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B&W Nautilus 802D, Wilson Sophia 2, or others?

I'm getting the upgrade itch again. My current speakers are Nautilus 802's and I am using a VAC PHI 110 setup with 8db negative feedback. The speaker impedance curve won't let me use the zero feedback setting. Overall the system sounds very good. Areas, I would like to improve would be bass impact or punch, a bit more clarity in the midrange. The room is approximately 15 by 14 with a vaulted ceiling going from 8 to 11ft. It is also open at the very top to a kitchen/dining room area so it acts like a bigger room. It does have a room peak in the 30-40hz range with a null around the 60hz range that I believe robs some impact. I love the looks of the Nautilus speaker and what I have does sound very good. From the reviews I have read the Diamond version improves in the areas I feel need improvement but still presents a difficult load requiring the amp to use negative feedback. The Wilson Sophia might present an easier load allowing Zero feedback with some sonic gain just from that change alone. I am a bit concerned that the Wilsons are ported to the rear since the front wall behind the speakers has seven foot wide french doors in the middle which might present a reflection problem. I have not listened to either speaker but metro Phx has dealers for both. Would somebody that is basically happy with the B&W speakers like the Wilson Sophias or should I just stick with the 802D's? Any other speaker recommendations that are compatible with the VAC amp? I don't like the looks of any speaker that looks like the basic box with drivers in it. Listening preferences are primarily jazz and vocals. I usually listen to music with peaks less than 90db but sometimes crank to peaks around 100db. I don't want it to crap out if I want to crank it. If anyone has upgraded from 802's to Diamond version, I would also appreciate your comments. Thanks
rhljazz
tvad
9,467 posts
 
The VAC Phi 110/110 does not shine until it can be run in ultriode with zero negative feedback. Anything else, and you're missing the magic of the amp. The problem is the amp's high gain, and the solution is to lower the gain either from your source, or from your preamp.

There are easier to drive loudspeakers than the B&W and Sophia...Silverline Sonata III, Living Voice Avatar OBX, Reimer Teton or Wind River, and others.

The speaker/amp match is critical. You have a "new" classic in the VAC Phi 110/110.
chazzbo
1,006 posts
 
Tvad mention some good ones but Sophia's (I read mind you) maybe best value Wilso ever offered.Silverlines good for triode tubes.I'd just ad to list Revel.Very close to price point and very popular among HT/Music buyers (have heard many say it is best combo speaker out there which might mean ou prefer it in music only system.Wouldn't worry about rear port with frenh doors onless slats are open.But with anyspeaker rear wall treatment can really improve system fro carpaet to difussion boxes at pretty high cost.

If current 802 delivers enough bass than 803D goes as low as you model of 802 for price of old 802's or 1/3rd off 802D's.But though they do suck current like all the 800 series.Kalman Rubinson uses his with Bel Canto Ref1000's and their is reason why.You need at least 200-300 and like Maggies but not to QUITE same extent they do like more current and headroom.If I bought B&W again (Always a possibility since I get good brak on them.I have a $7K German horn w/MC woofer at easy 8 ohm/94db though I worked for 6 years sellling B&W Matrix and the speaker you own now) I swap out to get SS power instead of tubes I use now.Think some speakers really benefit from tubes B&W,Wilsons,Revel need it less than others.Maybe what you want is new amp or a speaker that really get's benefit from/shows off tubes?That would be different in my mind than either B&W or Wilson (though as you mentoned less od load probem with latter).Good luck.
Cheers
Chazz
sashav
64 posts
 
I considered and auditioned both, 802D and Sophia II, in the end purchased PMC IB2.
audio_bliss_tx
2 posts
 
Personally, I do not like the 802D at all with any amps I've auditioned them with. These may not be my cup of tea, but I know many others really like them. To each their own, that is why we have many options.

I have a couple recommendations, which are both from Dynaudio. The Confidence C2 and C4 are just amazing. The clarity and being able to listen for hours is what draws me to the Dyn's. They are also very good for both male and female vocals.

Another recommendation is the Aerial Acoustic Model 9, but it's boxey in appearence, which it sounds like you want to stay away from. Still, a very nice sounding and dynamic speaker.
bar81
754 posts
 
The only caveat with the Revels is that they're part of the Harmon Specialty Group and who knows whether it'll be around in a year after KKR has its way with the parent company.
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