Wilson Sophia

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!

Sophias and Mcintosh.
I'd be happy with that.
The loudness button might come in handy.

My only response to your questions ... I loved my 804N and 803N speakers, but at low volume I was forever disappointed. Those speakers came to life when driven with some watts ... I don't mean knock-down-the-walls watts ... and at volume they were incredible. At low to lower volumes, as when I wanted to read without having the music compete, the B&W's simply didn't satisfy me, nor did they reveal how wonderful they were.

As someone else pointed out, the transition to big music from small music was incredible, as the B&W N's would create a bigger sound without breaking apart ... not in a "loud" way, though they would get "loud," but rather in a "bigger" way. Great music from smallish speakers.

So, I'd counter that being able to use "volume" is essential, especially if a particular speaker actually sounds amazing at higher volumes. Such speakers don't always satisfy at lower volumes.

I absolutely attest to Arkprof.
My W/P sound great in low to mid volume, but when the family is out, and I dial up my B&W sig 800, the W/P just has no match!! I advice is to know your listening habit, and buy what fits you.

No matter how great your speaker choice might be, if buying them burns up all your cash and puts you in a place where you can't buy anything else for a long time to come, then I think you should find another speaker that doesn't break the bank. There are a lot of great speakers out there that can be had for alot less than the Sophias that will still satisfy the soul and keep more in the pocket for other things.