speaker synergy and halo jc-1's

If you like Electronic type music the Sophia have laser imaging (Merlin's are suppose to have this similar quality) and super fast attack/decay which the VR (basically most conventional speakers) as good as they are can't compete with, this is an electrostatic quality but with more dynamics. With that being said the VR provide more lower mid boom, and you won't need a subwoofer. The VR provide a more fleshed out presentation.
The Sophia is more accurate in the details and control but still sounds similar to a really excellent monitor. The nice thing about the sophia is that it is really tolerant of a wide range of electronics versus WP7's and will work just fine with the JC-1's (but get a warmer preamp or use the audioaero direct). Or even a good integrated (Rowland, Bat,etc)
I have heard VR 4jr's with Naim, I've listened to the Perfectionist system (talk about bass hits!) and my other friend has Sophia's (goten1969) powered by ARC VS55i integrated tube amp resulting in probably one of the most amazing soundstages I've heard. I own WP7's and I have heard the Sophias sound good on VTL, ARC, Rowland and I've heard them sound bad (to hot) on Classe and Levinson.

People either get the Wilson thing or they don't...

Vargus: The Wilson's are a premium compared to the bargain VR's,but I feel that as a Wilson owner that I would not feel the need to switch speakers (which makes them a bargain in my eye). The Sophia's do not require a sub, but if you are looking for getting a speaker that includes a Sub (aka movies in a large room) the VR4 SE III or the VRSR would provide that. The other cool thing is the Wilson disappear in the room and can be put as close to the back wall using the WASP setup that wilson provides, so they don't overwhelm a smaller room and this was key for me. My room now is 12x16 and I've had them in a 10x12 room also (without the sub)
If you like the intimate sound of your 805's or any good monitor where you can really see into the music and the minute details of the presentation then you will appreciate the Wilson Sophia's. The Sophia speed and crossover integration are truely amazing and this is what I couldn't live with on the VR's. I could life with the Sophia's and less electronics ($) for a same total system cost and be happerier for longer. Keep in mind I'm a planar guy and I value speed and I use to play the upright bass and the wilson speakers are one of the few that.
You really have to bring your own music and listen to a properly setup (which is hard to find) set of wilson's to appreciate the character... moving them 1/4" is very noticable but that's why the dealer uncrates them and sets them up for you in you house!

Chris

The Krell/Wilson combo is going to be a little bright and harsh but you will get the idea if they are setup correctly (Wilson's are like a microscope) The Sophia's will work with SS or tubes flawlessly and it is a stable 4ohm load (doesn't dip below). My friend powers them with an ARC 50watt a channel integrated (and he used a 200 watt ARC D400 MkII SS amp also before) and still has tremendous bass (using transparent Super MM cables). Your JC-1’s will barely come out of the 25watts of Class A bias would be my guess for most of your listening.

The VR's whether it is the bargain Gen III HSE that Tvad and Perfectionist has all have a very different presentation than the wilson's and the SR's may be perceived WP7 comp. but the I couldn't really say as I haven't heard the SR, but it's a huge speaker, the WP7 is know for producing amazing sound from a very small package that disappears in the room, plus fit and finish on the Wilson are extreme! 150lbs each for the Sophia in a small package...that is why the bass is tighter and more defined than the VR's (even though more quanity and lower bass is produced by the VR’s). The VR's have more rock and roll sound, the Sophia can play anything with precision like it's dissecting the music.

Your Monster S4 is awesome I have a friend that just got one and had the stock cans gutted and then reprogrammed. I wanted a Duc 748 back then but knew I couldn't keep me off the race track (I use to race) so I got the guzzi to keep my license in check.

Actually the motorcycle analogy could probably be used.... You could have bought a Jap bike -VR or you could buy the finesse of a Ducati - Wilson. And yes there is a price difference but the Brembo Brakes, fully adjustable suspension, stainless steel brake lines, etc are what put the passion in your Ducati. It's about the feel/control not about the specs. The Jap bike might be faster and even have better ratings, but the Duc just feels right...

Check all the details on the Wilson (he's a fanatic) (like they use resisters in a recessed plate that has Allen bolts on it so that if you blew a tube or played it too loud it damages the resister and never makes it to the driver!) Wilson keeps touch up paint for 5 years for you and plus you can get any color you want and the finish dare I say is better then my motorcycle! Think of fully adjustable suspension on your bike = the setup instructions for the Wilson (much easier on the Sophia's versus the WP7)....

Like I said before either people get it or they don't with Wilson's... just like Italian motorcycles - You should hear the music my 1100cc Guzzi makes racing through the hills being slowed by Brembo brakes and driven out of the corners orchestrated by the dry clutch and fully adjustable hydraulic controls... Magic when it is all working right!