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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
bigkidz
1,784 posts
 
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.
sd2005gt
89 posts
 
I highly recommend the Sophia. If not, you will not be satified especially you have already heard them and like them. I have the Sophia and could not be happier.
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
though i agree with your wife's impression of the wilson, the mac is well designed and sounds great on pretty much any conventional loudspeaker,even the wilson
kleech
122 posts
 
I owned the Sophias for two years and they're absolutely wonderful. They work very well with smooth sounding SS integrateds such as your Mac; I initially heard them with a Musical Fidelity integrated. They will provide a solid foundation from which to move up the electonics food chain. I'd suggest tubes would be in your future. I can also attest to their more than capable performance at lower volume listening. Some of the people at Wilson are also fans of Nordost cabling which you own.

I'd have no qualms about buying a demo from a reputable dealer...in fact this is the best way to go considering their list price.

If you're into the Wilson sound as they "spoke" to you, you'd better reply as anything else would be a stopgap measure and cost you more in the long run. Good luck!
pbb
1,135 posts
 
Heard a bit of Muddy Waters (SACD)at a dealer on Sophias driven by Spectral. I could not recognize Muddy's voice since it sounded thin and distant. Speakers did much better on an SACD of Renée Fleming. So based on this very brief audition I would tell you be careful if you like Muddy and go right ahead if you like them high pitched sopranos!
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