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
what you currently own is arguably as good as either. no offense to the vac, which is excellent too, live with 'em. to paraphrase groucho marx,you are so 'there' if you get any closer, you'll wind up in back of it.
Go listen to the Sophia's at Esoteric Audio http://www.esotericaudioaz.com/ since you are local and the Dealer ROCKS!

The imaging is way more precise and you will be amazed at how small physically the Sophia's look compared to your 802's. Don't worry about the rear porting you will not hear a difference. Plus with your excellent equipment you will really be able to appreciate what you can get out of the Wilsons!

If you like your peaks then you will enjoy the Wilsons because they do not stress at volume!
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.