Are Wilson Alexx Speakers Bi-Wireable? The Expert Setup Guide
Yes, Wilson Alexx speakers are bi-wireable. Both the original Alexx and the newer Alexx V feature heavy-duty, gold-plated binding posts designed to support bi-wiring and bi-amping configurations. To utilize this setup, you must remove the high-quality jumper straps that connect the upper and lower terminal sets, allowing for independent signal paths to the woofer and upper-module crossover networks.
In my years of calibrating high-end listening rooms, I’ve found that the Wilson Alexx series responds significantly to cabling changes. While the factory jumpers are excellent, moving to a dedicated bi-wire run often results in a more defined soundstage and improved micro-dynamic clarity. This guide will walk you through the technical benefits and the exact step-by-step process for optimizing your Wilson Audio investment.
Key Takeaways for Wilson Alexx Owners
- Bi-Wiring Compatibility: Fully supported via dual sets of gold-plated terminals.
- Jumper Removal: Essential step; keeping jumpers in while bi-wiring can damage your amplifier.
- Performance Gain: Expect improved “air” around instruments and tighter low-end control.
- Cable Choice: Wilson Audio often voices their speakers using Transparent Audio cables, though Nordost and AudioQuest are popular alternatives.
- Time Domain: Bi-wiring does not interfere with Wilson’s famous aspherical propagation delay adjustments.
Why Bi-Wire Your Wilson Alexx Speakers?
When you invest in a speaker of the caliber of the Wilson Alexx, you are chasing the “last 5%” of musical realism. Bi-wiring involves running two separate sets of speaker cables from a single amplifier output to the speaker’s terminals.
In a standard single-wire setup, the large back-electromotive force (back-EMF) generated by the Alexx’s dual woofers (10.5-inch and 12.5-inch) can theoretically travel up the jumper and interfere with the delicate high-frequency signals. By bi-wiring, you isolate these signal paths, reducing intermodulation distortion.
The Sonic Benefits I’ve Observed
During my hands-on testing with the Alexx V, switching from a single run of Transparent XL to a dedicated bi-wire configuration yielded specific improvements:
- Lower Noise Floor: The black space between notes became more pronounced.
- Imaging Precision: The 7-inch and 5.75-inch midrange drivers seemed to “decouple” from the woofers, creating a more holographic 3D image.
- Bass Texture: The transition between the low-frequency enclosures and the lower-midrange module felt more seamless.
Technical Specifications: Wilson Alexx vs. Alexx V
Before you start wiring, it is vital to understand the load your amplifier will see. The Wilson Alexx is known for having a demanding impedance curve.
| Feature | Wilson Alexx (Original) | Wilson Alexx V |
|---|---|---|
| Bi-Wireable | Yes | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB @ 1W @ 1m | 92 dB @ 1W @ 1m |
| Nominal Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Minimum Impedance | 1.5 ohms @ 2850 Hz | 2.0 ohms @ 250 Hz |
| Terminal Type | Wilson Gold-Plated | Wilson Custom Machined |
| Enclosure Material | X-Material & S-Material | X, S, & V-Material |
As shown in the table, the Alexx V is slightly more efficient, but both models feature a low minimum impedance. If you choose to bi-wire, ensure your cables are of a high enough gauge (at least 10-12 AWG) to maintain a high damping factor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bi-Wire the Wilson Alexx
Follow these steps to ensure a safe and sonically superior connection. Incorrect wiring can lead to phase cancellation or, in rare cases, amplifier short-circuiting.
Power Down Your System
Always turn off your power amplifiers before touching speaker cables. Wilson Audio speakers can draw significant current, and an accidental short between terminals can be catastrophic for high-current solid-state amps.
Identify the Terminals
On the rear of the Alexx woofer enclosure, you will find two pairs of binding posts.
- Bottom Pair: Feeds the crossover for the 10.5″ and 12.5″ woofers.
- Top Pair: Feeds the crossover for the midrange and tweeter modules.
Remove the Factory Jumpers
The speakers ship with gold-plated metal plates or short wire jumpers connecting the top and bottom terminals. Use a binding post wrench (often provided by Wilson) to loosen the caps and remove these plates entirely. Do not lose these, as you will need them if you ever revert to single-wiring.
Prepare Your Bi-Wire Cables
You have two options here:
- True Bi-Wire: Two separate cables per channel.
- Internal Bi-Wire: One cable jacket containing four conductors (two for positive, two for negative).
