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WP7 to 8? Worth the move?

I have loved my WattPuppy7's since 2003, more now than ever. Years have rolled by and now 2 models later I am considering a move to the 8. It's not possible for me to hear them around here so I am trying to get some input on how much of an impact this would have. I could wait a few years for some Sasha's to hit the used market but mine will be worth less so I'm also looking at financial considerations. Dollar wise, a move from 7 to 8 seems logical in the current market which also could help a future step to Sasha but sonically would this be worth it? I have also heard comments that the 7 is, overall, a better!?I know many of you have compared and moved from 7 to 8 and even to Sash so I'm hoping you can help me gain a little clarity here.
richard_stacy
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
thanks rlawry...i strongly preferred the 7 over the sophia and the sophia2 which is a bit of my hesitation. i do not find the treble aggressive at all in the 7 and would not care to hear it softened. i have read many comments similar to yours that report the treble to be softer in the 8 hence some of my concern. maxx2's are out of my range and i would probably go sasha if i was stepping up that high. my room is pretty small. thanks for the input!
keithr
1,306 posts
 
i will disagree with the others---the 8 is evolutionary, not revolutionary. it was really made because of the EU lead issues from what i have read. soundwise, a little less tipped up in the treble and a little better integration of drivers. but not worth the premium you will pay in the used market i feel.

having heard the 7,8, and Sasha---Sasha is your true upgrade. or even better Maxxs.

fwiw- both the 7 and 8 have tipped up treble in Sphile's measurements. its due to the breakup pattern of the Focal tweeter he uses.
samuel
266 posts
 

My comments were not about whether the change was worth whatever cost there might be, I assume that is up to the individual and his budget. Nor did I intend to infer there was anything "revolutionary" going on, just some nice refinements that made the WP 8 a lot more even sounding and listenable--to me

Based on my familiarity with the 7's and a lot of listening with the 8's the differences struck me as rather obvious. The 8's seemed more refined in the upper octaves, more even in the bass and more coherent--which are important aspects of performance in my listening.

Of course, the Sashas are yet another step up, coming extremely close to what I value most about the MAXX 3's--improved scale, great overtone structure and still more coherence and refinement through the top octave. Maybe my hearing is not all it should be at 47, but I don't hear_any_ treble non-linearities in my set up. Everything seems in its place.

Best,

Grant
richard_stacy OP
686 posts
 
i really put zero merit in stereophile measurements as i am only concerned with how they sound. i am 47 too so i must be suffering from the same hearing ailment grant has, not hearing the "tipped up" treble. many thanks for all the comments so far. it's a big decision for me as i have lived with these speakers longer than any piece of gear.
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