We listened to Tricon_dave's Sasha last week with my Naim Superline phono stage. That is a great combination ; speed and definition were amazing. |
i am thinking about sophia 3s or 2s. i have a cj act 2.2, simaudi w7 amp(150/300/500w) and a sim supernova cd. room is panel treated 19x13x8 which opens up into a hall way and a small room on the other side of the hall. i worry about size/speaker synergy. Also i wonder if some of the problems people have with their speakers is due to poor placement. I had a sumiko guy due their set up to my current vsa speakers and they wound up placed where i would never have placed them and sounded far different than what i had achieved after a lot of movement around the room. i listen to rock blues female vocals and a little jazz. love the sophias for their bass-ability to do a fender bass sound like no ther speaker i have heard. What do you all think about my room is the 8 ft ceiling or 13 ft wide going to be a problem???? |
It's been almost 3 weeks now and I listen to more music than ever. Sasha's image and provide more space between instruments than any speakers that I've ever owned. I think I've reached the point where I'm finally done. |
Keithr
After having both in the same system and in the same room, I can't disagree with you more. Not because of what someone is telling me, or I'm just saying it to say it, but if the room is adequate, the Sasha's can do things that Sophia 3s can't do. As a matter a fact, with the Sophia 3s, I would listen with the volume @ 160, with the Sasha's I listen with the volume @ 140. I submit that Sasha's aren't as hard to drive as the measurements would suggest. I'm not saying that I wouldn't have better results with a more powereful amplifier, but my 100 watt Densen B-350s provide what I need. Sophia 3s are great at what they do, but I promise you Sasha's are at another level. |
I would buy Sophia due to amplifier flexibility |
Bvdiman,
Thanks...What pleasure they have brought! |
Excellent move Ricred1.. Good to know. Congrats and enjoy 'em! |
I was about to pull the trigger on a used pair of WP8s and my friend sold me his Sasha's. Unfortunately, he is moving overseas, but I couldn't miss this opportunity. I'm very, very satisfied with the change. |
John, You must have me confused with someone else. I did not buy a pair of Wilsons. |
Hi Peter,
Sorry, forgot about my question. Glad to hear you got the Sasha's, they seem to be a fantastic speaker. Please let us know your thoughts after they arrive. |
I don't want to discuss this in this Wilson thread. I think I will start another specifically about the NYC show. |
Hey Peter, not to hijack the thread, but what else did you like at the show. I liked the vintage Quad 57s and the YGs. |
I also heard the Sashas at the NYC show. I think they were in three systems. I much preferred the room with the VTL electronics. That was an excellent combination. |
I heard the Sashas for the first time at the NYC Audio Video show this weekend and (as a former Watt/Puppy 6 owner) thought that finally the Wilsons stopped sounding analytical or etched. (I have heard the WP7s and 8s at shows also and still felt that they were a little etched and metallic like the WP6s.) So I think the Sashas are evidence that Wilson finally got it right. I was always vaguely annoyed by Wilson mids/highs/vocals (stridency and hashy) up to this point. |
I have heard both in the same system and thought the Sasha was significantly superior. Maybe not my particular taste in speakers, but a very good speaker nonetheless. |
Johngp,
Sorry didn't see your post. I sold the Sophia 3s and decided today to get Sasha's. I hope to have them in a couple months. |
So I'm curious, what happened here; did you get the Sasha's or stay with your Sophia III's and work on upgrading your room?? |
Today I listened to Rockport Mira IIs and Wilson Sasha’s. I have Sophia IIIs and wanted to see if it was time to change speakers. I’ll preface my comments by stating, “there isn’t a perfect speaker, everyone hears differently, and audio has no absolutes, only preferences.
I took 7 CDs to listen to (Kem, Dave Koz, Jessy J., David Sanborn, and a few others). I prefer Jazz and a little R&B. I wonÂ’t go into every detail comparing the Mira IIs to Sophia IIIs, let just say, both I and my wife preferred the Sophia IIIs by a wide margin.
Sasha’s were up next. I could have listened to Sasha’s all day. It’s obvious that Sophia IIIs are cut from the same mold, but the Sasha’s do everything a little better. Not just more bass, more separation, height, and just a little smoother. My wife remarked,”Kem sounds like he is in the room”. If money wasn’t an issue, to my ears it’s a no brainer…Sasha’s! I submit Sophia IIIs are very, very, very good speakers and Sasha’s are Great! I will think about my finances for 1 more day. Stay with Sophia IIIs and get 90% of the Sasha’s or spend money that I probably shouldn’t right now. I guess another option is to save for a couple months and then get Sasha’s. Either way it's time to be grateful and thankful for what I have and enjoy the music!
