My present speakers are Tannoy DC10A’s . I recently upgraded to a NDX2, XPS DR, NAC282 +250DR +HiCap DR+ Napsc. I am auditioning a used pair of Wilson Sabrina speakers in my home. Oh My! These add a whole new dimension to my hearing. Presently tweaking placement issues but I will be taking the Tannoy’s to the dealer for a trade. The only issue my wife and I have is with the color (Desert Silver). They clash with the rest of the decor in the room. Any ideas on how i can get these repainted to a flat black color?
Thanks for all the suggestions. I returned the speakers only because the color clashed with the decor. I plan on buying a pair in black…
Found a used pair for sale. We drove 400 miles round trip to inspect, listen to and purchase. Color is perfect and sound is exceptional!
I’ve seen Sabrinas and the finish work is lovely. You ab-so-lute-ly don’t want to get them “painted.”
The cabinets are made of a proprietary phenolic resin that Wilson denotes “X Material.” If you were to do this, you’d have to totally remove all drivers and electronics, strip them down to the bare resin (if that can even be done without destroying the resin and without knowing what combination of solvents and/or abrasives are compatible with the X Material), and then get them refinished (“painted”) with a compatible paint. And then re-assembled per original specs (which may not be published).
To the OP: If they are a good price used, and long term keepers, then there is no reason to not to change their appearance if that makes them visually more acceptable. But if they are new, or somewhere near full price, then maybe better to hold out for ones you like the look of - and if the dealer can’t source you a pair in the right colour at no more than similar price then just keep a lookout on secondhand market.
I agree with you. Used price…4 years old…will probably keep these for the next couple decades, Just not sure how to get them repainted. Manufacturer states they used automotive paint to start then applied a gelcoat.
I think X material was only used on the front baffle and base of the original Sabrinas. The entire cabinet in X material came later, with the Sabrina X.
I would consider a vinyl wrap before painting. Relatively economical end entirely reversible.
As to if its a good idea or not to change the colour, that I won’t comment on but I believe Wilson just uses a typical automotive grade paint finish & any body shop shouldn’t have an issue changing the colour for you. Depending on where you’re located there are companies now that actually offer peelable paint. They first apply the peelable layer & then top coat with standard automotive paint. This leaves you with an actual painted finish that can be removed without harming the original paint finish.
Another option, buy some thin fabric to drape them with. I’d imagine acoustically transparent, any colour you like and can be secured to give a taut fit. Entirely reversible and easily changed for another colour as the moods suits your wife.
Why is that so, that each time someone expresses a preference for some piece of equipment someone else hurries to suggest them something else? Wilson Audio makes great speakers if you like the voice; and since the OP seems to like the Sabrinas, the only sensible comment seems to me that from HH - meaning, best to look for a pair in a different color.
I think the Desert silver option looks very smart.
Very business like - you could imagine a motivated tie and waistcoat would complement.
Unbuttoned collar to let loose after a few cocktails.