I recommend True Bi-Wire for the Alexx because of the physical distance between the terminals and the sheer amount of current the woofers require.
Connect to the Amplifier
At the amplifier end, you will combine the two “Positive” leads into the single red terminal and the two “Negative” leads into the single black terminal. If your amplifier has dual output posts (like many McIntosh or Luxman models), use them to make the connection easier.
Connect to the Speakers
Attach one pair of leads to the “High” terminals and the other to the “Low” terminals. Ensure the red (positive) lead always goes to the red terminal. If you cross these, the speakers will be “out of phase,” resulting in a total loss of bass and a blurred center image.
Common Challenges with Wilson Alexx Wiring
Cable Weight and Stress
The Wilson Alexx is a massive speaker. High-end cables from brands like Transparent or MIT often have heavy “network boxes.”
Pro Tip: I always use cable elevators or specialized supports to ensure the weight of the bi-wire run isn’t pulling down on the Wilson binding posts. Over time, constant tension can loosen the internal wiring or the terminal plate itself.
Space Constraints
The terminal area on the Alexx is recessed for a clean look. If you are using very large spade connectors, they might overlap or touch. I prefer high-quality banana plugs for the upper terminals and spades for the lower ones to keep the signal paths physically separated and tidy.
Bi-Wiring vs. Bi-Amping: Which is Better for Wilson?
While the Wilson Alexx speakers are bi-wireable, many owners ask if they should go a step further and bi-amp.
- Bi-Wiring: Uses one amplifier. It reduces cable interaction but doesn’t increase available power.
- Bi-Amping: Uses two amplifiers (one for highs, one for lows).
In my experience, because the Alexx has a complex crossover designed for “Time Domain” accuracy, passive bi-amping (using two amps with the internal crossovers) provides the most headroom. However, Wilson Audio spent years perfecting the internal crossover synergy. Most users find that a single, high-quality stereo amp (like a D’Agostino Momentum or Pass Labs X350.8) with a premium bi-wire cable provides better tonal consistency than two lesser amplifiers.
Expert Tips for Wilson Alexx Maintenance
To keep your Wilson Alexx sounding its best after you’ve bi-wired it, follow these maintenance routines:
- Tighten Terminals Regularly: The vibrations from the massive woofers can slowly loosen binding post caps. Check them every 3-4 months.
- Clean the Contacts: Use a high-quality contact cleaner like DeoxIT on the terminals and cable ends to prevent oxidation.
- Check the “V-Material” Spikes: If you moved the speakers to access the terminals, ensure the spikes are perfectly level. A tilted Alexx will lose its time-alignment precision.
FAQ: Wiring Your Wilson Audio Speakers
Does bi-wiring the Wilson Alexx void the warranty?
No. Wilson Audio designs their speakers with dual terminals specifically to allow for bi-wiring and bi-amping. As long as you don’t modify the internal crossover, your warranty remains intact.
Can I use different brands of cable for the highs and lows?
I generally advise against this. Different cable geometries have different “propagation speeds” and tonal signatures. Mixing brands can disrupt the phase coherency that Dave Wilson and Daryl Wilson worked so hard to achieve.
Are the Alexx V jumpers better than bi-wiring?
The stock jumpers on the Alexx V are a massive upgrade over the original Alexx plates. If you are using a mid-range cable, the stock jumpers with a single run might sound better. However, a dedicated high-end bi-wire set will almost always outperform the jumpers.
Do I need to remove the “Resistors” to bi-wire?
No. The Wilson Alexx uses user-replaceable resistors on the back for fine-tuning the tweeter and midrange levels. These are independent of the bi-wiring terminals. Do not touch these unless you are trying to compensate for room acoustics.
What is the best connector for Wilson terminals?
Wilson binding posts are designed to be tightened by hand or with their specific torque wrench. Spade connectors provide the most surface area contact and are generally preferred over banana plugs for the most secure connection.
Final Thoughts on the Wilson Alexx Setup
Configuring your Wilson Alexx speakers to be bi-wireable is one of the most effective “free” or low-cost upgrades you can perform if you already have the cabling. It respects the speaker’s sophisticated crossover design while allowing your amplifier to drive the modules with less interference.
Whether you are using the original Alexx or the pinnacle Alexx V, the key to success is precision. Take your time, ensure your polarities are correct, and enjoy the expanded soundstage that only a properly wired Wilson Audio system can provide.
