Wilson Audio Celebrates 40 Years!

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 03:06 PM

Hey guys!!

This year is Wilson Audio's 40th anniversary!!! It's SO exciting!

Most of you know that I run Wilson Audio's Facebook page. Since I know many of you don't want to touch Facebook, I thought that I could extend the celebration to you guys, too. (I have extended the same invitation to 1 other forum that has a Wilson Audio thread like here on AudioShark)

This is what I am doing on our Facebook page (will be all year long): Weekly product spotlight & trivia question (since we have produced 57+ models/versions over the last 40 years), contests, giveaways, etc. I will be keeping track of who answers the weekly trivia question first, and giving away some fun stuff monthly (shirts, hats, coasters, etc.) to those that answer the most questions correctly.

Yesterday I spotlighted the Series 1 WAMM by posting a historical photo of the WAMM series 1 with my parents, and asked a question (which turned into 3 questions - my mom threw in 2 bonus questions, and have offered an original autographed Wilson Audiophile CD or LP to each correct answer to the 2 bonus questions!).

Just want to celebrate this milestone with everyone by doing some fun stuff with you guys!

Would you guys like me to do the same thing here?

**Mike** · January 5, 2014, 03:14 PM

Yes please!!

Big congrats to Wilson Audio!

40 years? Has it been that long?

I would love to hear some comments from your Dad "looking back" on those 40 years. Biggest challenges. Biggest surprise. Favorite product. What would he like a mulligan on. Where he sees high end audio going. That sort of stuff....

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**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Yes please!!

Big congrats to Wilson Audio!

40 years? Has it been that long?

I would love to hear some comments from your Dad "looking back" on those 40 years. Biggest challenges. Biggest surprise. Favorite product. What would he like a mulligan on. Where he sees high end audio going. That sort of stuff....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

YES! It really has been 40 years! My father didn't start with building speakers. The SM.ar.T Turntable was the first product my father created and produced. Before he could sell his first one, he had to create a business. That business was created in 1974, and was named "Wilson Audio"

I plan on doing a LOT of fun stuff over the year. My parents are having fun coming up with ideas, and stories to share. It will be a GREAT year, trust me

**Mike** · January 5, 2014, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by Lildebs

It will be a GREAT year, trust me

With the Alexia's and Sasha 2 anticipation - I have no doubt!

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**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 03:31 PM

It is only appropriate to kick off Wilson Audio's 40th anniversary product spotlight not only with the first speakers we built, but also to include the 2 wonderful people who brought them to you - David and Sheryl Lee Wilson!:

**WAMM Series 1**
WAMM photographed here was Serial Number 2 in a Walnut finish

INTERESTING FACTS:

* When the WAMM Debuted in 1981 the Series 1 WAMM sold for $28,000. It was the most expensive speaker at that time by $8,000. The second most expensive speakers at the time were the Infinity Reference Systems (IRS)

*There were 6 versions of the WAMM: Series 1, 2, 3A, 6, 7, and 7A

*Only 54 WAMM Systems were ever built

TRIVIA QUESTION!: (TRIVIA QUESTION WAS ANSWERED CORRECTLY ON FACEBOOK ALREADY, so no credit will be given for another correct answer)

Q: This photo was taken in November of 1981 at the WAMM debut. Where was the debut of the WAMM held?

** We threw in 2 BONUS questions, and they will be real brain ticklers (and non Google-able)**

These question come from my mom, Sheryl Lee Wilson. She has offered 2 original AUTOGRAPHED Wilson Audiophile CDs OR LPs as a prize to the FIRST person to answer correctly one or both questions correctly (1 CD or LP per first correct answer)

BQ #1 : At the WAMM debut in 1981 at John Garland Audio, Dave was asked many PURELY TECHNICAL questions. Sheryl, on the other hand, was only asked one question. What was that question Sheryl Lee was asked?

BQ #2 : What was the name of the person who asked the question to Sheryl Lee? (HINT: the person was a well-known speaker designer).

