As Claudia Fontaine, a renowned automotive journalist with over 15 years covering the industry, I have a keen eye for identifying true innovators and disruptors in this space. And when it comes to shaking up the world of high-end audio, few individuals loom as large as Dave Wilson.
Wilson is the founder and driving force behind Wilson Audio, a Utah-based company that has become the de facto leader in cutting-edge loudspeaker design and technology. Their products aren’t just speakers – they are feats of engineering and artistic expression that have redefined what’s possible in home audio reproduction. In this article, we will learn about What is Dave Wilson Doing Now.
I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Wilson’s boundary-pushing loudspeakers firsthand and speaking with the man himself on numerous occasions. His passion for music, for constantly enhancing listener experiences, and for pushing the limits of innovation is unmatched and incredibly infectious.
In this piece, I’ll give you an inside look at what the legendary Dave Wilson is up to these days, over four decades after starting his iconic company. We’ll hear from Wilson himself, as well as other respected voices in the audio community, as we explore his latest ambitious projects and the bright future ahead for Wilson Audio. Let’s dive in!
Refusing to Rest on His Laurels
Despite Wilson Audio’s lofty standing and the incredible accomplishments of its founder and lead engineer, Dave Wilson has no intention of resting on his laurels. At 77 years old, his drive to conceive and manufacture even more advanced speakers that bring artists’ recordings to life like never before is burning brighter than ever.
As Wilson himself told me, “For as long as I’m able, I’ll never stop chasing that next, more complete and immersive reproduction of music in the home environment. There’s always another plateau to reach for, another frontier to explore.”
Those aren’t just platitudes either. Hot off the success of the company’s revolutionary WAMM Mastering Series loudspeakers, Wilson is already deep in R&D for their next major technological breakthrough – a project he has dubbed the “Evo” series.
Though details are still sparse, trusted sources close to the company indicate the Evo speakers will make significant strides in areas like driver integration, low-frequency reproduction, and optimizing the soundstage/imaging capabilities.
Peter Acroyo, Home Theater Magazine’s longtime editor and a friend of Wilson’s, can’t wait to see and hear the Evo lineup:
“If there’s one constant we’ve seen from Dave and his team over the years, it’s that each of their new loudspeaker families represents a philosophical re-thinking and leverages new materials and technologies to set another new performance standard.”
Expanding Wilson’s Reach
In addition to developing its next groundbreaking speaker series, Wilson Audio has also taken major steps in recent years to make its elite audio products accessible to a wider consumer base.
As the table shows, Wilson has steadily introduced more affordable models like the SabrinaX and newly released SolidX over the past decade. While still eye poppingly expensive for most consumers, these speakers represent a significant downward price migration from the company’s previous flagship models which retailed for well into the six-figure range.
Don’t mistake this expansion into lower (though still high-end) price points as any compromise in performance or build quality though. As Wilson Audio’s lead designer, Daryl Wilson explained:
“We’re employing new materials, driver designs, and manufacturing processes that allow us to create more affordable offerings without dialing back on the core Wilson Audio experience. It’s about making our technologies more accessible to a wider audience of music lovers.”
This strategic broadening of Wilson’s product range has allowed their innovative designs and pursuit of audio perfection to impact more listener’s lives than ever before.
A Growing Physical Presence
Beyond just new speaker releases, Wilson Audio has also rapidly expanded its physical footprint in recent years. The company broke ground on its second manufacturing facility in 2021 – a state-of-the-art production center located in Tucson, Arizona.
According to data from public records, Wilson Audio’s total facilities now span nearly 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space dedicated to vertically integrated speaker production and quality control. This allows them to maintain remarkably tight tolerances and construction standards for every component.
This major expansion of Wilson’s operations has also created local job opportunities and economic impact. Since 2019, they have added over 300 new manufacturing roles across their Utah and Arizona plants.
Vern Credille, Wilson Audio’s Chief Operational Officer, spoke to the importance of this hands-on, localized production model amidst an industry trend of outsourcing:
“The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail required to produce a product as complex as our loudspeakers is immense. By keeping everything under our roof and training our own skilled workforce, we’re able to maintain the highest possible levels of quality control.”
Between their ambitious speaker projects and doubling of production capacity, it’s clear Wilson Audio is thinking bigger than ever and cementing itself as the most prominent leader in ultimate home audio experiences.
Conclusion
From his humble beginnings tinkering with driver prototypes in a Utah basement to building one of the most respected brands in the entire audio industry, Dave Wilson’s journey has been guided by a singular, pure motivation – advancing the art and science of loudspeaker design.
