Extravagant

A survey of high-end speakers (including those in the increasingly crowded over $40k market) reveals that most loudspeaker companies use injected-molded plastic ports.  Some might conclude—given that a majority of reputable manufacturers find this solution adequate—that Wilson Audio’s approach is extravagant.  Or even gratuitous.

All of the machined ports in Wilson Audio loudspeakers are milled from solid billets of aluminum.

They are undeniably striking examples of machine art.  But are they necessary? Is it necessary for a Swiss watchmaker to utilize precious stones in his watch movements? Or for a winemaker to insist on barreling each vintage in new French oak?  Or, to ask the question conversely, would it be acceptable to put vinyl seats in a Ferrari?

These are the sorts of questions that inevitably arise when art meets commerce—the visionary meets the accountant.   In this case, the question comes down to this: could Dave Wilson justify the cost of milled aluminum ports on aesthetic grounds alone, even if they imparted no sonic advantage?

Fortunately, Dave did not have to agonize over this choice.  Together with chief engineer Vern Credille (who has an academic background in the arcane subject of air turbulence) they devised extensive testing protocols for port designs. After evaluating several materials, the scientific data and critical listening tests proved the audible advantage of the aluminum port.

The ports are just a very visible statement of Dave Wilson’s longstanding purpose—to pursue his vision of sonic perfection without compromise. Understanding that purpose, are machined aluminum ports extravagant? Yes, deliberately. Are they gratuitous?  
You decide.