Michael,
While I'm more familar with the WP, after reading what Duke wrote it appears the Sophia may be a similar challange to the power amp. Don't get to caught up in watts, current is the real issue. I use a ML 335 and it doubles it power at 4 ohms and doubles it again at 2 ohms. So, while it's only rated at 250 watts it really delivers the juice when the impedance drops, which is when you need it with Wilsons.
While I know there are many tube lovers around here I can tell you with my WP 5.1's the ML 335 mopped the floor with my old ARC VT 100mk2. The ARC unit just didn't have the power to control the WP's. My point is unless you go with a massive tube amp you won't get where you want to go. Kleech may like the purity of the Nagra, but he is giving up dynamics to get it. While this is a personal choice, I suggest a tube pre and a transistor power amp. Some of the older Roland stuff would be an excellent choice. I'm real happy with my 335. But get one that doubles it's output as the impedance drops from 8 to 4 to 2. You have lots of choices on pre amps, I also use the CAT Ultimate.
Get you power amp first and then find the pre amp that has synergy with it, your room and your taste.
While I'm more familar with the WP, after reading what Duke wrote it appears the Sophia may be a similar challange to the power amp. Don't get to caught up in watts, current is the real issue. I use a ML 335 and it doubles it power at 4 ohms and doubles it again at 2 ohms. So, while it's only rated at 250 watts it really delivers the juice when the impedance drops, which is when you need it with Wilsons.
While I know there are many tube lovers around here I can tell you with my WP 5.1's the ML 335 mopped the floor with my old ARC VT 100mk2. The ARC unit just didn't have the power to control the WP's. My point is unless you go with a massive tube amp you won't get where you want to go. Kleech may like the purity of the Nagra, but he is giving up dynamics to get it. While this is a personal choice, I suggest a tube pre and a transistor power amp. Some of the older Roland stuff would be an excellent choice. I'm real happy with my 335. But get one that doubles it's output as the impedance drops from 8 to 4 to 2. You have lots of choices on pre amps, I also use the CAT Ultimate.
Get you power amp first and then find the pre amp that has synergy with it, your room and your taste.