I have a pair of Sophias and have tried a bunch of solid-state and tubed amps. My preamp has always been a CAT Signature Mark III. Since these speakers are a relatively easy load you can use either tubed or SS amps with good effect. I had an Audio Research VT100 Mark III and got a huge soundstage with great bass, same with a Conrad-Johnson Premier 140--you could also go with a MV60 amp which shows up here on Audiogon for less than $2K. If you wanted solid-state you could probably get good results with any good amp. I ran mine with BAT VK-500 and VK-600 amps and had good bass, immediacy, smoothness. The only drawback is a relatively small soundstage compared to the tube amps I tried. Right now I am driving them with Essence amps--if you ever see any of these on Audiogon I would highly recommend them--best sounding amps I have ever heard.
Pre/power or Int Amp for Wilson Sophias?
Hi all (esp Sophias owners),
planning my future system, and intend to build it around the Wilson Sophias..... looking for laid back (or non aggressive) and non-fatigue (long listening), detail and good control in bass.......... bright is a BIG no no......
Budget is not more than 8k. Would prefer SS system.
Please kindly share your comments, experiences and views.
Many Thanks!
Rgds.
planning my future system, and intend to build it around the Wilson Sophias..... looking for laid back (or non aggressive) and non-fatigue (long listening), detail and good control in bass.......... bright is a BIG no no......
Budget is not more than 8k. Would prefer SS system.
Please kindly share your comments, experiences and views.
Many Thanks!
Rgds.