**NorthStar** · January 5, 2014, 04:11 PM

Maybe in 2014 I should start checking some friendly faces on Facebook?

Deb, that is an awesome photograph, thx for sharing.

* Btw, 2014 marks exactly the 45th anniversary of my first and only speaker I ever built myself.

I wish I could share a picture but I didn't have an iPhone back then. ...I painted it white anyway, and it was about 28" by 16" by 12" (H x W x D), 3/4" thick (I think), and with two drivers in it.

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

Maybe in 2014 I should start checking some friendly faces on Facebook?

Deb, that is an awesome photograph, thx for sharing.

* Btw, 2014 marks exactly the 45th anniversary of my first and only speaker I ever built myself.

I wish I could share a picture but I didn't have an iPhone back then. ...I painted it white anyway, and it was about 28" by 16" by 12" (H x W x D), 3/4" thick (I think), and with two drivers in it.

Very cool, Bob!!

If you are on Facebook, here are some links for you (if you are interested):

Wilson Audio's Facebook Fan Page (our official page where I post almost everyday): https://www.facebook.com/WilsonAudio

Wilson Audio's Facebook Group Page (more like a forum for us to all chat): https://www.facebook.com/groups/186178579615/

My Profile: https://www.facebook.com/debby.wilson.audio

**NorthStar** · January 5, 2014, 04:37 PM

I'll be totally frank with you Deb; I do have a Facebook account, but I only visited few times, checked things around, have some friends already from few years back (audio friends, bass lovers, New York cooking chef, an avid golfer too, Canadian air pilot, Brazilian female doctor, nieces, ...) but I'm just not active at all. I simply don't have the inspiration, the motivation; audio forums are it for me, a big part of my life.

But now that you just posted those few links above I promise you to check them out.

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 04:55 PM

This should help you guys out a little with the bonus question.

I have received a lot of answers - many of which were duplicate answers. Here is a list of answers received for the bonus question, but were incorrect:

Peter Walter
Jon Dahlquist
Leo Spiegel
John Bowers
Gayle Sanders
Jim Thiel
Henry Kloss
Albert Von Schweikert
David Wilson
Amar Bose
Richard Vandersteen
Peter McGrath
John Dunlavy
Siegfried Linkwitz

**Mike** · January 5, 2014, 05:12 PM

Paul Klipsch

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**Mike** · January 5, 2014, 05:31 PM

A fun historical read:

http://www.stereophile.com/interviews/690wil/index.html

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**NorthStar** · January 5, 2014, 05:42 PM

BQ #2 : Arnie Nudell or Ken Kantor

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

BQ #2 : Arnie Nudell or Ken Kantor

No and no

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

I'll be totally frank with you Deb; I do have a Facebook account, but I only visited few times, checked things around, have some friends already from few years back (audio friends, bass lovers, New York cooking chef, an avid golfer too, Canadian air pilot, Brazilian female doctor, nieces, ...) but I'm just not active at all. I simply don't have the inspiration, the motivation; audio forums are it for me, a big part of my life.

But now that you just posted those few links above I promise you to check them out.

Completely understand, Bob. That is how I feel about some of the other social sites (Instagram, etc.)

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Paul Klipsch

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Nope

I am sure we will eventually run out of speaker designers that were around in the early 1980's

**NorthStar** · January 5, 2014, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Lildebs

No and no

I already spent roughly an hour on that, I'm not spending another single minute!

But here are anyway my five last guesses :::

- Peter Snell
- David Gunness
- Bruce Howze
- Bob Carver
- Kevin Voecks

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

A fun historical read:

David Wilson: WAMM!! WATT?!? WHOW!!! (& the Puppies!) | Stereophile.com

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Mike!! Thank you for posting this!! You have no idea how much you have helped me! I have had a question about the WAMM, and my dad and I have been trying to figure out the answer now for over a YEAR. This article answered my question! Lol!!

