Quicksilver amps an appropriate match for Wilson Sophia?


My Quicksilver mini mites work OK with Wilson Sophia IIs, but I'm constantly wondering how well the higher powered QS monoblocks would fare. Very interested in the V4, the Silver 88 or even the mid-monos. Which do you think would sound best, and why?

Listening to mostly vinyl in an 11 x 16 x 9 dedicated room. My VTL ST150 bests the QS mini mites (especially in low end impact), but not by much.
allison2

Showing 9 responses by allison2

I expected the mini mites to be underpowered and sound terrible, but suprisingly, they sounded OK. I didn't notice increased distortion, but I also don't typically listen at extreme volumes either. Compared to the higher powered VTL ST150, the QS minis lacked a bit of dynamics, detail and soundstage. Between these amplifiers, not really a fair comparison, which is why I'm always wondering about how those V4s would sound. The Silver 88s are supposed to be well suited for difficult loads, for which the Sophia IIs may qualify.
In the mini mites, I've got EL34s, though it does allow other types such as KT88, 6550c etc. The VTL uses strictly 6550C.

Didn't expect that tube swapping would make as much difference as changing QS monoblocks. I do like the idea of having options with the QS amplifiers. I thought the Silver 88 monoblocks could also use several different tube types?
Really appreciate all the responses so far. Even heard back from Quicksilver directly. I'm told that the silver 88 monoblocks would be the best match for Sophia II, but can someone explain this in simple terms? I figured the higher powered V4 would be best, but perhaps more watts isn't really the answer.
Wilson Audio Specialties Sophia loudspeaker Specifications
Description: Three-way, floorstanding, reflex-loaded loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) inverted titanium-dome tweeter, 7" (178mm) paper-cone midrange unit, 10" (254mm) aluminum-cone woofer. Frequency response: 29Hz-22.5kHz, +0/-3dB. Sensitivity: 89dB/2.83V/m. Impedance: 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum. Recommended power: >12Wpc.
Dimensions: 41" (1042mm) H by 12" (305mm) W by 18" (457mm) D. Weight: 160 lbs (72.7kg) each.
I don't expect that the entire line of QS monoblocks are essentially the same, save for increasing power, correct?

What are the specific sound qualities that improve as power is increased (other than volume)?

I think I've ruled out the mid-monos. All things considered, I don't expect they'd be significantly different than the mini mites. For slight changes, I can simply engage in tube swapping with my mini-mites.

Can anyone make a comparison between the VTL ST150 and the QS V4?

Also, still hoping to hear from someone who has matched QS monoblocks with Wilson Sophia loudspeakers.
This may explain why I've only been able to find reviews and comments matching the Wilson Sophias with fantastically high powered tube or solid state amplifiers. In my space, I mate every amplifier I own with new speakers, just to see (hear) what happens.
Just picked up a pair of mid monos and they seem to work well with the Sophias. Haven't yet had a chance to A/B/C the MiniMites, the MidMonos and the VTL ST150, but that'll be happening real soon. So far MidMonos aren't shy with detail, dynamics or bass. Enjoying the music while I cool down from all that amplifier lifting.
Still no examples of quicksilver amplifiers with Wilson Sophia? I would have expected these fairly common brands to cross paths at some point. Still working my mid monos whilst I save up for the Silver 88s!