The system consisted of my amp and preamp (Densen B350 and B250), Transparent Reference Cable, and DCS CD player as the source. |
Ricred1,
I look forward to reading about your experience as well. Where are you auditioning the Rockport Mira?
BTW, I did not forget about the pictures. I took them and i will email them tonight! Sorry for the delay but father in law had heart attack and things have been hectic. |
Samhar,
I will post a follow-up next week. I went through this before when I had Sophia 2s. I listen to B&W and Magico, but stayed with Wilson and upgraded my electronics. |
Best of luck in your quest. Please keep posting your experiences. |
Samhar
I see no downside in comparing my speakers to other speakers. Sometimes the only way to appreciate what you have is to compare it to what you think maybe better. Once I'm settled on speakers I will invest in room treatment and upgrading my transport. |
Short simple and great advice:
12-11-11: Onhwy61
Your system is well balanced as it is. The recommendations for acoustic treatments are excellent, by far the best sound improvement per dollar investment you can make. As far as changing speaker go, the real question isn't whether you would spend an incremental $15k, but whether you're prepared to spend an incremental $40k plus upgrading source, cables and amplification? If you just can't live without the Sashas and money is not a big concern, then go for it. If you have to save up for the purchase(s), then most likely Wilson will have introduced a new upgraded version or model and moved the performance bar even higher and pricier and would you be happy with the Sashas then? |
Well, I will be comparing Sophia IIIs to Sasha's, and both of them to Rockport Mira's next week. Soon my ears will answer my question? Thanks for everyone's input! |
Ricred,
Re my initial suggestion to getting speaker first is none other than that from previous experiences, different speakers usually do require different treatments--optimally.
If modular units--still ok, you might just need to add, subtract, or simply move them around. However, if fixed/built into room--then not so easy, more headache should you later decide to switch speakers. Hence for me, whenever possible, always better to get a fixed on designated speaker first, then specifically treat room around it. As in your case : what Sasha requires might differ from that of Sophia's.
But at the end, either ways, whether it be room/speaker first--some corner bass traps, front wall, and sides' first reflection absorb/diffusers are basic essentials which will definitely reap benefits in almost any room.
Also, if you go modular--your ears, with some dealer's help (basic measurements) can do, no need Rives etc. Only if you plan on built-in ones incorporating some sort of room re-design, then those pros will come in handy, ime. |
When auditioning speakers for my new system, I found that the Sashas paired with an Audio Research 200 wpc integrated amp sounded great - up until about 80 on the volume control, when the ARC just didn't have the power reserves to handle recordings with substantial bass. So I think your concern about adequate power is legitimate if you plan to play them loud, and that taking your gear to the dealer to see how well it drives the Sashas is an excellent idea.
But although I went with Revel Salon 2s due to my particular room circumstances that required a more forgiving speaker, I will say that the Sashas are outstanding speakers and I think noticeably better than Sophias, especially in a larger room. |
IMO It's best for you to listen to sasha first, then decide if it's worth the $15K upgrade, you can tune the room later if you have found your setup. |
Peterayer: >>I learned that the room and isolation are just as important or even more so.<<
I agree 100%. Acoustic treatment, as called for by system setup within the room, and a decent rack for vibration isolation are key. I believe swapping gear is a waste of time (and possibly money) until you get these right.
If you can create a simple line drawing of your room with equipment and furniture placement (I used Visio) many of the acoustic treatment vendors will give you a complimentary consult on products and placement. Use a mirror or the reflective mylar strip from ASC Tube Traps (aka Optical Alignment Kit) to find reflection points. It is actually quite simple. This is fundamental 'aural infrastructure' stuff. PS: Don't forget the ceiling.
I went with RealTraps and SRA and they've paid huge dividends. Sorry don't mean to sidetrack yr thread. Fwiw, my pick was Sashas. |
Sounds_real_audio
Yes, the Densen is a Class A amp. The B-350 delivers 125W at 8 ohm, and 250W in 4 ohm. No local or global feedback. I would be required to spend significantly more money to improve the sound. |
Are your Densen amps class A?
|
Ricred1,
I will take pictures and email as soon as I can. |
Ricred1,
Just do an Audiogon or Google search for Jim Smith. He is a veteran in the industry and has a lot to share. Great guy. |
My room was 28'x 24' and open to the lower level. I recently added a wall and the room is now 21'x 24'. It's furnished with a couch and two chairs. Heavy drapes are on all of the windows. |
Ricred,
Just took a re-look at your system page. Your room (new?) looks kind of bare. Which in this case, yes--basic first, the many suggestions to doing room treatment first would seem to be most logical/justifiable. Only after that's been properly addressed, then the 'anchor', 'support' and 'tuning' parts would make more sense. |
Peterayer,
I'm working on the room first. I have already contacted Rives, but I haven't sent them my room information. Who is Jim Smith?
