4 . 3 – M e C T i O n O u n T i n g p p e r r r A Y O d u l e S 9. After determining each module’s correct spike length, refer to the Tether Bolt Table to determine the proper bolts to be used for each of the upper two modules.
  • Page 52 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l and heads. The front-to-back location of each module, along with the use of the proper length of rear spike of the upper modules, achieves the correct propagation delay and axial re- sponse vis a vis the listener.
  • Page 53 4 . 4 – C ’ S e C T i O n O n n e C T i n g T h e p p e r O d u l e S i g n A l A b l e Install the Upper Midrange Module (UMRM) as follows:...
  • Page 54 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l A note about these connectors: You risk breaking the binding post if they are over- tightened.
  • Page 55 4 . 4 – C ’ S e C T i O n O n n e C T i n g T h e p p e r O d u l e S i g n A l A b l e speaker binding post (see Figure 17).

  • Page 56: Section 4.5 - Locking Down The Upper Modules

    x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l 19 - i � c � igure nStAll the tether boltS utAwAY of Showing bolt ASSemblY and through a corresponding hole located on the module support blade just below the speaker terminal (see Figure 18).

  • Page 57: Section 4.6 - Spike Installation

    4 . 6 – S e C T i O n p i k e n S T A l l A T i O n 2 - Tether bolt cap nuts for each loudspeaker’s lower midrange module (LMRM). 2 - Tether bolts for each loudspeaker’s high frequency modules (HFM). 2 - Tether bolt cap nuts for each loudspeaker’s high frequency modules (HFM).
  • Page 58 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l p i k e S S e m b ly • Remove the mechani- eTscrew cal diodes and move echanical...
  • Page 59 4 . 7 – u e C T i O n S i n g T h e i f T T O n S T A l l p i k e S Section 4.7 – Using the Lift to Install Spikes Materials Required Note: This is a two person job.
  • Page 60 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l • 8 sets of assembled spikes • The Wilson Audio Jack • The jack socket wrench • Swivel caster wrench Installation Procedure • Lock the rear casters to prevent the Alexandria from moving. • Slide the Wilson Audio Jack under the front of the Alexandria, centered be- tween the casters, so that the jack’s lift bolt is exposed.
  • Page 61 4 . 7 – u e C T i O n S i n g T h e i f T T O n S T A l l p i k e S Note: It is very important, at this point, that an able assistant stabilize the front of the Alexandria until the rear spikes are attached and the unit is lowered.
  • Page 62 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l Leveling the Alexandria • It is not necessary to use the jack to level the Alexandria. • Place a level on the left to right oriented axis. If it is level, move to the next step.
  • Page 63 Section 4.10 – Resistors By removing the back cover of your Alexandrias, you may gain access to the resistor plate (see Figure 23). These re- sistors serve several functions. Note: Only Wilson Audio replacement resistors should 24 - r igure eSiStor hArt be used in your Alexandrias.
  • Page 64 A n u A l Changing the value or brand of resistor will have a deleterious affect on the sonic per- formance of your loudspeakers and may void your Wilson Audio Warranty. Midrange and Front Tweeter Resistors The Midrange Level and Front Tweeter Level resistors provide precise level matching for the midrange and tweeter drivers correspondingly.

  • Page 65: Section 4.11 - Break-In Period

    All audio equipment will sound its best after its components have been broken in for some period of use. Wilson Audio breaks in all woofers and mid-range drivers for a 12 hour period. All drivers are then tested, calibrated, and matched for their acoustical properties.
  • Page 66 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 67 S e c t i o n 5 – C a r e o f A l e x a n d r i a X - 2...
  • Page 68 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 69 5 . 1 – C e C T i O n A r e O f T h e A i n T e d i n i S h Section 5.1 – Care of the Painted Finish Your Alexandria Series 2 loudspeak- ers are hand painted with WilsonGloss™...
  • Page 70 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l • Dust the finish, using linear motions in one direction parallel to the floor. Avoid using circular or vertical motions. Because the paint requires a period of several weeks to fully cure, we recommend that no cleaning fluids, such as glass cleaners, be used during this initial period of time.

