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

Showing 3 responses by tvad

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.

05-19-07: Rlawry
... tube amps are not the last word in bass or speed and detail.
Having owned a VAC Phi 110/110 which drove Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE loudspeakers, it was my experience that the Phi 110/110 amplifier suffered none of these drawbacks.
Ever considered Eggleston Andra II? Outstanding speakers. You can often find them used for $9 - $10K.

Far more musical than B&W802D, IMO, and they will give the WP7 or WP8 strong competition.