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Wilson Sophia

I have been looking at stepping up from my B&W 704s and heard the 802Ds, the Naut 802s and the Wilson Sophias. I was all set to spend the 4500 on a pair of used 802s but then I heard the Wilsons. All I can say is that the Wilsons absolutely spoke to me. My problem is that this is a huge investment for me and I think that I must be crazy to even be thinking about this purchase. Even more so, because I live in an apartment building and cannot "crank up" my system to massive volume levels.

My question is-am I going to be able to truly appreciate these speakers with my McIntosh MA 6500 integrated and my Lector CD player? There is not going to be any money in my budget to even consider other changes for a long time. Wilson's were set up with mid level Naim gear.

Are there any risks with buying the units off the floor if I can get a deal?

As always thanks for your input.

John
jhorton19
jimmysny's avatar
jimmysny
4 posts
 
I emailed Wilson Audio to ask about the upgrade - specifically , if it could be done "in the field" or if the speakers needed to return to Wilson.

Here is the response from them "The Sophia upgrade needs to be performed at Wilson Audio. Let me have the serial #'s and I will check the age of your speakers and inform the upgrade price.

All upgrades are to be performed through a Wilson Audio dealer. I would be happy to direct you to the closest dealer in your area. "

I was really hoping the local dealer could install the upgrade in my listening room, and have me avoid all of the hassle of packing and shipping these extremely heavy speakers. I am much less inclined to do the upgrade if I have to ship the speakers to Utah.

Too bad - I was already softening my wife up!

Jim
jimmysny's avatar
jimmysny
4 posts
 
I sent Wilson my Sophia serial numbers, and they quoted me $4000 plus shipping and handling of $500 - $600 from Chicago.

(I don't know where they got the idea I live in Chicago - I live in Boston!)

Sadly, I'll have to look elsewhere for my Christmas present.

Jim
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
My series 2's will be here this Sunday.Of course that means breaking them in for a couple of months.
dgad
782 posts
 
Avguygeorge,

How are the initial impressions?
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Well the 2's got here. They have damage. It appears(or looks like) a skill saw cut to the crate. Dead straight, vertical, 3 or 4 inches long and 1/4 ,wide.(i.e.,a slot,like a ballot box) This cut left splinters on the inner side. A splinter nicked the finish--down to the white,under the piano black. Although this nick is only an inch long it is enough to depress one. Without the crate one might never figure how this happened.
Sound wise, new speakers always suck;I expected that part;not the other part.
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