Wilson Sophia

I think the answer to your first question is probably yes, at least as far as the integrated goes, as I've heard a Mac-Sophia combination and it works pretty well. The Sophia is more forgiving than other Wilson speakers of the electronics it is fed, it can actually sound good with a good receiver powering it. As far as the Lector goes, I can't address that, but hopefully someone reading your post has tried that combination. You might want to bring the player over to the dealer's to hear it in his place, if you can't get the dealer to bring the speakers to you for a home audition (which he may very well do if it's a good dealer and you indicate that if you like it you'll buy it on the spot). I agree with Larryi that it's not a waste to get good speakers, and my bet is that the Wilsons will sound good even nearfield; you should go back to your dealer to see if they pass the low listening level he describes.

As far as buying demos goes, as long as it's an authorized dealer and they haven't blown the drivers, that's a good way to go; I've bought demo speakers in the past from a dealer I trust with no problems.

Thanks for your response, Larryi. I did find it rather amazing that the Wilson's sounded substantially more detailed at the lower volume levels. That is obviously quite important in my current listening environment.

Thanks for your input, Rcprince. The great thing about this process has been that my wife is totally on board with whatever I decide...She is an interior decorator with great taste and she initially thought the Wilsons looked like Trash Cans and that she would not be able to live with them...After our demo on Sat, now she is a big fan too!

Really appreciate your input on buying the demos too.

John

One other thing you should consider is if you buy the Wilsons' now,you will have them and later may be able to afford better electronics to add .At least for now you'll be able to enjoy the speaker you really like.Maybe not at its full potential but at least you'll get a glimpse of it capablities...Bottom line go for it and have fun!!!!

I have heard both speakers at different dealers and it is funny how you would probably buy the B&Ws at one dealer and the Wilsons at the other. When I heard the Wilsons the dealer was using a Meridian as a trnasport into the Accuphase class A 50 wpc stereo power amp that had a DAC in it. It sounded fantastic and the B&Ws with the same set-up sounded like garbage. The other dealer used the Plinius SA-102 amp with the B&Ws and it sounded fantastic but we all know how component matching is critical.

Have fun and Happy Listening.