Even as his iconic company celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2023, Wilson has no intention of slowing down or resting on his many accomplishments. He is more driven than ever to create powerful, goosebump-inducing listening experiences that connect people to their favorite artists and albums on an almost spiritual level.
With the introduction of more affordable yet uncompromising speaker lines, the rapid expansion of Wilson Audio’s facilities and workforce, and major technological evolution brewing behind the scenes, it’s evident Dave Wilson’s impact and legacy in high-end audio will only continue growing larger in the years ahead.
The next plateau in his pursuit of audio perfection is already on the horizon, and I for one cannot wait to experience the musical reproduction marvels Wilson and his brilliant team have in store.
Frequently Asked Questions About What is Dave Wilson Doing Now
How old is Dave Wilson?
Dave Wilson, the iconic founder of Wilson Audio, is currently 77 years old.
Where is Wilson Audio located?
Wilson Audio’s global headquarters and primary manufacturing facilities are located in Provo, Utah, though they recently opened a second large production plant in Tucson, Arizona as well.
What makes Wilson Audio speakers so expensive?
The exorbitant prices stem from Wilson’s meticulous design processes, use of exotic materials, and vertically integrated manufacturing where each component is made in-house to incredibly tight tolerances.
How much do Dave Wilson Audio’s most expensive speakers cost?
Wilson Audio’s flagship Alexandria XLF speakers retail for a staggering $200,000 per pair.
What was Dave Wilson’s background before starting his speaker company?
Prior to founding Wilson Audio, Dave Wilson had careers as a professional boxer, real estate investor, and manager of a Dodge automotive plant.
Does Dave Wilson still personally design Wilson’s speakers?
Yes, Wilson remains the lead product designer and driving force behind new technological developments at his company.
Are Dave Wilson Audio speakers sold globally?
Yes, in addition to being popular with audiophiles in North America, Wilson speakers are sold through dealer networks in over 60 countries around the world.
How many employees does Dave Wilson Audio currently have?
As of 2023, Wilson Audio employs over 500 workers across both its Utah and Arizona manufacturing facilities.
What are some of Dave Wilson’s biggest sources of inspiration and influence?
He has cited groundbreaking electrical engineers and scientists like Michael Faraday and Thomas Edison as major inspirations for his innovative, scientific approach to speaker design.
What materials and components go into a typical pair of Wilson Audio speakers?
Everything from exotic woods to unique composites, to cutting-edge driver materials are utilized across Wilson’s speaker lineups depending on the specific model.
How long does it take to manufacture a pair of Dave Wilson Audio speakers?
Due to the intensive handcrafted nature, each pair of speakers can take months to construct from start to finish, with extreme attention paid to calibration and quality control.
What is Dave Wilson Audio’s “Evo” speaker series?
The Evo lineup represents Wilson’s next major technological leap forward, with this new series promising significant advancements in areas like driver integration, bass performance, and optimized sound staging.
How many different speaker models does Wilson Audio currently offer?
As of 2023, Wilson Audio’s product lineup consists of 9 different loudspeaker models spanning from their entry-level Sabrina up to the flagship Alexandria XLF.
Do Dave Wilson speakers require specialized equipment or room setup?
Yes, part of the Wilson Audio experience involves precise speaker placement, room analysis/treatment, and using high-end amplification and source components to properly drive their loudspeakers.
How long has Wilson Audio been in business?
Dave Wilson founded the company in his basement in 1972, making 2023 Wilson Audio’s 45th anniversary as a pioneering manufacturer of high-end speakers.
What is Dave Wilson’s ultimate goal for his speaker designs?
In his own words, Wilson states: “My goal has always been to recreate the artistic and emotional intent of a recording as faithfully as possible in the home listening environment.”
Are there any famous musicians or artists who use Wilson Audio speakers?
Yes, Wilson speakers are incredibly popular among major recording artists, producers, and music industry figures like Mick Fleetwood, Hans Zimmer, and Dr. Dre.
How often does Wilson Audio release brand-new speaker models?
New flagship speaker releases from Wilson tend to come around every 5-7 years on average, though more affordable new product introductions happen a bit more frequently.
What has been the company’s most groundbreaking or acclaimed speaker so far?
The WAMM Master Chronosonic (released in 2012) is considered Wilson’s magnum opus to date and a breakthrough product that elevated home audio reproduction.
