Wilson Watt Puppy, which version?

I have owned several Wilson speakers over the years, all but one pair was purchased used. I actually like the 5.1s better than the 6s but not as much as the 7s. Maybe it was the set-up of my system versus the systems I listened to the 6s in.

I do not like the Sophia 1 or 2s as much as the W/P series, but that is a personal preference. I find the Sophia's to be a kindler, gentler Wilson speaker - sort of like taking one 75% of the way into the Wilson House sound, but leaving some "forgiveness" in the speaker. In my opinion, the Sophia is a transitioning speaker to the Wilson house sound in this manner. Don't get me wrong, it/they are very good speakers, but for me that did not deliver enough of what I like most about Wilson speakers.

Price wise, the 5s are the proverbial "bargain" in the Wilson line up. I would not trade out my 5s for 6s straight out (unless my plan was to sell the 6s for more $ and buy the 7s).

All this is said based on personal preferences and my preferences may (probably) not match others. I find that one must be willing to spend some time setting up the Wilson speakers to get the best sound, and to be honest, doing this with the Sophia's is easier (mostly because they are a single piece speaker and also IME a bit more forgiving).

I think the key is to listen to them, and in more than just one system. If you are listening at somebody's house, you need to determine what that persons goals are with the speakers - as they may not match yours and therefore set-up for different goals and objectives. It is also extremely important to note the amp and preamp used - the W/P are very responsive to changes in components, cables, etc. . . Again, recognizing the owners objectives or performance goals.

Finally, unless you like/want detailed sound I would not buy Wilson W/P speakers. To me, there is little point in buying them and then using all sorts of other components that are just going to soften them up/down. I like Wilson matched with neutral (not overly warm) amps. If you want rolled off highs, buy a different brand of speaker, IMO. Buying W/P and overly doing this with the other components is counter productive in my mind.

Sorry, one addition (for some reason I couldn't edit the above after clicking "preview first"). I said I preferred the 5s over the 6s. I wanted to add that the people who owned the 6s also preferred the 5s in my room over the 6s in their rooms - obviously each with our own associated equipment. This may say as much about synergy and room as it does the performance of the 5s vs. the 6s. I have also heard the 6s at dealers and liked my 5s in my system better. Though that wasn't the case at the very same dealers with the 7s!

It's also interesting that people that don't like Wilson also aways recommend the Sophia's among the Wilson line-up.

Wilson isn't for everybody, just like Sonus, B&W, panel speakers, etc. . .

People shouldn't buy any of them without not having heard them first - unless of course they are willing to sell them if not satisfied. Speakers are tougher than amps, etc. . . to sell due to their difficult shipping nature.

I think it should be fairly easy to audition past generations. OP should post his general location and seek member invitations. I would be more than happy to accomodate somebody seeking such an invitiation.

Upgrade1394 - I obviously don't agree with you that the 7 sounds harsh and a bit metallic, as I don't think the 5s sound that way either. But as to the 8 vs. 7 or the 8 vs. the Sasha, I think you may be correct in your assessment that they are closer to the Sasha and may have had a short life for the reasons you indicate. Though I have not listened to either enough to offer my comment - both models are above what I am willing to pay and also above the OPs budget.

As to what the Wilson dealers say, I would be very careful about listening too closely to those comments. For the most part they carry the Wilson marketing and reasoning script. I don't necessarily fault them for this, but just beware it is hard to find a dealer (of any brand) who will tell you that you are better off going out and buying used equipment of a prior generation vs. the current model of the same brand - which they carry.

Custodian - I feel for you and the poor support in the EU. Here in the States my experience with both my local dealer and Wilson directly has been terrific. It surprises me they don't have better support over there. Have you heard anything about support in Asia? I think they do well in Asia in terms of sales?

Raquel, there is (can be) the midbass hump. I think this contributes to the difficulty in setting them up. Is the tweeter perfect? No, and if one isn't careful in all regards the speakers can sound overly bright. But along with this, I think its important to recognize the things the tweeter does do so well.

The Wilson sound is a specific sound for specific tastes and not everybody will or should like them. But I have learned long ago that a product that measures perfectly doesn't always sound good and one that doesn't measure perfectly - doesn't necessarily sound bad.

I find the Wilson sound to be energetic, activating, exciting. I have owned SET systems and other systems without Wilson speakers, some very good, some great sounding. But there is just something about the Wilson sound that in the end, I keep coming back to. While not for everybody or what a lot of people are seeking, but for me and others like me (ie. my tastes and goals), the Wilson sound is exciting, energizing, etc. . . I never get bored with their sound and find myself more engaged with Wilsons in my system that others.

Poorly set-up, they can sound bad - to me that is there biggest weakness. Few other speakers that I have owned respond so strongly to miniscule changes in placement and positioning. But once in place they are wonderful IMO.

I had a pair of Duettes for a while, I like their external cross overs and the ease in changing the resistors to taylor the sound. It would be nice if the W/P had the resistors so accessible for the same purposes.

Bjbcab - With the better dealers you are absolutely correct about assistance in set-up. Though I know there are some dealers that don't do nearly as good of a job. If you talk to most dealers (assuming decent proximity), they are willing to perform this service for a fee. Just something to keep in mind.

Do the W8s still sell from the dealers? If you find a dealer that still has some, maybe you could get a good deal from them.