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Wilson Sophia2s demand better than AYRE V5xe, so..

...What would you recommend?

Just took delivery of Wilson Sophia 2s. Plinius CD101 - Ayre K1xe - Ayre V5xe - Sophia 2s. Synergistic Research cables.

The K1xe is very good, I'd like to keep it, but I need a new amp.

The V5xe is too lean in the midbass, no texture or bloom. Soundstage is okay, but not "full" enough. No deep bass!

At the RMAF, I liked VAC phi 200s on the Von Schweikert VR-9se AND on the Greshman Black Swans as a point of reference.

I'm open to tubes or SS, but I think tubes might get me where I want to go. I'm looking for very full and detailed imaging that absolutely floats in the air, with intense layering, body and texture. I need better control over these speakers, and stronger deep bass output, speakers sound too thin now. I want fullness of images like MBL speakers, but with a more natural, involving midrange like the best Acapellas.

Budget is 10k new or used. Again, looking for a warmer, natural sound with very delineated images that complement my dynamic Wilson speakers, so don't underpower me!...
hce4

Showing 2 responses by jdolgin

jdolgin
82 posts
 
Hce4:
I actually own sophias (the 1st version). I have 2 basic recommendations for you. First, be doub-ly trip-ly and quadrup-ly sure that the physical positioning of the speakers in your room is absolutely optimal. It makes an immense differebce when it's correct. I assume your dealer did it, but if you guys didn't take a long time to voice them properly, you can get midbass deficiency.
I've tried a number of amps with my Sophias. Cary V12's, Jeff Rowland 201's, Bel Canto Evo 2's Audio Research SD135,
and my final choice and long term keepers, The Audio Research VM220 MonoBlocs. There is just NO SUBSTITUTE for high power tubes on the Sophias. The VM220's were recently dropped fro the Audio Research line so there may be some still available. They were about 10K new. I've seen a few pair on the 'Gon for about 6K. Wilson audio has a long history of showing their spekeakers with Audio Research tubes, and if you call them, AR will be high on the list of recommended electronics. They are well built and last forever.
Sophias LOVE tubes...when properly matched they are superb.
Hope this helps,
Jim
jdolgin
82 posts
 
There is absolutely no way to adequately set up the sophias in such a complicated space in 30 minutes.
I'd recommend you do 3 things. 1)Photograph the space.
2) draw a schematic of the room to scale, 3) Contact customer service/support at Wilson Audio in Utah and send them all of the pix and drawings. See if they think this set-up is in any way appropriate. I'd discuss the "quickie" set up system used by your dealer. I'd bet they'd suggest the set-up is "sub-optimal" and I'd guess they have some suggestions to help. I'd caution against buying electronics until the speakers are properly positioned. In my room, once the set-up was optimal everything snapped into focus both spacially and in term of tonal ballance. My speakers sound very different from your description with every single amp I tried.
The sophias are usually positioned with more toe-in than you describe, and certainly more than 6" breathing room behind the speakers.
JIm
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