I've owned the Thiel 3.7 for 10 months. Before buying it I auditioned the original Sophia.
I've never heard the Sophia II, but the technical descriptions I've read of the changes seem pretty minor. They're still using the same Focal inverted dome tweeter, but with some new modifications to reduce its distortion somewhat.
I disliked the Sophia because of its whitish, grainy treble.
Also, the Thiel 3.7 is far more dynamic than any speaker I've heard. This dynamism has bowled over everyone who's visited me. It makes all music, soft and loud, more engaging and closer to the dynamics of a live concert.
Thiel claims the 3.7, unlike all prior Thiel models, has a benign impedance characteristic that is easy to drive.
I've never noticed any lack of bass power, even on classical "power" music like Mahler or the Verdi Requiem. The bass is exceptionally clear, tight and free of resonances, probably due to the cabinet design.
My review of the 3.7, including my other equipment, is here:
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=speakers&n=259489&review=1
I've never heard the Sophia II, but the technical descriptions I've read of the changes seem pretty minor. They're still using the same Focal inverted dome tweeter, but with some new modifications to reduce its distortion somewhat.
I disliked the Sophia because of its whitish, grainy treble.
Also, the Thiel 3.7 is far more dynamic than any speaker I've heard. This dynamism has bowled over everyone who's visited me. It makes all music, soft and loud, more engaging and closer to the dynamics of a live concert.
Thiel claims the 3.7, unlike all prior Thiel models, has a benign impedance characteristic that is easy to drive.
I've never noticed any lack of bass power, even on classical "power" music like Mahler or the Verdi Requiem. The bass is exceptionally clear, tight and free of resonances, probably due to the cabinet design.
My review of the 3.7, including my other equipment, is here:
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=speakers&n=259489&review=1