Upgrading from Wilson Sophia 2's?


Currently using these in a 14x25 room. Enjoying them for the most part, but they can sound aggressive and make mediocre recordings sound like crap and be somewhat fatiguing. Iā€™m interested in trying something that is slightly more forgiving without sacrificing a lot of detail, air, dynamics, etc.

Any suggestions?

Associated equipment (preamps still in flux):

Amps
Pass XA 100.5 monoblocks

Preamps ā€“ Tube
Audio Valve Eclipse
Cary SLP-05

Preamps ā€“ SS
Fire H20
Wyred 4 Sound STP SE
Pass XP-20

Sources:
ModWright Transporter
Raven One TT / Triplanar / Dynavector XV-1s

Thanks.
madfloyd
Can you give some examples of the recordings that end up sounding harsh?

I've heard the Sophias several times with a wide variety of material for extended periods in Brooks Berdan's listening rooms at his shop(and trade shows) and the two words that I would never, ever, attribute with those speakers are aggressive or fatiguing. If anything, his systems have always been on the forgiving side of the spectrum.

But, you have a top-notch system, so as few others have suggested, it might be more a factor of room interactions - or more correctly, room reflections causing the problems.
I have heard Watt Puppy's with Jadis tube gear and it was amazing. My friend had WP as well with all ss and I did not like it nearly as much (though pretty darn good but VERY fickle)

I know my experience is with the WP not Sophia 2 but I hope this helps - also fwiw I am a tube guy...
Thanks Dave,

It sounds like you have a lovely room, however my question was directed towards the OP! (LOL)

Sorry about the Confusion!

Regards,
Rich
dave- i think you have room issues. if your couch is against the rear wall, that is a telling sign.

the trees, canvas art, and drapes aren't really treatment. i am going through the same process myself, and i've given up on better components until the room is solved. i ended up hiring Rives...

cheers,

KeithR