Avalon Opus Ceramique vs Wilson Audio Sophia II

Opus ceramique (used to own) has limited bass unless they are placed close to the front wall. IMHO, they are more refined in midrange and treble comparing to Sophia. For rock & metallica, I would pick the Sophia 2 due to better bass and dynamic freedom

The Opus Ceramiques take a long time to break in, though once they do are capable of great transparency. Depending on budget, go for the Indra or Ascendents. They both have similar bass extension, but the Indras ups the ante in the midrange and treble. Wilsons aren't as refined and should only be used for hand to hand combat (and booty shaking)

Prefer sonic character of Avalon's with great tube amp(s). Love the midrange and the way it presents cymbals and percussion as live like and real.

Post your question to "The European Perspective" to get a better response to your question.

the two things that most high end speakers tend to struggle with...even the ones with the biggest price tags....are big rock and big orchestra. especially those recordings that are less than optimum. avalons do this as well as any, or better than most 'big boxes'. i mean this as a compliment....they are a more refined, more balanced 'hales' style loudspeaker.....an evergreen, and a keeper.....they also match well with a very wide variety of good components...another trait of a well thought out product.

Thanks Jaybo.

What do you think about Avalon's abilities to play rock/metal music?

both are 'midrange' focused/forward and have lots of detail. the ascendent may have the more traditional avalon balance. in any case, the avalon.