Wilson Audio- The rest of the story


The rest of the story:
06-05-10 I posted my Wilson Sophia II right speaker had developed a razor thin crack in the cabinet between the top and bottom portion of the speaker. There was much debate within myself as to what course to take. My first option was to return the Sophia II’s and have the cabinets rebuilt with the same drivers. My second option was to return the Sophia II’s and pay additional money for the new Sophia III’s. I decided to return the Sophia II’s and I am now the proud owner of Sophia III’s.
Although originally disappointed with the development of the razor thin crack in the Sophia II, this experience has reinforced why I believe in Wilson Audio. My dealer and Wilson Audio have been above reproach during this whole ordeal. Wilson Audio arranged for the Sophia II’s to be picked-up and returned free of charge. The Sophia III’s were shipped 1 day early. There has been much debate over the cost of Wilson Speakers relative to their performance. I am not rich and it has taken me over 20 years as a music lover to get to this point. Lots of selling, trading, and saving to own Sophia III’s. I love the Wilson sound: the clarity, the pinpoint/life like imaging, and no other speaker I know of has the Wilson dynamics. With proper matching of equipment, the Sophia’s are simply magic to my ears (and my wife). The great news for me is the service matches the quality of the sound. I realize from my own experience and submit that we purchase high-end products for several reasons: sound quality, pride of ownership, expectation of outstanding customer service. Wilson Audio and my dealer has exceeded my expectations of what high-end should be! I’ve only had them for a couple of days, but here are my initials impressions.
Bass- tighter and significantly more impact
Mids- slight haze has been removed
Tweeter- too soon to tell
Overall I can’t see any current Sophia II owner not being extremely satisfied if they upgrade to the Sophia III’s. More to come as they break-in!
My system: Densen B-350 mono-amps, Densen B-250 preamp, Rega Apollo CD player, Kimber Hero interconnect, Clear Day double shotgun speaker cable.
ricred1
Since you are so pleased with your dealer's service, you would probably do them a favor by mentioning their name.
as much as i am blown away by the build quality of wilson speakers and the prestige of owning them, i have always found other speakers that far exceed them in musical presentation. so much so that it is unlikely i will EVER end up with a pair of wilsons, and with real disappointment deny myself the pleasure of admiring the glass-like cabinet finishes and colors. for example, how about a pair in ferrari-blue? talk about a gorgeous color scheme... OTOH,
the first time i heard a pair of Sonus Faber Extremas- well, i still have not picked my jaw up from the floor. and what about Maggies? Eggleston Andra's? Von Schweikert's- starting with the first pair ever made? add Focal Lab Mezzo Utopia's- VERY nice sounding speakers.
but maybe someday i WILL end up with the Sasha's or their sequel's, you never know. then i will get to admire them every day, and of course tell everyone that i have "you know", the best of the best...
Roxy, I second that!

I assume Wilson was reasonable on the upgrade price to the III...?
French_fries,

There are in deed many fine speakers out there and it comes to personal taste. I never say I own the best of the best, I prefer a more humble approach. I do believe it's important to recognize when a Company goes above and beyond of ones' expectations!