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KEF Reference 1s or Wilson Sophias

I’m using KEF Reference 1s driven by an Ayre XV-5 Twenty amp and augmented by a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s with bass management. The sound is excellent. I have a fond memory of the sound with Wilson Sophias, but a memory 20 years old. Has anyone had an opportunity to compare the sound with these two speakers within a closer time frame? If so, what are your thoughts?

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erik_squires
16,021 posts
 

The latest incarnation of Wilson's is much more neutral than you'll remember. I haven't heard KEF speakers since they were making the robot turret type speakers.

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dbphd OP
1,628 posts
 

Erik, I think my itch is over.  A 20 year old sonic memory is not a basis for making a $6K decision, and that seems to be the going price of Sophias.  In truth, the Reference 1s, augmented by the HGS-15s, are superb.  The subs integrate seamlessly using the acoustic room correction, and provide a very satisfying experience with large orchestrations.  Somehow the combination yields a wall of sound with detailed imaging within it.  Resurrecting a 20 year old memory often results in disappointment.

jc4659
547 posts
 

I am familiar with the Ref 1s and used to own the VX-5 twenty.  I can only imagine how beautiful these sound together!

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