Thank you! It's a fun read. My dad is still the same guy he was 24 years ago. I can hear his voice in his answers

**the professor** · January 5, 2014, 08:46 PM

How about your brother and the question was if he could go to the bathroom. Or he asked if he could have a pair for his room?

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 09:26 PM

We have a winner to the second bonus question (was just answered correctly on Facebook)!!

The person who asked my mom a question was:
Brian Cheney of VMPS

The first bonus question had yet to be answered correctly. I am thinking of either upping the ante, or giving a hint ...

**Lildebs** · January 5, 2014, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

How about your brother and the question was if he could go to the bathroom. Or he asked if he could have a pair for his room?

Nope

**NorthStar** · January 5, 2014, 10:02 PM

That first bonus question (what did the guy, Brian Cheney, ask your Mom) is a goddamn tough one!

* Cheney; wasn't he some kind of vice-president of the USA at one time?

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 12:55 AM

So it seems. Yet, I think you guys will think it is obvious once you see the answer.

Vision this scenario: a new speaker designer is debuting their first speaker which is now the most expensive speaker in the world. The feeling is a little tense. Not many questions, some what quiet. Everyone is asking my dad straight technical questions. The room falls silent. Brian then speaks up and directs his question to my mom. He asks her a question totally off anything audio. Being the girly girl (beauty pageant winner) she is, she happily answers his question.

I think this is the best hint I can give without totally giving it away. I might have even said too much!

**NorthStar** · January 6, 2014, 01:21 AM

"How long did your husband work on it?"

Or: "Were you neglected during the building process?"

Or: "Do you know where the bathroom is?"

Or: "Where can I get some coffee?"

Or: "Is this his first one?"

I don't know, just pure guesses.

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 01:53 AM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

"How long did your husband work on it?"

Or: "Were you neglected during the building process?"

Or: "Do you know where the bathroom is?"

Or: "Where can I get some coffee?"

Or: "Is this his first one?"

I don't know, just pure guesses.

Hehe, nope! Maybe it's just because I know the answer that I think it's too obvious. Take a look at the picture again. Let it be a guide.

**NorthStar** · January 6, 2014, 02:14 AM

Obviously.

* "Where did he get that carpet from (the one on the wall)?"

** "Does the carpet (on the wall) come with it?"

*** "Is he certain that he has enough drivers?"

**** "Are you his wife, assistant?"

***** "What are you doing after the presentation?"

_____________

Deb, you're a fun girl with those bonus quiz questions.

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

Obviously.

* "Where did he get that carpet from (the one on the wall)?"

** "Does the carpet (on the wall) come with it?"

*** "Is he certain that he has enough drivers?"

**** "Are you his wife, assistant?"

***** "What are you doing after the presentation?"

_____________

Deb, you're a fun girl with those bonus quiz questions.

Lol! Love your answers! You are actually getting close (almost spot on minus 1 thing in one of your answers).

I love this type of stuff! It's a lot of fun to share the history of Wilson. I am proud to have been a part of it my entire life!

**Matt715** · January 6, 2014, 10:07 AM

Did you pick out or bring the flowers? Or he made a comment about the flowers matching her dress.

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Matt715

Did you pick out or bring the flowers? Or he made a comment about the flowers matching her dress.

Close....

We MIGHT have a winner on FB (need to see if my mom will accept his answer)!

**Matt715** · January 6, 2014, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Lildebs

Close....

We MIGHT have a winner on FB (need to see if my mom will accept his answer)!

Did you bring the flowers for a woman's touch?

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by Matt715

Did you bring the flowers for a woman's touch?

Nope

**Matt715** · January 6, 2014, 10:40 AM

Did you grow those flowers? Did you take the flowers for your dress/suit (Boutonniere) from the bouquet? Did you make David wear a boutonniere?

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 11:08 AM

Has nothing to do with flowers

**Matt715** · January 6, 2014, 11:16 AM

I give up!

**Bobvin** · January 6, 2014, 11:27 AM

Are you going to let him keep those in your living room?

