Sophia 2 vs. Vandersteen Quatro


Can you all help? I'm considering the quatros or the Sophia 2s. I realize that they're different but wanted some opinions on which is better. I really like the sound of both but it's hard to decipher b/c I've listened at different dealers in different rooms with different equipment. Has anyone compared the two? Thanks for the help.
briandwyer

Showing 1 response by jdolgin

I am familiar with both speakers.
I own the Sophias(1's), and have auditioned the
Quatros on a number of occasions at a dealer's show room
that I've been to many times. There is no "Better" speaker in this comparison. They are both capable of marvelous performance and are really terriffic products. As I see it, the differences boil down to the rooms they are placed in and the ancillary equipment. The Quatros LOVE tubes. The mid-tweeter units are easy to drive and excel when driven by moderately powered tube amps. The woofers are self powered and the output can be tailored to difficult rooms with uneven bass response. I think the Quatros are probably easier to get to their best in a variety of rooms and systems.
The Sophias are true thoroughbreds. They are capable of extrordinary performance. They require precise placement
good speaker wire, top flight amplification and a reasonably good sounding room. They also love tubes, BUT to really sound their best, they need at least 100 or more Tube Watts. That can be expensive. It's easier to make a good sounding medium powered tube amp than one with higher power....and that translates to $$$. I think the Sophias are capable of higher level performance, but it's a much bigger challenge to get there. So I think the choice requires an honest look at your room, your ancillary equipment and your willingness to design, arrange and decorate your room around the speakers.
The Sophias are gorgeous. The finish is magnificent........is this inportant? Only you can judge.
Hopefully this helps.