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Wilson Audio Sasha 2 vs Sophia 3

Hello Audiophiles,

How does the Sophia 3 (discontinued?) stack up to the Sasha 1 or 2.  I've seen a threat on Sasha vs. Sophia, but...

I've recently auditioned the Sabrina and the Sasha 2.  It was no comparison for me; the Sasha did everything I thew at it well, the Sabrina did some things quite well, and others not so well - couldn't deliver much impact or scale for me. 

I'm trying to decide whether the Sophia 3 is closer to the Sasha or the Sabrina?  I know it's in the middle but where?  

14x21' audio room.  ARC ref75 and Lumin T1 streamer.  I have 1st/2nd reflection and base traps installed.  Moving up from Focal 1027s. 

Thanks for ANY opinions and inputs!!!


jo1mtb

Showing 7 responses by jo1mtb

jo1mtb OP
122 posts
 

ricred1,

Thanks for the feedback. I think there was/is (I’ve heard the Sophia 3s are discontinued at a local dealer in PHX), a ~$10k gap.

To me the Sashas (2) were worth the $18k jump from the Sabrinas. I’m trying to figure out if the Sophia 3 is closer to the Sasha or the Sabrina. Looking at it, the specs and design, I’d say closer to the Sasha.

Wish I could hear a pair of Sophias.  But, in the end, in the used market there is only a couple grand difference between the Sophia 3 and the Sasha 1. I’m thinking it is probably worth the extra couple grand.

I'm also wondering if I need better gear to push the Sashas.  I will likely never spend 30K on any component. I'll likely stop at/near the ARC Ref75 and the Lumin T1.   

jo1mtb OP
122 posts
 
Thanks again, ricred1
jo1mtb OP
122 posts
 
Thanks all.  It seemed unanimous that the Sashas were the way to go, given space, money, and electronics.  I pulled the trigger on a pair of Sasha 1 listed here.  I'm going to give them a rip on the ARC VSi60, but suppose I'll need to step up to the REF75 SE.  Thanks again for the inputs. 
jo1mtb OP
122 posts
 
George,

Thanks for the link. I did read that review.  I've also ready so many comments about how well the Sashas play with Ref75, but perhaps I should consider the Ref150.  I did notice a huge dip ~2ohms creating a very significant gap/phase angle from ~100hz and for quite some time up the audio band.   I'll keep you all posted on how they sound. 
Thanks again for all the input. 

jo1mtb OP
122 posts
 
How can you really tell how much current an amp has.  All that is published is the watts, typically.  I know "not all watts are the same" - which I've always interpreted as some have more current/guts than others...  Can anyone point me to a layman explanation AND a way to tell how much current a given amp has?  Thanks!

jo1mtb OP
122 posts
 
Thanks again, George. 

I do know that my ARC does not increase/decrease W according to impedance/ohms.  

I should have my Sasha's here in the next week or so.  It will be quite the comparison; going from very efficient and quite easy Focal 1027S to the Sashas.  I don't think the Focals have pushed my amp much, but I expect the Sashas to lay it out.  
I know the Sashas can do much more - in the bass for example - than my Focals.  Something like ~15 Hz lower or more before -3db, for example.  I'm not sure if the little VSi60 (KT120s) can power up the Sashas enough to be a significant improvement over the Focals, Or if I'll need much more amp to hear real gains.  
My guess is: The Sasha's will sound much better than the Focals, immediately, all around, but they will still be far from giving me their all with the VSi60.  

Next step is a step up in the ARC line via separates.  

Thanks again!

jo1mtb OP
122 posts
 
It's been awhile, but figured I'd do a brief update in case anyone stumbled upon this. 
System is now:
Sashas
Ref 3 pre
Ref 75 amp
Lumina T1
Transparent ultra cables

@georgehifi I've really enjoyed the system with the 75 for a year.  I did drop in a SimAudio Moon 860A just to see what the Sashas can do with more power.  It exposed, as you produced, much more to the recordings.  But, over all I'm a tube guy, and prefer my 75 over the bigger Moon.  Having said that, I'm considering moving up to the ARC 150 now to get a bit more base grip on the edges without (hopefully) giving up all the rest - which is perfect for me.  

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