Wilson Sophia


I have been looking at stepping up from my B&W 704s and heard the 802Ds, the Naut 802s and the Wilson Sophias. I was all set to spend the 4500 on a pair of used 802s but then I heard the Wilsons. All I can say is that the Wilsons absolutely spoke to me. My problem is that this is a huge investment for me and I think that I must be crazy to even be thinking about this purchase. Even more so, because I live in an apartment building and cannot "crank up" my system to massive volume levels.

My question is-am I going to be able to truly appreciate these speakers with my McIntosh MA 6500 integrated and my Lector CD player? There is not going to be any money in my budget to even consider other changes for a long time. Wilson's were set up with mid level Naim gear.

Are there any risks with buying the units off the floor if I can get a deal?

As always thanks for your input.

John
jhorton19
Absolutely, Avguygeorge. These speakers are big and heavy and the crates are ridiculous. I might be able to use one as my coffin if my audio spending continues as my wife will kill me if I even consider any more purchases.

Keep looking...I am sure you will be able to find a good deal on some Sophias. Dealers in your area might be a good resource too. You might pay a bit more but you will get the warranty and some piece of mind...

Either way, the search is worth it as the speakers are just awesome...

John
Became an owner--Wed.of this week.I wonder if anybody else went from Merln MM's to Sophia??? Sad to say the Merlins are so close--'cept for bass area. Mine ain't broked'in yet. Merlins ain't bad speakers--at 4k used.For a bit over 10k for the Sophias;that is a lota bucks for that few hrts. That's how I call it. I got what they call titianimum/silver (dark silver) Usually I get chills etc with new speakers---not this time.
Avguy,
Congrats on your new speakers!
I think Wilson speakers kinda impress you over time. I didn't get chills on the Sophias until I heard several times and after some head to head comparisions with other speakers.

give it some time, I'm sure you've made a right decision.

another proof for the law of diminishing return...? eh.. forget about that ! I don't think the WP7's 2X better than the Sophia either ;-)

I'm going to A/B between the Sophia and Aerial 9 and Vandy quatro soon. Will I still buy the Sophia after that? likely.. but who knows :-)
Thanks Junsan. Most will love it where I have to admit ----oops;forgot to take the bam out of the chain. Yes, once removed---getting chilly in here; almost goose bumps. Still have to do final leveling and get a touch closer on the positioning.
Avguygeorge,

It will take you a while to lock in on the position. Everyone says the mm make a difference. I didn't want to agree but they are right. Once locked in you won't leave the room. I am almost there w. the 7s 9 months later. I use Sound Anchor tone coasters under the spikes to make my life easy moving them the little amounts.

On another note, a friend of mine w. the Merlins just got a Berning Amp. He never spends on equipment & now he is upgrading his entire system. The Berning took the Merlins to the next level for him & he won't even pick up his phone. I will be checking it out next week. They are both great speakers. The treble w. the Merlins is very different than Wilsons. Depending on your equipment you will create the right synergy.