For a time period I owned a pair of Sophia 2s, an excellent speaker, and if I had kept them then I may have moved towards tubes to tame the Wilsons...but when I considered going to the WP8...I ended up with different speakers. A couple of thought...personally I find it inconceivable that anyone could "dial in" Wilson speakers in 30 min...thus perhaps some work could be done on that issue. Having wandered through a few amps...I ended up with the MX-Rs...the guy who bought my Sophias...was local...purchased the ARC Ref3 (not sure which version) and Ref 110 amp...he has never been entirely happy with the sound...and I suspect part of it is his room...he even got a pair of WP8s...for the MX-R...preamp choice is critical...I used a VTL 6.5 for a time...an great pre...but ended up with the KX-R....
Wilson Sophia2s demand better than AYRE V5xe, so..
...What would you recommend?
Just took delivery of Wilson Sophia 2s. Plinius CD101 - Ayre K1xe - Ayre V5xe - Sophia 2s. Synergistic Research cables.
The K1xe is very good, I'd like to keep it, but I need a new amp.
The V5xe is too lean in the midbass, no texture or bloom. Soundstage is okay, but not "full" enough. No deep bass!
At the RMAF, I liked VAC phi 200s on the Von Schweikert VR-9se AND on the Greshman Black Swans as a point of reference.
I'm open to tubes or SS, but I think tubes might get me where I want to go. I'm looking for very full and detailed imaging that absolutely floats in the air, with intense layering, body and texture. I need better control over these speakers, and stronger deep bass output, speakers sound too thin now. I want fullness of images like MBL speakers, but with a more natural, involving midrange like the best Acapellas.
Budget is 10k new or used. Again, looking for a warmer, natural sound with very delineated images that complement my dynamic Wilson speakers, so don't underpower me!...
Just took delivery of Wilson Sophia 2s. Plinius CD101 - Ayre K1xe - Ayre V5xe - Sophia 2s. Synergistic Research cables.
The K1xe is very good, I'd like to keep it, but I need a new amp.
The V5xe is too lean in the midbass, no texture or bloom. Soundstage is okay, but not "full" enough. No deep bass!
At the RMAF, I liked VAC phi 200s on the Von Schweikert VR-9se AND on the Greshman Black Swans as a point of reference.
I'm open to tubes or SS, but I think tubes might get me where I want to go. I'm looking for very full and detailed imaging that absolutely floats in the air, with intense layering, body and texture. I need better control over these speakers, and stronger deep bass output, speakers sound too thin now. I want fullness of images like MBL speakers, but with a more natural, involving midrange like the best Acapellas.
Budget is 10k new or used. Again, looking for a warmer, natural sound with very delineated images that complement my dynamic Wilson speakers, so don't underpower me!...