Thanks,
Rick |
I think you will get much better results by addressing your room first. Hire a pro, get some treatment, place the listening seat and speakers then worry about upgrading. The cost/benefit ratio will surprise you, IMO.
In the last year, I have spent about $3K on Jim Smith and room treatment and another $2.5K on isolation and my system improved far more than the last time I threw $10K upgrading components.
I used to think that buying a new preamp or cable would make be all I needed to by happy with my system. Then I learned that the room and isolation are just as important or even more so. Well, that was my experience anyway. |
Bvdiman,
I'm currently looking at all of my options. I'm going to contact my local dealer tomorrow and set-up an appointment to hear the Sasha's with my current electronics. Hopefully during my visit I will have the opportunity to compare my equipment to other gear. My challenge is trying to get the most "bang for my money". I honestly love my current system. I just want to see how much it will cost to hear significant differences regarding spacing between instruments, soundstage depth and width. The other question I have is what change in equipment provides the most cost effective way to improve what I have? Time will tell! |
Ricred,
If you could stretch your budget a little, I would recommend to getting the Sasha (anchor first) then build system/room around it.
Earier this year, my brother was staged to buying the Sophia3/REF110. It was practically a two months back-forth affair to the dealer--whereby their demo system too slowly evolved. Finally, after gotten used to sound of Sasha driven with the then new ARC REF150, he blew his budget and went for it--Along the CD8 and REF5. I found that this synergy to be very well complimentary and sounds real good. So much so, that I got the amp for myself too--and I'm not so much of a Wilson nor an ARC fan prior.
Another option to look at also is probably trying out the REF150 first in your current set-up. I would guess that this move too would push the performance envelope of your Sophias quite a bit further, positively, much in ways that you prioritized. Good luck. |
Elberoth2
I know Sophia 3s are great speakers. My priorities are spacing between instruments, imaging, and soundstage. I submit Sophia's perform these task well. My delima is how best to spend 10-15K? If Sasha's are significantly better at performing my priorities than Sophia's, will changing cables and/or electronics get me to Sasha's? I plan on at taking my amp and preamp to listen to Sasha's next week. I'm curious to hear the Sasha's with my electronics. |
Kucharsk,
I agree that Sasha's are great; however it's about putting a system together. I have a concern about my amp being able to get the most out of Sasha's. I plan on taking my amp and preamp to a dealer to make sure they are capable of driving them. I don't want to get Sasha's and be required to upgrade my electronics. In the mean time I will try room treatment and possibly a sub. |
The Sashas are the only Wilsons I've heard that I like.
When I listen to the Sophia IIIs I can still hear cones in an enclosure on certain tracks, an effect that completely disappears on the Sasha. |
Brian,
Please email me pictures of your room.
Rick |
Rick,
Talk to Casey about the Rives. He can help you. Also, most if not all of your treatments can be home made at a considerable savings. I can email you pictures of my room if you like.
Brian |
Rick, left u message on phone so we can confer, Marc. |
MARC777
What affect has the JL-113s had on the rest of the audio spectrum? |
I heard both and considered the Sasha at my home after trying Sophia IIIs to get a little more bass. After considering the possible need for extra amplification and cable I choose to go with 2 JL-113s subs instead. I spent less than i would have to swap up to Sasha and got way more extended and quality bass. I am extremely happy with speaker set-up. Marc |
I concur with all of the above. You already have a good DAC. Instead of buying a new transport, go with a computer? Quality to price, they probably make the best transports out there and cost little, relatively speaking. |
Rcred1,
I worked directly with Art Noxon at ASC (Acoustic Sciences). Since my room is close to square with an odd shaped bay at the rear, there were still a couple of modes at 32 and 62 Hz that the traps were unable to smooth sufficiently. That's why I bought the PARC. My dealer came over with Rives' room correction software and a real time analyzer and was able to reduce those modes significantly. All of this will certainly improve those attributes that you deem important.
By the way, do you live in Austin and is the dealer to whom you refer Ne Plus Ultra? If so, then we have a lot in common. Drop me a note and if you'd like, arrange to come over and listen. |
If you live in Southern California go to Brooks Berdan in Monrovia, CA. If not give them a call they are experts on Wilsons and would be happy to discuss the differences in the Wilson lineup. Both speakers are good but their is more to be had with the Sashas. They are more open and have better detail. Happy Holidays. |
Thanks for all the advice. Based on the feedback I will look into room treatment and a better transport. I haven't heard significant differences with transports and would appreciate a place to start below 4K. I've already had home trails of Transparent Audio Ultra, Kimber Kable, and I concluded that Silver Cable provided me more of what I wanted.
Onhwy61
I had them set-up by a really good dealer in Austin, TX. They completely disappear and have great imaging. I'm just trying to see what I can improve. |