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 02:08 PM

WE HAVE A WINNER!! Our judge, Sheryl Lee Wilson, has ACCEPTED an answer of: "who made the dress". We felt it was close enough to the correct answer of: "where did you get that beautiful dress?" Congratulations to Alan Faulkner on Facebook!

We will be doing trivia questions with our weekly product spotlight all year long to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Don't worry. Not all the questions will be as hard as the bonus questions! It's going to be a fun year

**Matt715** · January 6, 2014, 02:16 PM

I knew it had to do with flowers.

**Ritmo** · January 6, 2014, 02:23 PM

Debby -

Huge congratulations to the Wilson Audio team on 40 years of great products and music. You are off to a great start to the next 40!

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Matt715

I knew it had to do with flowers.

Yeah.... it did....

You guys crack me up!

**Lildebs** · January 6, 2014, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Debby -

Huge congratulations to the Wilson Audio team on 40 years of great products and music. You are off to a great start to the next 40!

Thanks, Mike!

**NorthStar** · January 6, 2014, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by Lildebs

WE HAVE A WINNER!! Our judge, Sheryl Lee Wilson, has ACCEPTED an answer of: "who made the dress". We felt it was close enough to the correct answer of: "where did you get that beautiful dress?" Congratulations to Alan Faulkner on Facebook!

We will be doing trivia questions with our weekly product spotlight all year long to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Don't worry. Not all the questions will be as hard as the bonus questions! It's going to be a fun year

You tricked us! ...That wasn't a question, that was a compliment!

**Lildebs** · January 7, 2014, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

You tricked us! ...That wasn't a question, that was a compliment!

WHERE did you get the dress? It's a question. It was both

**NorthStar** · January 7, 2014, 01:51 AM

I know, I was just making conversation.

And BRAVO to the winner!

**sharkmouth** · January 7, 2014, 02:16 AM

Debs, tell mom & dad congrats, great company!

**Lildebs** · January 8, 2014, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by sharkmouth

Debs, tell mom & dad congrats, great company!

I will

Thank you!

**Lildebs** · January 11, 2014, 04:50 PM

WEEK 2

Wilson Audio's 40 Years in 52 Weeks Product Spotlight!!

**SASHA W/P Series 1**
Sasha (the product) photographed with Sasha David and Sheryl Lee Wilson's beloved German Shepherd (who sadly passed away Summer of 2013).

Sasha Series 1 is still a current product. Series 2 has been announced, but are still in the final stages of development.

INTERESTING FACTS:
*Wilson Audio started shipping Sasha's in May of 2009

*The year after it's release (2010), Sasha Series 1 received: Stereophile Magazine's Loudspeaker of the Year AND Overall Product of the Year, AudioBeat's Product of the Year, and Stereo Sound's Grand Prix Loudspeaker.

*Sasha W/P (meaning WATT/Puppy) was the next version of WATT/Puppy's. Because of a complete redesign, we felt we should give it a different name while still keeping to it's roots.

*The WATT/Puppy line (including the Sasha) is the largest selling speaker in it's class IN HISTORY!

TRIVIA QUESTION:
The Puppy had a "Cute saying" behind it. The WATT stood for "Wilson Audio Tiny Tot" (Tiny Tots was the name of the Preschool the Wilson Children attended). We named the bass cabinet the "Puppy" because it is "a Tiny Tot's best friend" and/or "little woofers".

Q: What is the "Cute saying" behind the Sasha (being named after the Wilson's beloved dog)?

Sasha Seamless-128.jpg

**highEndguy** · January 11, 2014, 10:25 PM

**Ritmo** · January 11, 2014, 10:33 PM

Very sweet Nelson!

**highEndguy** · January 11, 2014, 10:39 PM

Hands down the best speakers I ever had .

**highEndguy** · January 11, 2014, 10:40 PM

The blur in the last picture is the bass
I'm getting , hahaha

**Ritmo** · January 11, 2014, 10:57 PM

Couldn't agree with you more Nelson! The Alexias are fabulous. I have been listening to them for the last 9+ hours. They are sounding wonderfully.

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