2. amps-preamps
  3. 1224462787

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 5 responses by mtdking

mtdking
157 posts
 
Johnnyb53,

I agree with you. Hearing Wilson on very good tube gear will leave a lasting impression. VTL has a lot of synergy with Wilson. I can tell you that Ayre is not the greatest match with any wilson speaker. I tried my MXR with wilson and it was to much of a good thing.
mtdking
157 posts
 
Johnnyb53,

What preamp were they using with the Siegfrieds?
mtdking
157 posts
 
I think the preamp had to be the 7.5 series I since the series II hadn't come out yet in 2006.
mtdking
157 posts
 
The Lamm M1.1 came out in 1994 and being that it is full class A amp you would have to start to worry about maintenance on the amp. Now the M1.2 that came out in 2004 would be a very nice amp for the Sophia II but at that price range your getting into the Dartzeels, Audio Research Ref's of the world.

I will have to disagree that the Lamm M1.1 has more bass output then the VTL MB-450 sigs. Maybe the VTL MB-450 were not sigs that you were listening too. There are about 6 different version of MB-450. I have had both and I thought the VTL had more bass and was deeper. Solid state will for the most part be tighter but I think tube amps have a much more natural sounding bass.
mtdking
157 posts
 
If you got lean bass with the speakers that close to the back wall just wait if the speakers get moved out from the wall. If the speakers are that close to the wall behind them you should have to much bass.

A square room doesn't help so maybe that is the reason for the speaker placement that they came up with. You can not follow someone else room placement as yours can be completely different. You can always make your current location with tape and try moving them around and see if it sounds better.

You can always try Cardas speaker placement. I has always worked well for me.
http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=insights&content_id=33&pagestring=Room+Setup+8
More to discover