B&W Nautilus 802D, Wilson Sophia 2, or others?

Rockport Technologies Mira, once you hear it, your entire perspective on "high-end" audio may change.

Two different comments about boomy bass on the 802D make me wonder if the Rohacell drivers are at fault.

Considering the drivers are used on all the models in differnt sizes that's not the issue. The 804S and 803D I've owned have no boomy bass issues. It's more of an 802D specific "issue".

It is interesting how different perceptions can be. I have heard the Sophia 2 and the Watt Puppy 7 on several occasions, the last driven by EAR tube gear. I also have heard the 802D driven by McIntosh SS monos. Different rooms, different gear, and different sounds. To me, I was quite surprised at how boomy the bass on the Sophia 2 was playing Holly Cole. The dealer blamed the recording. I blamed the space and the gear (with a different amp this was mostly but not fully cured). The room was quite small and the wall boundaries were too near also. Not a good way to sell Sophias. On the Puppy 7 or on the B&W 802D, there was no boom. This Sophia experience, from a Wilson dealer, was enough to put me off them even though I suspect they would work much better in my room. I'll never know. I found the Puppy 7's to be much better and would really prefer those over any new Sophia --but again, the rooms were not identical. All this is to say that you just have to hear for yourself, and ideally in your space. Speakers sound different to different people with different gear and different spaces. For the record, I thought the 802D was closer sounding to the Eggleston Andra 2 which is a great speaker, and offered better music to my ears than the Sophia, and perhaps even the Watt Puppy 7 (though the latter were certainly impressive too but the Wilson sound is a little hard on my ears, that's all I can say, it's a personal thing). I think B&W don't have the same image or cache as the Wilsons (company too big, sold at chainstores etc) but I believe the economy of scale they operate under with their huge market means they offer great value for money (think who's paying for all those wilson adverts and the lexus-level of service). I think the reviews of the 802D generally in the audio press called it right, it's a really good speaker, superb on classical and acoustic. It was not boomy on rock for me (I actuallly found it bright), but it sure does have real bass that will require placement to be addressed. And I am not a bass fan! As others have noted, your own gear is pretty good and you should never underestimate the potential of tweaks, set-up and positioning. A system has many variables at work and the room is primary.

Best of luck

As others have noted, your own gear is pretty good and you should never underestimate the potential of tweaks, set-up and positioning. A system has many variables at work and the room is primary.

Best of luck
Oscar44 (Answers)

Thanks, that is the path I've decided to take first. I decided to upgrade the a/c power supply. I already had a Nordost Thor and a couple of Brahma cords mixed with several other brands and stock cords. I now have every component connected with a Brahma cord except the CD transport which has a captive cord. I'm starting on the third week with the coherent loom and I like what I'm hearing so far. The bass is better defined and controlled without losing all the tube sound. The whole system sounds more linear as the volume is increased/decreased. I already have substantial room treatment. At some point, I will have an audition with the Sophias but for the moment the upgrade itch has been quelled.

Wonder if folks looked at price,figured out total outlay and considered the 803D's.When I sold B&W's when they had Mtrix thought most bang for buck was 802 Matrix III.But with the Nautilus series it was the 803N.80's (like older 803's) just to small a stage and constrained.Now 803D offers a superb tweeter and with second 7" driver go as low as older 802N's/Wilson makes a fine product but as was mentioned somebody (us) are paying for fit/finish and service.I thought as good as they are they were too much for the asking.But B&W and a few other like Revel have either a broad line (B&W) OR a company like Revels parent Harmon) that can bring a product o market that few smaller companies can afford.If bit bass shy a REL or Velodyne DD turned way low for truly SUB work could make it the equal or better than the Wilsons.Don't get me wrong I like the Sophia's and if a used pair came up at right price I would dive.But the 900 lbs.Gorilla (B&W) sells not just based on prior sales but they deliver at fair price point.Savvy marketing can only bring you so far and a t these price points fewer people walk in and say what's best I can get at "X".There are exceptions to rule like when folks buy McIntosh for looks or because they remember the name when the rich kid down the hall had Mac or marantz their into they check around and still they sell.
Chazz