  • Page 71: Section 5.2 - Enclosure Construction

    X-2 Alexandria. Section 5.2 – Enclosure Construction At the core of each Wilson Audio loudspeaker design is the knowledge that to achieve the best performance, you must start with the best materials. Here are a few of the elements that contribute to the Alexandria Series 2 enclosure’s supreme perfor-...
  • Page 72 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l sure. It was also chosen for its excellent bond strength, solvent resistance, hardness, and optimum vibrational characteristics.
  • Page 73 5 . 2 – e e C T i O n n C l O S u r e O n S T r u C T i O n W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 74 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 75 S e c t i o n 6 – T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g...
  • Page 76 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 77 6 – T e C T i O n r O u b l e S h O O T i n g One channel is not operating: C h e c k t h e i n t e r c o n n e c t s f r o m s o u r c e . C h e c k t h e c o n n e c t i o n s o n t h e s p e a k - e r c a b l e s , b o t h a t t h e a m p l i f i e r a n d s p e a k e r e n d s .
  • Page 78 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l r e a r r e s i s t o r p l a t e .
  • Page 79 6 – T e C T i O n r O u b l e S h O O T i n g m a y b e a p r o b l e m w i t h t h e c r o s s o v e r o r t h e s p e a k e r ’s i n t e r n a l w i r i n g .
  • Page 80 W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 81 S e c t i o n 7 – S y s t e m S p e c i f i c a t i o n s 11 9/16" 14 1/8" 29.33 cm 35.84 cm 70 9/16" 179.18 cm 18 13/16"...
  • Page 82 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...

  • Page 83: Section 7.1 - Specifications

    8 – p e C T i O n r O p A g A T i O n e l A Y A b l e S Section 7.1 – Specifications: Enclosure Type Woofer: Front Ported Enclosure Type Midrange: Rear Ported Enclosure Type Tweeter: Sealed...
  • Page 84 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l Section 7.2 Alexandria X-2 Dimensions - 26 igure 11 9/16" 14 1/8" 29.33 cm 35.84 cm 70 9/16"...
  • Page 85 7 . 2 A x - 2 d e C T i O n l e x A n d r i A i M e n S i O n S W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 86 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 87 S e c t i o n 8 – P r o p a g a t i o n D e l a y T a b l e s...
  • Page 88 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 89 8 – p e C T i O n r O p A g A T i O n e l A Y A b l e S W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 90 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 91 8 – p e C T i O n r O p A g A T i O n e l A Y A b l e S W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 92 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 93 8 – p e C T i O n r O p A g A T i O n e l A Y A b l e S W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 94 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 95 8 – p e C T i O n r O p A g A T i O n e l A Y A b l e S W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 96 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 97 8 – p e C T i O n r O p A g A T i O n e l A Y A b l e S W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 98 W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...
  • Page 99 S e c t i o n 9 – Wa r r a n t y I n f o r m a t i o n...
  • Page 100 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...

  • Page 101: Section 9.0 - Warranty Information

    Wilson Audio, an authorized Wilson Audio Dealer Technician or a service or repair center authorized by Wilson Audio to service or repair the product. Contact Wilson Audio at (801) 377-2233 for information on location of Wilson Audio Dealers and authorized service and repair centers.
  • Page 102 Purchaser must pay for shipping to Wilson Audio, and Wilson Audio will pay for shipping of its choice to return the product to purchaser. A RETURNED PRODUCT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT.
  • Page 103 Wilson Audio by the dealer at dealer’s sole expense. Wilson Audio will pay return freight of its choice. A returned product must be accompanied by a written description of the defect.
  • Page 104 x - 2 S ’ l e x A n d r i A e r i e S w n e r A n u A l W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s...

Table of Contents