Wilson Sophia 2's on Marantz Reference

I liked the Sophias initially when I heard them, but after hearing the MAXX 3, I have to say you really need at least the WATT/Puppy 8 to really be able to justify that kind of price for Wilsons. The Sophias are disappointing in comparison, lacking that devastating slam and attack that Wilsons are famous for.

For that budget, you're much better off with B&W 802Ds, a superior speaker for less the cost. Wider soundstage, pinpoint precise imaging, voluptuous bass, incredible mid-range, sugary sweet highs, and a beautiful cabinet to boot. The Sophias have a more narrow, focused soundstage, if that's what you want, but unconvincing upper mid-range and treble performance. Not a bad speaker, but not as good as the 802Ds.

Dylanhenry,

I have to disagree about the Sophias. Not because I own them, but because I have had a chance for a head to head comparision with the B&W800D (so a much more upmarket model than 802D) BEFORE I got the Sophias.

IMO, Sophias are much more transparent, much less coloured in the midrange and upper bass. In fact, I was very much surprised how much better they sounded.

And BTW - I would be very careful with the sugestion to get System 8 instead of Sophia II. The speakers sound quite different to each other (8s are more forward) so unless you are after a bass slam and max output, they not necesarly are a "better" speaker. To mz ears Sophia II is much more coherent sounding.

Just mz 2 cents.

Your on crazy if you think the 802D is better than the Sophia II or even the I. A store in Ann Arbor MI has both pair side by side and it's a joke to think the B&W sound better. The Wilson is better in every single way.

Yes the Sophia would be great on the Marantz Reference gear.