The Wilson Audio Alexia Series-2 easily took the Best of Show at RMAF 2017. My dream speakers are the Wilson Audio Alexia Series-2. They are just very dimensional and natural sounding. They remain a dream, not just due to price, but also my listening habits. First off, I listen 9+ hours a day with near-fields on a desk. It allows me to enjoy great sound while multi-tasking. I could also close my eyes and kick back anytime. Secondly, square footage in Los Angeles is expensive and larger speakers are a huge commitment. The trend: Plenty of audiophiles are now downsizing their larger rigs to bookshelves and headphones. When Wilson Audio announced their most compact speaker ever, it opened a lot of ears. Also, the TuneTot is priced at only $9,800, which makes it the least expensive Wilson loudspeaker. Unsurprisingly, this price point will garner a lot of curiosity. There's now a gateway into the previously unobtainable! I know I'm not the only one gently gracing my wallet. The Alexia Series-2 is over 5 times the cost of the TuneTot. So how much Wilson sound do you actually get? Understandably, I had to keep my expectations in check. I have a personal interest in the TuneTot so made an appointment with Sean at Audio Element in Pasadena, CA. The guys at Audio Element are experts at voicing speakers and I've always enjoyed their setups at the shows.

Price (U.S. MSRP)

TuneTot$9,800.00 (pair) In Upgrade Colors $10,500.00 ISOBase $2,100.00 (pair) TuneTot Ring $649.00 (pair) TuneTot Grille$299.00 (pair)

The Setup

  • Bel Canto BLACK EX Integrated amplifier ($13,990) and Cardas Clear Beyond XL Power Cord ($2,265)
  • Just plug in an ethernet cable and some speakers and you're done.
  • Transparent Ultra Speaker Cable ($3,600/8 ft)
  • Transparent High-Performance Ethernet ($275) with wall plug filter
  • Better noise floor and clarity
  • AudioQuest Carbon ethernet cable ($169.95)
  • Rich and eurphoric cable

Placement

Ideally should be placed close to a wall to reinforce bass response. Which works perfectly for desktop setups. In this listening room we had them on stands. And that's all, folks. This is approximately a $30,000 system. Considering my current near-field is more than double this...this isn't bad at all.

Build

  • Fabrication: The Wilson Audio TuneTot is crafted with the same processes and techniques by the same people who build the $685,000 WAMM Master Chronosonic.
  • Cabinet:
  • To prevent internal reflections, there is no internal surface within the TuneTot that is parallel.
  • WSAE engineers use state-of-the-art Vibrometry system to perform optimizations to ensure proper damping and rigidity.
  • The TuneTot's is constructed from Wilson's proprietary X- and S-material. Much of the Wilson sound and pricing is attributed to these composites.
  • Drivers: Woofer technology is derived from those used in the Alexx and Sabrina while the tweeter inherits from Alexia 2.

Each of these speakers weighs 30 pounds. The build quality is absolutely outstanding and I personally love the overall look (especially with the red aluminum ring and ISObase).

The Sound

They were kind enough to give me free reign over the system with no time limits. A reviewers dream. Having just heard John Raymond perform at Los Angeles's intimate bluewhale jazz club, I felt it be the perfect reference point to start this audition.

Final Thoughts

Free reign over tidal and roon.