Proac D38, Wilson Sophia II, Avalon Ascendant???

Thanks Amfibius and Zeeshanb for your thoughts. It is really strange... you talk to fans of ProAc and they have negative things to say about Wilson. I however tend to agree with Elberoth2 that the Sophia II is a very different Wilson sound. I wish I could compare D38 and Sophia II directly but it seems that that will be very complicated to arrange. Just not sure what to do???

Chetiar it might be because Proac and Wilson sound is quite different :) I have not heard the Sophias, but I have heard a couple of Wilson W/P's. The bass hits you like a fist in the chest, with clean, natural and extended midrange and highs. Proac sound is different, with a more prominent and warmer midrange, and more subtle bass. Suits different types of music and different listeners.

Amfibius - I agree with you that W/Ps sound VERY different to ProAcs. However, Sophia II is a different story.

I personally love ProAcs, Avalons and yet ... I was so impressed with the Sophias II, that I bought a pair. I never though that it could happen !

To me, they do everything ProAcs can do, but are much less coloured, more transparent and offer superior articulation. I atribute ths to their advanced enclosures, which are very inert. Listening to ProAcs, I always hear the contribution of MDF box.

Thanks for everyone's help. I think I've decided to go with ProAc D38. I like the Wilson Sophia II and agree with Elberoth2 on many of his points. I currently own D15 and can only assume that moving up the ProAc line gaurantee's improvement for me. Switching to Wilson is still a risk and at $5K more I want a sure thing!

Chetiar,

I am probably too late here but wanted to offer you the opinion of someone who has owned speakers from each manufacturer mentioned (ProAc and Wilson Audio). In our primary listening suite, I previously used ProAc Signature 50 Monitors (and still own these...will never sell) and ProAc D15 loudspeakers. A couple of years ago, I compared the D38s to the Wilson Audio Sophia Series II loudspeakers, and the Wilsons were my preference. I immediately purchased the Wilsons and sold the D15s. The ProAc monitor will be used in a secondary system.

Food for thought from someone who has been there, done that. :-) The Wilsons are likely to be the last speakers we ever purchase. They are outstanding.

Best of luck in your quest.