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how 'bout Wilson Sophias with Simaudio P-5/W-5 ??

In my quest for a 2 channel audio system, I am quickly becoming confused and overwhelmed. Problem is that I only have one high-end dealer in town, so a lot of my listening is limited to trips away from home, making "A/B" comparisons difficult.

Perhaps, I made the mistake of focusing first on electronics and I repeatedly listened to the Simaudio P-5/W-5/Eclipse CDP usually with JMlab Speakers (936's and Alto Be's). Although, I seemed to be very happy with the Simaudio, I felt that perhaps the Alto Be, although beautiful, was too polite and tame for the kind of rock, alternative rock that I listen to (Radiohead, U2, Strokes, White Stripes, REM, Ryan Adams, Beck, Coldplay, MUSE, etc. etc.) So, I have listened to many other speakers on recent trips (full line of Verity Audio, Meadowlark, Joseph Audio, Wilson Sophia and WP7). I really would prefer to stay at or below 12K for the speakers. (I am still hoping to listen to Dynaudio Confidence C2 and Contour S5.4.) Of all of the speakers I auditioned, I quickly realized how great the WIlson Sophias are for dynamic bass, reproducing drum kits. Moreover, their precise focus, imaging and soundstage were unbelievable. Putting on some dynamic rock pieces, I realized how more emotional the Sophia was compared to some of the other speakers. Yet, I am not sure how well they will mate with the Simaudio equipment. Now, I haven't purchased anything yet, and I am not married to Simaudio. Yet, I really wanted to avoid the maintenance of tubes etc. For reference, I listened to the Sophias with Theta electronics (Dreadnaught, Casablanca, and Compli). I was struck how forward the midrange was compared to JMlab Altos listened to before. Yet, I wondered whether the system could become fatiguing. On the other hand, I have no idea how the Simaudio W-5/P-5 would compare with the Theta. I hope to get to an audio store that carries both, so that I can do extended listening with the Sophia and Simaudio. (will require yet another trip)

In the meantime, can anyone comment on pairing the Sophias with Simaudio electronics ? Otherwise, given that I would like to avoid tubes (if possible) can anyone comment on other solid state electronics that would ideally mate with Sophia. For reference the room is 23 by 13 with 9 foot ceilings. I also like to listen to my music at loud volume.
thom_y
raquel
841 posts
 
Dear Thom-y:

I am afraid that I do not own Sofias, nor have more than thirty minutes of personal experience with them, nor do I have personal experience with any Sim Audio equipment, so I do not know how helpful, if at all, my comments will be. I also don't know if you have a preference for new or used equipment (I have ideas about "used").

First, solid-state electronics that are generally known to be musical and non-fatiguing ...

Used Amps: of the well-known and available brands, the ones that come to mind are Rowland, Classe and Naim. The Rowland 6 monos, 8 stereo, and 9 monos sound quite close to a top-shelf tube amp (if there is any line of high-end solid-state electronics that is known as "the brand that sounds like tubes", it is Rowland). The Classe CAM and Omega series amps are also known to be voiced toward the warm and musical. As for how the Rowland or Classe they would work with Sofias, I would guess great, but you just never know with this stuff until you try. The Naim stuff is a bit idiosyncratic, but one Stereophile reviewer said that the modest 30 watt/channel Naim integrated sounds great with the Sofias. The Sofias are easy to drive, so you have a lot of amp options.

Used Preamps: Rowland again. The Synergy IIi is a really fine preamp (still in production, too).

I do not believe that you should foreclose the option of tube gear, as good tube gear is quite reliable, and in my opinion, usually more musical sounding.

I am sure other Audiogon members will give you additional ideas.

Good luck.
john_l
782 posts
 
I have not heard the combination but I have heard the Sim equipment with Dynaudio's, Spendors and Quad speakers. The electronics have a very sweet, airy quality. I would guess that they will be a fine match for Wilsons.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I can only commnet on the Moon W-5. A very nice solid state amp in it's own right. Fast, powerful enough, even a bit sweet when compared to some other solid state amps. A real eye opening experience when comparing the W-5 to some other amps.

However, there is something not right with the bass region even though it provides the listener with a sense that it has more than enough power.

With my 10T's the W-5 just sounded like it was compressing and congesting at even lower listening levels. Increased levels even worse.

I sold the W-5 thinking it just didn't mate well with my speakers' power requirements.

It wasn't until some time later that I realized it was the W-5 that was causing the problem.

There is a review by Peter Moncrief of Intern'l Audio Review on the SimAudio.com website. There, Peter Moncrief reviews both the P5 and W-5 and says very good things about both components.

But then he describes the same deficiencies in the bass that I experienced and he explains why he believes it is so.

Other then that flaw, I thinks it's an excellent amplifier and one could do far worse than a W-5.

-IMO
jazzdude
332 posts
 
Stehno - I have the W5 driven by a tube preamp and the bass rocks. It is tight, articulate, and absolutely slams. I don't know what was the cause of your problems with the W5's bass except that it isn't universal. In fact you and Peter Moncrief are the only two people I know of who have commented negatively on this aspect of the W5's performance. It does take the W5 a long time to stabilize after powering on. Several days in fact and until the amp settles in the bass is a little woolly and weak, esp so for the first half day after power on.
thom_y OP
195 posts
 
Jazz dude,

Which tube preamp are you using with the W-5 ?? What speakers ?
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