I'm switching from the 802Ds to W/P8s. I liked the 802Ds, but they really didn't localize the stereo image as precisely as I wanted, even after serious room modifications that balanced out the lower end quite a bit. Their low frequency boom definitely tends to overpower male vocals in rock and roll music even in my big room, but for a lot of other more mellow music they were phenomenal, including female vocals, instrumentals, classical, etc. Ultimately, the lack of point-on localization of insturments and voices, the lack of air between instruments, the far back receding mid-range sound field (may friend called this the laid back british sound... They did sound very dimensional because of this though), and the kevlar and rohacel sound wore away at me.
The best thing to do is go listen to them yourself and make your decision after careful scrutiny. Don't buy too quickly, as you might find one works better with a larger variety of music you enjoy after long term demoing, or that one slowly erodes at you. Don't get me wrong though. I do like the 802Ds, especially for the price. I've never listened to the Sophia 2s, so I can't give a decent comparison to you on my perceptions concerning how they contrast. I've only listened to the W/P7s and W/P8s.
Hopefully, my experience with them will give you some hallmarks to listen for when you compare the both of them.
Good Luck!
- Jeff
The best thing to do is go listen to them yourself and make your decision after careful scrutiny. Don't buy too quickly, as you might find one works better with a larger variety of music you enjoy after long term demoing, or that one slowly erodes at you. Don't get me wrong though. I do like the 802Ds, especially for the price. I've never listened to the Sophia 2s, so I can't give a decent comparison to you on my perceptions concerning how they contrast. I've only listened to the W/P7s and W/P8s.
Hopefully, my experience with them will give you some hallmarks to listen for when you compare the both of them.
Good Luck!
- Jeff